Gulf Islands Ferry Adds 3rd Boat To Expand Service Between Bradenton, Anna Maria Island

BRADENTON, FL — Gulf Islands Ferry, now in its third year of operation, has expanded its service between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island by adding a third boat, the Manatee Belle, to its fleet, Manatee County officials said in a news release.

The new vessel has 91 seats and an enclosed, climate-controlled cabin design.

“The Manatee Belle is the logical next step for the Gulf Islands Ferry, a larger vessel with indoor seating able to handle more adverse weather conditions,” Tal Siddique, chair of the Board of County Commissioners, said. “The addition of this boat provides ease to both our residents and visitors that continues to enhance multi-modal transportation in our community.”

Funded by the tourist development tax, the Gulf Islands Ferry connects downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island via the Manatee River and intercoastal waterways.ervice'

The ferry service's other two boats are named Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess.

More than 55,000 passengers used the ferry service in 2025, helping decrease vehicle traffic by nearly 23,000 cars, the news release said.

Weather permitting, the Gulf Islands Ferry service has boats departing 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, service starts at 9 a.m. and runs through 9 p.m. Find a full schedule and tickets online here.

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