Beachgoers will soon have another way to reach Coquina Beach without battling Anna Maria Island traffic or searching for a parking space.
The Gulf Islands Ferry is adding a new stop at the Coquina Beach boat ramp beginning Sept. 2, expanding Manatee County’s water-based transportation network. The new route will connect Coquina Beach with the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
The Coquina Beach service will operate Wednesday through Sunday. Ferries will depart Bridge Street for Coquina Beach at 11 a.m., noon, 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Return trips from Coquina Beach will leave at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Passengers will be able to purchase tickets through the Gulf Islands Ferry website. Tickets may also be purchased while boarding, although advance reservations are recommended during busy periods.
The expansion comes several months after Manatee County added the Manatee Belle to the ferry fleet. The 91-passenger vessel entered service in April and features an enclosed, climate-controlled cabin. Its larger capacity was intended to accommodate increasing ridership and allow the ferry system to operate more reliably under a wider range of weather conditions.
The Manatee Belle joined the Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess, two smaller catamaran-style vessels that have been part of the Gulf Islands Ferry service since its launch in 2024.
The ferry system provides residents and visitors with an alternative to driving to Anna Maria Island, where congestion and limited parking can become significant issues during weekends, holidays and peak tourism periods.
More than 55,000 passengers used the Gulf Islands Ferry in 2025. Manatee County estimated the service helped remove nearly 23,000 vehicle trips from area roads.
The county has continued exploring opportunities to expand ferry transportation as ridership increases, with the Coquina Beach stop providing direct access to one of Manatee County’s busiest public beaches.
The Gulf Islands Ferry operates year-round Wednesday through Sunday, weather permitting. Departure times vary depending on the location and operating conditions, and passengers are encouraged to check the current schedule before traveling.
Current fares are $7 for an adult one-way trip and $11 round trip, with discounted fares available for eligible passengers.
The ferry service is funded through Manatee County’s tourist development tax and is intended to provide transportation for both residents and visitors while reducing the number of vehicles traveling to and around Anna Maria Island.