BRADENTON BEACH, FL — Beachgoers have a new way to get to one of Anna Maria Island's most popular destinations without having to navigate heavy beach traffic or search for a parking space.
The Gulf Islands Ferry has added a third stop at the Coquina Beach boat ramp, expanding the county's water-based transportation system between the mainland and Anna Maria Island, according to a Wednesday social media post from the ferry service.
The new stop, which launches Sept. 2, gives passengers another option for reaching Coquina Beach by boat, with service connecting the beach to the Historic Bridge Street Pier.
Passengers can soon book tickets through GulfIslandsFerry.com, staff said.
The ferry will leave Bridge Street for Coquina Beach, Wednesday through Sunday, at 11 a.m., noon, 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., according to a new schedule that staff shared with Patch.
The return ferry will leave Coquina Beach for Bridge Street on these days at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The service expansion comes just months after Manatee County added a third vessel to the Gulf Islands Ferry fleet.
The Manatee Belle, a 91-passenger ferry with an enclosed, climate-controlled cabin, joined the fleet in April. The larger vessel was purchased to accommodate growing demand and provide more reliable service in a wider range of weather conditions.
The Manatee Belle joined the Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess, two smaller catamaran-style vessels that have operated the ferry service since it launched in 2024.
The ferry system is designed in part to provide an alternative to driving between the mainland and Anna Maria Island, where traffic congestion can be particularly heavy during busy beach days and tourist seasons.
More than 55,000 passengers rode the Gulf Islands Ferry in 2025. County officials estimated that the service helped keep nearly 23,000 cars off local roads.
The county has been looking at expanding the ferry system as ridership grows.
The Gulf Islands Ferry operates year-round from Wednesday through Sunday, weather permitting. The service currently lists departures beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continuing through the evening, although passengers should check the current schedule when planning a trip because departure times vary by location and service conditions.
Adult fares are currently $7 one way and $11 for a round trip, with reduced fares available for some passengers, according to the ferry's website.
Tickets can be purchased online or while boarding. The ferry recommends booking ahead during busy periods.
The ferry service is funded through Manatee County's tourist development tax, and is intended to serve both residents and visitors while providing an alternative to vehicle travel.
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