MANATEE COUNTY – The Gulf Islands Ferry service’s new and larger $3 million Manatee Belle ferry boat is now in service between Bradenton and Bradenton Beach.
Manatee County’s new 91-seat ferry boat made its passenger-carrying maiden voyage from the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier in downtown Bradenton to the Bradenton Beach Pier in Bradenton Beach on the morning of Saturday, April 11.
Shortly before 1 p.m., a second group of passengers arrived at the Riverwalk Pier and began boarding the Manatee Belle for its second official trip to Bradenton Beach.
At approximately 1:25 p.m., the Manatee Belle pulled out of its slip and passed under the “Green Bridge” as it headed toward Bradenton Beach Pier, traveling along the Manatee River and the Intracoastal Waterway.
The county did not announce the new boat’s Saturday morning entry into service and one of the afternoon passengers said they didn’t know when they purchased their tickets in advance that they’d be among the first to ride the new ferry boat.
The Manatee Belle has an enclosed, heated and air-conditioned mid-section for passenger seating and an open-air seating section at the back of the boat. The new boat also features public restrooms
The Manatee Belle is much larger, heavier, wave-resistant and weather-resistant than the 49-passenger, open-air pontoon boats that comprised the Gulf Islands Ferry fleet when the county-contracted ferry service to the Anna Maria City Pier and the Bradenton Beach Pier began in early 2024.
The Gulf Islands Ferry service currently operates as a two-point transportation system between downtown Bradenton and Bradenton Beach. The ferry service provides easy access to the dining, drinking and shopping establishments and businesses on and around Bridge Street.
Ferry service to Anna Maria has been suspended since Hurricane Milton destroyed most of the City Pier walkway in October 2024. After the construction of the new pier walkway pier is completed and additional repairs and potential modifications are made to the buildings at the T-end of the pier, the pier is expected to fully reopen later this year.
At some point after the City Pier is fully reopened, Manatee County officials expect to install a county-funded Gulf Islands Ferry landing alongside the City Pier.
COUNTY ANNOUNCEMENT
On Monday, April 13, Manatee County issued a press release about the new boat joining the ferry fleet.
“The new vessel adds 91 seats to the existing fleet and its increased size and enclosed, climate-controlled cabin design will improve dependability, delivering a comfortable and safe passenger experience. This debut further affirms Manatee County’s commitment to its residents and visitors with reliable, scenic and convenient alternate travel options,” the press release says.
“The addition of the Manatee Belle will help maintain consistent scheduling, enhance service reliability due to weather concerns and reduce the need for personal vehicles while travelling between the mainland and the seven miles of coastline on Anna Maria Island.
“Funded by the tourist development tax, the Gulf Islands Ferry now features three vessels, connecting downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island via the Manatee River and the Intracoastal Waterway,” the press release says.
Depending on the day of the week and the weather, and subject to daily and seasonal change, the Gulf Islands Ferry service is currently operating Wednesday through Sunday.
According to the Gulf Islands Ferry website, first ferry boat of the day departs from Bradenton Riverwalk Pier in downtown Bradenton at 7:30 a.m. and the last trip of the day to Bradenton Beach departs at 7 p.m.
According to the website, the first ferry boat traveling to downtown Bradenton departs from the Bradenton Beach Pier at 9 a.m. and the last trip of the day to downtown Bradenton departs from the Bradenton Beach Pier at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased and the schedule can be viewed at the Gulf Islands Ferry website.
