Just in time for Labor Day, Manatee adds Coquina Beach to ferry route

Manatee County is adding a third stop to the Gulf Islands Ferry, the closest one yet to Longboat Key.

Beginning Thursday, Coquina Beach’s south boat ramp is a landing and departure point for the vessels that previously connected just downtown Bradenton and the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

The new service launches Thursday and will operate through the Labor Day holiday weekend. The system normally operates five days a week, with a break on Mondays and Tuesdays. Next week, the break will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, to account for the holiday, with normal service resuming on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Image courtesy of Manatee County

Round trip fares from Bridge Street Pier to Coquina Beach are $9 for adults; $7 for seniors, military and children. The fare remains free for seniors 80 and older and children under 4.

Funded by the tourist development tax, the Gulf Islands Ferry now features three vessels. More than 55,000 passengers rode the ferry service in 2025, the county said.

"As we’ve seen a vehicle reduction with the two-stop service between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and Historic Bridge Street Pier this additional stop will positively impact the roadways running the 7 miles of paradise on Anna Maria Island,” said Tal Siddique, chair of the Board of County Commissioners in a prepared statement. “It’s another large step forward in preserving mobility on Anna Maria Island for those visiting for the first time, long-time repeat visitors, and our residents.”

Manatee County has discussed bringing a Gulf Islands Ferry stop to Longboat Key, though those discussions are far from concrete plans.

A third, larger, vessel was added to the fleet in April. Manatee Belle, a 91-passenger craft with enclosed, climate-controlled seating, joined two 49-seat, outboard-motor propelled catamaran boats.