Gulf Islands Ferry Adds Coquina Beach Stop in Florida

The Gulf Islands Ferry will introduce a new stop at Coquina Beach on September 2, 2026, offering travelers a direct water route to Anna Maria Island to bypass heavy coastal road traffic. The route expansion will connect the island's busiest beach destinations with the Historic Bridge Street Pier, providing a driving alternative during peak beach seasons.

The Local Trend Revealed

Coastal communities are investing in water-based public transit networks to reduce road congestion and improve accessibility to historic beach districts. Funded through Manatee County’s tourist development tax, this ferry service expansion addresses growing passenger demand with updated schedules and fleet capabilities:

Coquina Beach Stop Schedule: Operating Wednesday through Sunday, departures from Bridge Street are scheduled at 11:00 AM, noon, 4:30 PM, and 5:30 PM. Return trips from Coquina Beach depart at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.
Growing Passenger Volume: Since launching in 2024, passenger volume has increased significantly. More than 55,000 passengers utilized the service in 2025, which helped keep nearly 23,000 private vehicles off local island roads.
Expanded Vessel Capacity: The transit system added a larger vessel capable of carrying up to 91 passengers, featuring an enclosed, climate-controlled cabin. This boat operates alongside the existing catamaran-style fleet.
Transit Fares: One-way tickets are priced at $7 for adults, with round-trip tickets at $11. Reduced fares are available for eligible travelers.

Local Community & Environmental Value

For the visitor, the real impact of utilizing the ferry network is supporting the local economy directly. Disembarking at the Historic Bridge Street Pier allows travelers to walk through independent local shops, purchasing handmade crafts, artwork, and local snacks directly from family-run businesses.

Environmental preservation is supported by removing thousands of cars from island corridors. Keeping nearly 23,000 vehicles off the roads reduces carbon emissions and protects delicate coastal air quality. Anna Maria Island is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles; reducing vehicular traffic near beaches protects nesting sites from light pollution, satisfying conservation guidelines monitored by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Visitor Insider Tips for Anna Maria Island Travel

Travel specialists recommend the following practices when visiting:

Use the Free Island Trolley: Once you disembark at Bridge Street, connect to the free Anna Maria Island Trolley. The trolley runs from Coquina Beach to City Pier in the north, arriving every 20 minutes.
Park for Free at South Lots: Avoid search times by parking your car in the spacious south lot at Coquina Beach or near Bradenton Beach City Hall, and use the ferry and trolley to explore.
Observe the Off-Peak Window: Visit Anna Maria Island during the autumn shoulder months of September to November. Summer family crowds have departed, temperatures are comfortable (75°F to 85°F), and the white-sand beaches are quiet.
Sample Regional Culinary Specialties:
- Try a fresh Grouper Sandwich (grilled or blackened) at local beach shacks.
- Taste classic Key Lime Pie from independent bakeries on Bridge Street.
Observe Sea Turtle Nesting Etiquette: Sea turtle nesting season runs from May to October. Fill in all sand holes and flatten sandcastles before leaving the beach at sunset so hatchlings can reach the water safely. Do not use flashlights on the beach at night. Tipping of 15 to 20 percent is standard in Florida restaurants.
Explore Under-the-Radar Trails: Skip the crowded shoreline and walk through Leffis Key Preserve directly across the street from Coquina Beach, which features quiet boardwalks winding through mangrove tunnels and views of Sarasota Bay.

Tourism Outlook

The long-term impact of Manatee County’s water transit network is the development of a sustainable tourism model that protects island infrastructure. By integrating ferry schedules with free trolley connections and expanding fleet capacity, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and local authorities aim to manage tourism growth without compromising the island's coastal environment.

FAQ: Gulf Islands Ferry Coquina Beach Stop

When does the new Coquina Beach ferry route launch? The new stop at Coquina Beach launches on September 2, 2026.

What is the ticket price for the ferry? One-way tickets are priced at $7 for adults, and round-trip tickets are $11.

What days does the ferry operate, and what is the departure frequency? The ferry operates from Wednesday through Sunday. It offers four daily departures from Bridge Street starting at 11:00 AM, with corresponding return trips from Coquina Beach.

How many passengers can the new ferry vessel carry? The new vessel added to the fleet can carry up to 91 passengers and features a climate-controlled cabin.