Water taxis arrive in Bradenton. Here’s when service to Anna Maria Island is expected

James A. Jones Jr.
·2 min read

Two 50-foot catamarans have arrived in Cortez for the long-awaited water taxi service between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

The water taxi service is expected to launch this summer.

“This has been a long time in the making for Manatee County,” Elliott Falcione, executive director of The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a press release.

Initially, the ferry service would start at the day dock along the Bradenton Riverwalk with stops at the Anna Maria Island Pier, the Bradenton Beach Pier and one of the boat ramps near Coquina Beach.

Fares would be $8 for one-way trips or $10 for an all-day pass, the Bradenton Herald previously reported.

Special pricing would be available for children and seniors. The two catamarans, Miss Anna Maria and the Downtown Duchess, have a 49-passenger capacity and a crew of two.

A water taxi service between Manatee County’s mainland and island cities has long been discussed as an alternative to overcrowded causeways and roads and limited parking.

Two 50-foot catamarans have arrived for the long-awaited water taxi service to beaches in Manatee County Florida Gulf Coast.
Two 50-foot catamarans have arrived for the long-awaited water taxi service to beaches in Manatee County Florida Gulf Coast.

“We anticipate families parking in downtown Bradenton, hopping on the ferry at the downtown port located just off the riverwalk near Green Bridge and enjoying a beautiful boat ride out to the island,” Falcione said.

“At the same time, visitors staying on the island can enjoy a leisure boat ride to downtown Bradenton to enjoy our amazing restaurants and attractions located on the mainland,” he said.

The Coast Guard trials are anticipated over the next four to six weeks, at which time final run times and ports will be determined.

“This is just the start of providing multi-modal transportation to our residents and visitors,” Falcione said. “We look forward to continuing to provide easy, accessible travel opportunities throughout Manatee County.”

In November, Manatee County officials approved $950,000 of tourist bed-tax money for the water taxi.

Gulf Islands Water Taxi the operator of the Gulf Islands Ferry service, is based in Clearwater. Their current water ferry service, Clearwater Ferry, runs between Clearwater and Dunedin with stops at downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach Marina and Dunedin Marina.

For more information, visit www.bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry.

Two 50-foot catamarans have arrived for the long-awaited water taxi service to beaches in Manatee County Florida Gulf Coast.
Two 50-foot catamarans have arrived for the long-awaited water taxi service to beaches in Manatee County Florida Gulf Coast.
Two 50-foot catamarans have arrived for the long-awaited water taxi service to beaches in Manatee County Florida Gulf Coast.
Two 50-foot catamarans have arrived for the long-awaited water taxi service to beaches in Manatee County Florida Gulf Coast.
Two 50-foot catamarans have arrived for the long-awaited water taxi service to beaches in Manatee County Florida Gulf Coast.
Two 50-foot catamarans have arrived for the long-awaited water taxi service to beaches in Manatee County Florida Gulf Coast.