Anna Maria Island has many excellent opportunities for you and your family to hit the water. With beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water, it is almost impossible not to want to dive right in. You can rent a boat and sail around the island or rent a jet ski for a more personal adventure. Anna Maria Island has a ton of fantastic watersports options to choose from. If you love the water, your Anna Maria Island vacation offers much more fun! With so many things to do on Anna Maria Island, choosing something new and exciting can be challenging.
If you’re near water, you will likely be able to rent a jet ski or any other kind of boat. What if you can try one of the newest watersports to hit the Anna Maria Island area? A banana boat is the perfect unique experience for all your watersports needs. Here is what to expect from a banana boat ride!
What is a Banana Boat?
A banana boat is a thrilling experience for the whole family to enjoy. You climb aboard a banana-shaped raft and hold on as a jet ski pulls you along at high speeds. Your adrenaline will surge as you get pulled through the water and witness the sights of Anna Maria Island. Banana boats can hold up to 12 people!
Since this is an active watersport, it is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back or heart problems to ride. Anyone with other health conditions is also advised not to ride the banana boat.
Where to Rent Your Banana Boat
Luckily, it is very simple to rent a banana boat, mainly if you work with popular local companies like Anna Maria Island Boat Rides. All you need to do is call ahead for your reservation, then wait at one designated area for the banana boat to pick you up. If you are being picked up near your Anna Maria Island vacation rental, tell them where you are staying and the location closest to the beach. You should be at your pick-up location at least 15 minutes before departure, so you have plenty of time to get ready.
Riders should get in the water at least waist-deep so that the boat has room to turn around and take off from their location. Pick-up times are not guaranteed and may run late or arrive early.
What to Bring
Anything you bring on the banana boat with you should be done at your own risk. For some great pictures, you can bring your GoPro with you! Anna Maria Island Boat Rides can provide you with a GoPro wrist strap or mounting gear so that you can record your entire journey. You can also bring a waterproof camera on your ride. The staff here does not recommend bringing bags, wallets, or phones while you enjoy your banana boat ride. They have a lockbox so you can leave your car keys safely stored and ensure they won’t get lost in the water if you fall off. It is highly recommended that you bring as few items as possible on your ride.
It would be best if you were also sure to wear sunscreen since you will be in direct sunlight. Ensure you bring a bathing suit and do not wear baggy or loose clothing. You are also recommended to leave your bags, wallets, or phones either in your vacation rental or locked in your car (or put them in a lockbox). You will also need to wear a life vest while riding a banana boat. The life jacket is there for your safety if and when you fall into the water.
Plan Your Visit!
Ready to experience fun in the sun? View our vacation rentals, reserve your favorite property, and start planning your unforgettable trip to Anna Maria Island today!
Where to Stay
After a long day of being on the water and riding on the banana boat, you deserve a place to stay that is perfect for your needs. Whether you need a large rental or a small one, our full catalog of rentals will have precisely what you need for your family and friends. If you’re looking for rentals on the Gulf of Mexico, you have come to the right place! Our catalog of Gulf-front rentals on Anna Maria Island provides everything you could ever want in a vacation rental.
Your rentals come equipped with refurbished bathrooms, new tile floors, granite countertops, high-speed internet, and an in-unit washer and dryer. You also have complete access to the heated pool and tennis courts. Some rentals even come with wine fridges!
If you have a Gulf-front rental, you have direct access to the beach from your rental. You’re also a short distance away from the mainland and all of the fantastic attractions they have there. You can take a short drive to all the sites and attractions in Bradenton or Sarasota. There is also a trolley to help you get around the island and onto the mainland from your vacation rental.
Do you have a furry friend that is a part of the family and can’t leave home without them? Then you’ll want to check out our Anna Maria Island pet-friendly vacation rentals! You’ll enjoy a private backyard so you can let your furry friend run around while you lounge in the privacy of your yard. We here at Beach House AMI want to ensure that every family member feels included, so we maintain a collection of Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals that allow you to bring your cats or dogs.
Are you ready to book your AMI getaway? Then contact us today to get your rental booked and start your Anna Maria Island vacation!
