Gulf Islands Ferry Enhances Summer Schedule
Service extended to accommodate strong ridership numbers
The Gulf Islands Ferry, the Bradenton Area’s popular alternative mode of travel between downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island, is bringing back Wednesday service to its weekly schedule. Passengers can now ride the Gulf Islands Ferry five days per week beginning June 18, 2025.
The two 50-foot catamarans ride the waterways between the downtown Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier on Anna Maria Island.
“As Manatee County continues to welcome visitors this Summer, the Gulf Islands Ferry is easing the traffic on our roadways,” said Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique.
In addition to providing easy transport to the island, the service is an extended commitment to working to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the area for future generations by eliminating carbon emission from car travel to the island. Featuring energy-efficient design elements, the vessels further support the Bradenton Area’s Love It Like a Local initiative and Leave No Trace commitment.
Weather permitting, the boats will depart from the Riverwalk Pier beginning at 7:30 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. to the Historic Bridge Street Pier, on Anna Maria Island with service starting at 9 a.m. through 9 p.m.
For more information and the full schedule, visit www.gulfislandsferry.com or the Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau website.
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ABOUT THE GULF ISLANDS FERRY
Launched in January 2024, the Gulf Islands Ferry connects downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island. This public transportation service, supported by the tourist development tax, was launched in an effort to cut down on high traffic and car use attempting to access Anna Maria Island during peak travel seasons. This year-round service offers a convenient and affordable 45-minute ride to the island all while taking in abundant marine wildlife and the amazing local views of the Bradenton Area from the Manatee River and intercoastal waterways.
The ferry routes are operated by two ADA-accessible catamarans and a soon to come third boat, the Manatee Belle, which will be fully enclosed and offer a faster service out to the island. Up-to-date run times and scheduling can be found at www.gulfislandsferry.com, or riders can call customer service at 727-200-6487.
For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.