Gulf Islands water ferries arrive, service expected in late summer

Ferries for Bradenton’s newest form of public transportation arrived in Cortez, marking a big milestone for the Gulf Islands Water Ferry System.

The two catamarans, named Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess, are projected to begin service by later this summer. Up to 49 passengers per catamaran will be transported between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. The catamarans are energy-efficient and run on renewable energy sources, said a statement from the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will work alongside Gulf Coast Water Taxi to operate and market the service. A one-way ticket will cost $8. 

Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Elliott Falcione said in a statement that the bureau anticipates people parking in downtown Bradenton to enjoy a ferry ride to the island, and visitors from Anna Maria can also use the ferry to travel to downtown Bradenton. 

Over the next couple months, the Coast Guard trial will take place to finalize run times and port locations. Falcione said this is just the beginning of multi-modal transportation in the Manatee County area. 

The possibility to expand to multiple ports is available, and a location on Longboat Key has been discussed. 

But Commissioner-at-large BJ Bishop said in the recent Manasota League of Cities meeting that the issue is finding a port that can accommodate parking. The need is there though, she said, due to the high travel times many employees on the island experience to work on Longboat Key. 

“From our standpoint, it’s not so much a tourist need as it is getting staff on and off the island,” Bishop said at the meeting. “And there is not a restaurant on this island, or other business, that they are short-handed.” 

Town Manager Howard Tipton brought up the water ferry system at a community discussion on June 12, also noting that many staff on the island face traffic issues. For now, though, water taxi service on Longboat Key is just an idea. He said there have not been serious conversations about the possibility yet. 

“Water taxis in the future, hopefully, will be a part of our traffic solution, which will not get any better,” Tipton said. “Having a resolution to water access I think will be an important part of our future.”