Manatee Belle Arrives, Set to Launch Expanded Gulf Islands Ferry Service in January
The new, larger and partially enclosed Gulf Islands Ferry vessel, the Manatee Belle, has arrived and is expected to begin service in January, marking a significant expansion of Manatee County’s water-based public transit options.
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione announced the arrival during ferry update presentations to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council on Dec. 15 and to the Holmes Beach mayor and commissioners on Dec. 16.
County officials are also exploring the potential purchase of one or more boat slips at Waterline Marina in Holmes Beach. Ahead of the commission presentation, Holmes Beach City Attorney Erica Augello advised elected officials not to address the matter directly, as ongoing pre-application discussions could come before the city for review. The mayor, commissioners and Falcione adhered to that guidance.
A contracted third party operates the Gulf Islands Ferry. It is part of the county’s public transit system, which also includes the free countywide MCAT bus service and the Free Island Trolley operating on Anna Maria Island.
During his presentation, Falcione shared images of the Manatee Belle and said the vessel is likely to enter service in January. The $3 million purchase was fully funded by the county’s 6% tourist development tax collected from motel, resort and vacation rental stays throughout Manatee County.
The Manatee Belle can carry approximately 96 passengers and features an enclosed interior seating area with air conditioning and heat, along with open-air seating at the stern. The 100,000-pound vessel represents a significant capacity upgrade from the smaller pontoon boats currently in service.
The ferry service launched initially at the Anna Maria City Pier in January 2024 but was suspended later that year after back-to-back hurricanes destroyed much of the pier walkway. Reconstruction is underway, and county officials anticipate installing a new ferry landing alongside the pier, which is expected to reopen fully in the fall of 2026.
Once the City Pier reopens, the Manatee Belle is expected to handle primary routes between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria. At the same time, two 30,000-pound pontoon boats with a 49-passenger capacity will operate as island hoppers between multiple stops on Anna Maria Island.
Falcione told Holmes Beach commissioners that the county plans to add a new ferry stop at the Coquina Boat Ramp near Coquina Beach at the south end of Bradenton Beach. Additional long-term plans include a ferry stop at the Palmetto Estuary in Palmetto, across from the Palmetto Marriott Resort and the county’s recently renovated convention center.
Reducing traffic congestion remains the ferry service’s primary goal. In its second year of operation, just under 50,000 passengers rode the ferries in 2025, an estimated reduction of about 22,000 vehicle trips on Manatee Avenue and Cortez Road.
Falcione noted that weather-related service suspensions decreased in 2025 and are expected to decline further once the Manatee Belle is fully operational. The new vessel will also support ongoing efforts to implement free ferry service for island employees who commute from the mainland.
Ferry schedules and ticket information are available at bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry.
