Anna Maria Island Outdoor Activities

Have you ever wanted to kayak in calm and warm ocean waters with dolphins playing about, cycle through the most relaxing and laid back beach setting you can imagine, or hike through a protected maritime coastal habitat brimming with fascinating wildlife? You’ll find all of these thrilling outdoor activities and more on Anna Maria Island. Biking, snorkeling, parasailing, wildlife viewing, dolphin and whale tours, fishing charters, shelling, beachgoing, and much more awaits.

The white sand beaches of the island are always worth your time, but be sure to venture out and try out some of the many other Anna Maria Island outdoor activities that are available and exclusive to the area.

Below you’ll find more details on some of these exciting outdoor things to do as well as some helpful information on locating service providers and rental companies.

Enjoy biking on multiple paths throughout the island

You can bike along numerous designed paths on Anna Maria Island where you’ll be able to take in glorious sunrises and sunsets and ocean scenery while getting some great exercise. There is a gorgeous bike path located in the Coquina Beach Park on the southern end of the island that you can try out, and the City of Anna Maria provides a detailed bike path map whenever you are on the northern side of the island: Anna Maria Bike Path Map. Remember that you can put your bike on the racks located on the front of the free trolley to get around the island.

Below are some of the many local rental companies where you can rent a bike for a reasonable price and avoid having to lug one with you:

• Beach Bums Recreational Rentals & Gift Shop, 427 Pine Ave, Anna Maria FL, (941) 778-3316
• Fun and More Rentals, 5347 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach FL, (941) 462-2719
• Just 4 Fun, 5358 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach FL, (941) 896-7884

Dolphin and whale watching tours are a memorable experience

Consider adding one of the many local dolphin and whale watching tours to your schedule, as they are a one-of-a-kind experience where you’re guaranteed to see dolphins at the very least and potentially manatees and other sea creatures as well.

These tours are usually about 1 to 2 hours or more in length and can take you through most of the waters around Anna Maria Island. Several options are available right on the island whenever you’re looking to arrange a tour, and prices are more than reasonable:

• Mango Bango Adventures: 63rd St. and Marina Way, Holmes Beach FL, (941) 840-4869
• MV Minnow Boat Tours: 5325 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach FL, (941) 920-0092
• Bradenton Beach Parasailing: 5327 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach FL, (941) 961-2065

Try a kayak tour even if you have no experience

On Anna Maria Island, you can book several incredible kayak tours where you can experience the waters and wildlife of the area from a much closer vantage point. These tours are very safe and relaxing and are a top activity for families.

Many tour providers depart directly from bay side of Anna Maria Island as the calm waters around the island are perfect for kayaking. You’ll often end up touring the protected Sarasota Bay Estuary where you can have the opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles right from your kayak.

You don’t have to worry about training for your kayak adventure as all of the training you’ll needed normally included. Tandem kayaks are usually available for families with younger children. Tours are also usually 2 to 4 hours and cover an extensive area, with some tours taking you through protected waters that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see!

Below are some of the top kayak tour providers on or near the island for your next adventure:

• Beach Bums AMI: 427 Pine Ave., Anna Maria FL, (941) 778-3316
• Kayak Jacks Paddle Sports: Multiple Departure Locations, (941) 538-1448
• Happy Paddler Kayak Tours: Multiple Departure Locations, (941) 773-1920

Visit Bean Point for shelling and wildlife viewing

Bean Point sits on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, and there you’ll find one of the best vantage points on the island for wildlife and ocean viewing. This area is known for its relative privacy compared to the public beaches on the island, and although the area is underdeveloped it offers an unparalleled opportunity to see the local flora and fauna in an undisturbed pristine setting.

Check it out for a day of shelling, swimming, or just to enjoy a sunset or beach picnic without the noise. You need to take a short hike to find Bean Point as it is slightly off the beaten trail and you can find entrances at the corner of Gladiolus St. and North Shore Dr. or Fern St. and North Shore Dr.

Plenty of other amazing outdoor things to do on Anna Maria Island

Of course, this is just a brief list of the outdoor activities on the island and you’ll find plenty of other opportunities for outdoor fun including fishing, parasailing, hiking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and more. Many of the companies mentioned above provide multiple Anna Maria Island outdoor activities like fishing charters or paddle boarding, so be sure to ask about other options.

Explore Our Rentas on Anna Maria Island!

As you plan out your Anna Maria Island adventure vacation please feel free to call us at (941)-216-3793 for information about vacation rentals and other incredible outdoor sports and activities to participate in.