Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world await you - 7 miles of soft white sand framed by a crystal clear turquoise ocean - you could be forgiven for never wanting to leave your sun lounger. Anna Maria Island has so much to offer. From sailing to fishing charters and parasailing, you’ll find an abundance of things to do on and in the water.
Wildlife Boat Tours
Wildlife boat tours are available from multiple local providers. These journeys allow you to enjoy the ocean views and get a glimpse of incredible native animals. You’re bound to see plenty of local birds, a dolphin or two and if you’re lucky enough, a manatee! Tours are typically just a few hours long and are an ideal family friendly activity.
MV Minnow Boat Tours, Holmes Beach
Location: 5325 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, FL
Phone Number: (941)-920-0092
YOLO Adventure
YOLO Adventures offers a range of outdoor activities to participate in such as dolphin tours, parasailing, sight-seeing tours, and much more.
Location: 135 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island, FL
Phone Number: (941)-778-5000
Happy Paddler Kayak Tours is one of the top providers for kayak dolphin and wildlife tours of Anna Maria Island in protected waters that boats can’t access such as coastal mangrove and river areas.
Location: Mobile (anywhere on the island)
Phone Number: (941)-773-1920
Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
Several providers on the island offer kayak rentals; this a fun and active way to get out into the waters. Take them out on your own or join a kayak tour! Single and tandem kayaks are available, and you can even get basic instruction to ensure you’re comfortable while out on the water.
Location: 5358 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, Fl 34217 Tel: 941 896 7884
Location: 427, Pine Avenue,Anna Maria, Fl 34216 Tel: 941 778 3316
Location: 5347 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, Fl 34217 Tel: 941 462 2719
Pier, Surf and Charter Fishing
Nothing beats Anna Maria Island for some incredible pier and surf fishing opportunities where you’ll have several locations to catch some of the most popular and coveted game fish in Florida.
Top fishing locations on the island the multiple historic piers, public beaches, rock jetties, public docks, private docks at Anna Maria Island waterfront rentals, and several other bay and Gulf access points.
Below are a few tips to help you get started and to guarantee the fishing adventure of a lifetime on this beautiful island:
Tip #1 – Get your fishing license ahead of time
All of those in your group who are 16 years or older will need a local license to fish. even if you don’t plan on taking anything. You can easily obtain it for a small fee online.
Separate permits are required to take spiny lobsters, tarpon or snook.
Tip #2 – Rent your equipment to avoid having to bring it
You can rent everything you need to fish on Anna Maria Island so that you won’t need to lug around your own equipment, which can be a major advantage if you’re flying in.
To fish at the piers, you can rent rods and purchase bait from the City Pier or Rod and Reel pier for low rates, along with everything else that you’ll need to fish there.
The shallow waterfronts around Anna Maria Island house many snook, redfish, and trout. The miles and miles of grass flats surrounding the island make the ideal place to catch some trout, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and pompano. Depending on what time of the year and for that matter, the time of day you come, you can catch, sharks, redfish, snook, and many more species of fish right off the Anna Maria Island Pier. Depending on the type of bait you use – whether it be chum or live bait, will determine what you might be catching that day. Anna Maria Island is such a wonderful option for fishing because it delivers a mixed bag for almost everyone -from sheepshead to trout.
Tip #3 – Fish from the Rod and Reel Pier or the City Pier
Rod and Reel Pier Location: 875 N Shore Dr., Anna Maria, FL
City Pier Location: 100 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL
The City Pier and the Rod and Reel Pier are excellent spots to fish from and located right by each other, and although these piers can sometimes be crowded you’ll be able to find a spot any time of the day.
Both piers extend a far way into the ocean so that you’ll be able to catch a wide range of different species.
You also get the advice of the friendly local fishermen at either of these piers who can help you catch the particular type of fish that you’re after.