FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What days and times do you operate?

Initially, the Gulf Islands Ferry will operate every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am – 9:30pm, year-round.

How much does it cost to ride the ferry?

One-way tickets are $6.00 Adults 18+, $4.00 Active Military, $4.00 Seniors 60+, free for Seniors 80+, $4.00 Youth (4-18), free for 3 and under.

Round-Trip tickets are $10.00 Adults 18+, $6.00 Active Military, $6.00 Seniors 60+, free for Seniors 80+, $6.00 Youth (4-18), free for 3 and under.

How do I purchase tickets?

To hop aboard, simply visit our website or download our app which is launching soon. From there, select a date and time that works best for your trip. Reserve those seats with a credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or other cashless options. Once your payment is securely completed, reservation passes will be delivered to your smartphone. You’ll need to input payment details for each ride reservation in the future. We never store credit card information. Riders are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance; however, tickets can be paid when boarding the watercraft if there is capacity available.

Where do the ferries go? How long is the trip?

There are three stops: Downtown Bradenton Riverwalk near the Green Bridge, Anna Maria Island Pier and Bridge Street Pier on Bradenton Beach.  The Trips going to or from Downtown Bradenton are about 50 minutes.  The trips going to and from Anna Maria Island and Bridge Street Pier are about 30 minutes.

Visit https://www.gulfcoastwatertaxi.com/schedule/ for more information.

Where do I park?

BRADENTON: Passengers catching the ferry in downtown Bradenton can park for free at the City Centre Parking Facility at 3rd Avenue West between 10th and 12th Streets. From there, it’s an easy five-minute walk along the Riverwalk to the Bradenton Waterfront where ferries dock. The address to the free parking lot is: 1000 3rd Ave W.  Bradenton, FL. The closest address to the Downtown Bradenton dock is 808 3rd Ave. West, Bradenton FL.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND:  There is limited parking on Anna Maria Island, but early birds will find spots along S. Bay Boulevard and at nearby Bayfront Park. We encourage passengers who want to take the ferry from the Island to Bradenton to hop aboard the free Anna Maria Trolley, which will deliver passengers to and from the island throughout the day. Once you’re on the mainland, just about all of our favorite downtown spots are within a few minutes’ walk of the pier. If you’re venturing out further than downtown, nearby public transportation is a low-cost option to take you throughout the destination.

BRIDGE STREET PIER: There is limited parking on Bradenton Beach, but early birds will find spots along S. Bay Boulevard and at nearby Bayfront Park. We encourage passengers to use the free, which will deliver passengers to the pier throughout the day.

Are the ferries ADA accessible?

Absolutely! The ferries were designed to ensure equal access and convenience for individuals with disabilities. The ferry has spacious, wheelchair accessible ramps, and designated seating areas that adhere to ADA standards. Additionally, the crew members are trained to provide assistance and support to passengers with disabilities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip for all.

Are pets allowed on the ferry?

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on Anna Maria or Bridge Street Pier. Our dog policy on the ferry is therefore only allowing pets for ADA/special needs purposes.

Are there restrooms on the boats?

No, there are no restrooms for public use on the vessels.

Can I bring my beach gear on board? What about bikes?

Towels, picnic baskets, beach chairs and coolers are all allowed so you can get from the mainland to the Island with no fuss!

U.S. Coast Guard regulations prevent bikes from being brought onboard our ferries.

Do you accommodate groups? What about private charters?

We can accommodate groups most of the time, if arrangements are made at least two weeks prior to the travel date. For more information, please email [email protected].

The Gulf Islands Ferry system is a public transportation option for area riders as an easy way to get to the islands and back.

Is there Wi-Fi on board?

Yes, the Gulf Islands Ferry offers complimentary Wi-Fi access on our vessels. Bandwidth is limited and there can be network dead spots along the ride. Remember to save work offline during your ferry ride.

How to contact us

Phone: 941-357-2587

Text: 727-200-6487

Email: [email protected]

What type of boats do you have?

We have 2 open air pontoon style vessels that hold a total of 49 passengers.  We do not have isinglass (plastic windows) on the vessels due to the sail-like control that it gives the captains when driving the boats. We recommend riders take weather and water conditions in mind and dress appropriately.  It is possible to get wet and in colder weather the water can feel colder than on land.

What do I do if my trip is canceled?

Our team will do their best to alert you just as soon as possible should a trip need to be cancelled.  We will contact you via the email and phone numbers you have left during your reservation process.  In addition, you can always check the top of our main website page at https://www.gulfcoastwatertaxi.com/ for the most current operational changes.  If no message is posted, you can assume regular expected operations.

You have the ability to refund, modify or reschedule your own reservation. Follow these simple steps by the confirmation text and/or email that you received when you made your reservation.

What are the drop off addresses for the stops?

The drop-off addresses are as follows but please note these are not addresses where you will necessarily find parking.

Downtown Bradenton: 808 3rd Ave. West, Bradenton FL  34205

Anna Maria Pier: 100 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Bridge Street Pier: 1-15 Laverne Dr, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Where is the Downtown Bradenton stop located?

The closest physical address to the Downtown Bradenton stop is 808 3rd Ave. West, Bradenton FL  34205. If you are walking down the Riverwalk the dock is between numbers 3 & 4. Note the name of the bridge that we are just west of is called Green Bridge but it’s not green. That is the name of the person it’s named after.

The weather looks fine where I am at, why are you not operating?

While the weather may look fine at your particular location we need to take into consideration the entire route map when making our decision to safely operate.  For example, while the Manatee River may seem calm, the landings at Anna Maria Pier or Bridge Street Pier may be unsafe due to high winds or swells.  There are many factors we consider when closing a landing or for the entire day.  Weather forecasts and water conditions are reviewed constantly to make sure we are only operating in ideal and safe conditions.  The number one priority is the safety of our guests and crew.

How do I reschedule, refund or modify my order?

Go to the text or email confirmation that you received when purchasing your ticket. Follow these three easy steps.

Notice for the stop at Anna Maria Island Pier:

Please be advised that sudden changes in water conditions may impact the ability to dock at Anna Maria Pier thus resulting in sudden changes in service to that stop.  For up-to-date information on routes and run times, please visit GulfIslandsFerry.com for the latest updates.

Riders are welcome to contact customer service at 941-357-2587 for further assistance in rescheduling and alternative arrangements.  Riders are welcome to board the free Island Trolley as well as MCAT bus services if intended routes and travel impacted via Gulf Islands Ferry Service.