Excitement Builds as New Ferries ‘The Miss Anna Maria’ & ‘The Downtown Duchess’ Start Sea Trials in Bradenton Area

The Board of County Commissioners and Tourist Development Council members announced a new island ferry service sailing to the area. Partnered with Gulf Coast Water Taxi, the two new catamarans, Miss Anna Maria and The Downtown Duchess, will sail local waters as a vital step towards increasing accessible transportation.

Because of the new vessels, there is no need to worry about doing the drive yourself or having to find parking. The Miss Anna Maria and The Downtown Duchess are expected to help decrease local and tourist motor traffic. This also decreases emissions for a positive environmental impact!

Currently, the route has three planned stops. These stops include: the fantastic vacation spot, Anna Maria Island, the lovely Bradenton Beach Pier and incomparable Coquina Beach.

Keep an eye on the water! You may get an early look at these beautiful boats as they undergo sea trials for the next 4-6 weeks. These trials will help determine final runtimes and ports.

The new ferry service will run Friday through Sunday every weekend from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Admission will be $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children up to the age of 11. Children age 3 and under will ride for free!

Follow the Full Islands Ferry’s Instagram @GulfIslandFerry and the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau @Visit_ Bradenton for updates on the exciting addition of The Miss Anna Maria and The Downtown Duchess to our community!