The Gulf Islands Ferry service, an effort-less boat ride between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, is back on schedule.
“Our barrier island communities are rebounding at a rapid pace, so resuming ferry services to provide easy transportation to the island, was a no brainer,” said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau.
Due to impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton to the Anna Maria City Pier — the walkway was demolished — the ferry will run between the day dock in downtown Bradenton and the Historic Bridge Street Pier.
There are plans to engage a new dock on the west side of the Anna Maria City Pier at some point in mid-December 2024.
Service now runs Thursday through Sunday with boats departing the Riverwalk Pier beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continue on the hour until 6:30 p.m. At the Bradenton Beach pier, service starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 9 p.m., with boats leaving on the hour. For more information, visit gulfislandsferry.com or the Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau website.
About the Gulf Islands Ferry:
Launched in January 2024, the ferry service connects downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island.
Service Thursdays through Sundays starts at 7:30 a.m. in at Riverwalk Park in downtown Bradenton, with the last boat leaving Anna Maria Island from the Historic Bridge Street Pier at 9 p.m. for Bradenton.
Potential ferry riders can call customer service, 941-357-2587, or text 727-200-6487.
Visit gulfislandsferry.com for daily updates.