The Gulf Islands Ferry is adding a new stop this month at the Coquina Beach boat ramp in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, expanding Manatee County’s water-based transportation network.
The new route is the third stop in the system that now connects Coquina Beach to the Bridge Street Pier — also in Bradenton Beach — and to the Riverwalk stop in downtown Bradenton.
Passengers will have to cross Gulf Drive on foot to reach Coquina Beach on the Gulf of Mexico side of the island, as the boat ramp is on the bay side. On the beach are a concession stand, restrooms, picnic tables and lifeguard stations.
The ferry stop at the Anna Maria City Pier is temporarily closed while the pier undergoes reconstruction due to damage caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
A new ferry stop in Palmetto at the foot of the Green Bridge is being considered.
For information on rates and times, visit https://www.bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry/ .