The highly anticipated Bradenton to AMI ferry and water taxi service is on the horizon, and it’s expected to kick off by the end of 2023. Whether you consider it a Thanksgiving surprise, a delightful Christmas present, or a fantastic New Year’s gift, this new mode of transportation promises to offer a unique and scenic way to travel between downtown Bradenton and multiple stops on Anna Maria Island.
Initially scheduled for a late summer launch, the Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess ferries encountered some minor delays. However, with dedicated efforts behind the scenes, significant progress is being made. Crafting of signs and modifications to ramps are underway to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It’s inspiring to witness the commitment and hard work of everyone involved in bringing this exciting transportation addition to life.
The Bradenton Anna Maria Island Ferry & Water Taxi
The ferry service is set to operate initially on Fridays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The ferry will have three initial destinations: downtown Bradenton, AMI City Pier right outside The Waterfront Restaurant, and the Bridge Street Pier. These stops have been strategically selected to offer passengers a convenient and picturesque journey.
But that’s not all – plans are in motion for a fourth stop at the Coquina South Boat Ramp, providing even greater accessibility to this convenient mode of transportation. Furthermore, preliminary discussions have taken place with officials from Longboat Key regarding potential ferry stops on the island, though specific details are yet to be finalized.
Now, let’s talk pricing. One-way tickets for adults are attractively priced at just $8, while seniors can avail themselves of a discounted rate at $6. Families traveling with children will find tickets for youngsters aged 3 to 11 priced at $5, and the youngest travelers under 3 years old will ride for free.
With views of the AMI City Pier from our deck, we’re very excited for this stop on the water taxi route from Bradenton to go live! We expect a flow of new customers making day trips down from the mainland to see us for lunch or dinner.
