There are so many fun ways to explore Anna Maria Island! From renting a golf cart from ZoomAround to hopping on a bike, there is so much to do and see everywhere you go. While the fun doesn’t stop no matter how you choose to tour our barrier reef island, you’ll find that Anna Maria Island is truly a boater’s paradise. Whether you plan on bringing your own boat or renting a boat from the Bradenton Beach Marina, you’ll find that getting around our beautiful Gulf waters is a breeze.
Canal Front Homes
Many of our homes are located along beautiful canals with easy-open water access for your convenience right in the comfort of your own backyard. Whether you have rented a boat during the duration of your stay or have brought your own, it simply doesn’t get any better than jumping out of the private pool of your vacation rental and into your boat for a fun day out on the water. Are you ready to start planning your dream vacation to Anna Maria Island? Start here, by checking out all of our canal-front homes.
Local Spots to Visit
There are a few must-see locations while boating on Anna Maria Island and one of them is “Regina”. This old sugar barge that wrecked off of the coast of Bradenton Beach in 1940 and has become a Florida Heritage Site that is now a beautiful reef and home to a variety of tropical fish.
Another spot to check-out that is located a little further north in Tampa Bay is called Egmont Key State Park. Combining a pristine tropical setting and historic fort ruins and a lighthouse from the Spanish-American War, you’ll find that this wildlife refuge is definitely worth a day trip during your vacation! The best way to see it? Book a tour on the Egmont Key Express.
Boat Ramps
There are several boat ramps conveniently located throughout Anna Maria Island. On the south end of the island in Bradenton Beach there are two boat ramps:
• Coquina Beach North Boat Ramp located at: 1507 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
•Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp located at: 1465 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 to
Just off of the State Road 64 Bridge you’ll find the Kingfish Boat Ramp located at: 752 Manatee Ave, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
As well as the Holmes Beach Boat Ramp located at: 398 Marina Way, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Renting a Boat
Renting a boat during your stay is easy and convenient with many great local companies to choose from. Whether you are looking to rent a boat for a half-day, full-day, or even a week there are many options that you can select. We highly recommend the Bradenton Beach Marina for all your boating, sunset cruise, and dolphin tour needs.
Local Guidelines
For information on specific boating regulations for our local area check out the Boater Guide safety information. It’s important to make sure you are aware of the local slow speed and minimum wake zones before heading out on the water to ensure your safety as well as the safety of others. Our island is home to many beautiful marine animals like manatees, which are a protected species and you’ll notice the slow-speed zones in many of our waterways. For more information on our “Manatee Zones”, check out this helpful map.