Ferry service between Bradenton, Anna Maria Island to begin by end of 2023

After some waves in the process, the water taxi service between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island is set to start running by the end of 2023. 

Right now, signs are being fabricated, and ramps are undergoing configuration to ensure they are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Originally, the Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess ferries were planned to start service in late summer. 

At the Oct. 16 Manatee County Tourist Development Council Meeting, Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Elliott Falcione provided members with the brief update. 

“All of the cities involved have been really, really working hard to get this done,” Falcione said. “We’re really close.” 

According to the website, the ferry will operate 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. At the start, the ferry has three stops: downtown Bradenton, AMI City Pier and the Bridge Street Pier. 

A fourth stop for the ferry will be added later at the Coquina South Boat Ramp. Falcione also said there have also been some informal conversations with Longboat Key officials talking about potential spots on the island, though no ideas are concrete yet. 

One-way tickets for adults will cost $8, with senior citizen pricing at $6. Tickets for children between 3 and 11 years old will cost $5 and children under 3 years old will be free. 

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the year the ferry will launch.