9 Top Rated Anna Maria Island Boat Tours You’ll Want to Take
⛵️⛱ Looking for the perfect Anna Maria Island boat tours?
Anna Maria Island is the perfect destination for a fun and relaxing getaway, with its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning sunsets.
And what better way to explore Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas than by taking a boat tour?
From sightseeing tours of the island’s many attractions to eco-tours through its diverse ecosystems, Anna Maria Island boat tours are an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure on the open seas or simply want to take in some of the scenery and wildlife, Anna Maria Island boat tours are a must. Here’s our top picks for the best boat tours near the island.
🏖 No time to read the list? Here’s our top ⛵️ picks:
🥇 Best Overall Boat Tour: Sarasota Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
🥇 Best Private Boat Tour: Half Day Private Sarasota Charter Tour
Best Anna Maria Island Boat Tours
Boat tours are the perfect way to spend a day, no matter whether you’re traveling solo or traveling as a group. In fact, boat tours are one of the best group activities or family activities to enjoy while visiting an area.
1. Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars (1,089+ reviews)
Are you looking for a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the beautiful Anna Maria Island area of Sarasota, Florida? Look no further than Sea Life Kayak Adventures’ guided mangrove tunnel kayak tour!
This two hour long tour will take paddlers through the open waters of Little Sarasota Bay and into the breathtaking mangrove tunnels. 🌴
Paddlers are sure to see plenty of wildlife along their journey, including manatees, dolphins, rays, birds. Especially so since they will be paddling in a kayak and not in a motorized boat that often scares away local wildlife.
“Unique experience highly recommended! Our guide was informative and funny! Memorable family time. We had a group of seven ages 17 to 60. Kayaking through mangrove tunnel was unforgettable!”
-Cathy (see other reviews)
This tour is great for nature lovers as well as families or first time visitors who want an escape from the crowds in Anna Maria Island. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced paddler, this tour is perfect for everyone as it offers tandem kayaks or solo paddle options. So what are you waiting for? 🚣♀️
What’s Included on this tour?
✔️ Local Knowledgeable Guide
✔️ Tour through Little Sarasota Bay
✔️ Tour Mangrove Tunnels
✔️ See manatees, dolphins, and more
✔️ Tandem or Solo Kayak, Paddle, and Life Jacket
2. LED Illuminated Night & Sunset Kayak Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Stars (43 reviews)
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Sharkey’s LED Illuminated Night & Sunset Tour on Glass Bottom Kayaks in Sarasota is the ultimate adventure and perfect way to make memories with family, friends and large groups. Plus, it makes for an unforgettable date night!
This tour starts off by paddling through mangrove canals and then exploring mangrove shorelines and shallow grass flats, looking for sea life and seabirds.
The tour also takes you through shallow harbor where you can explore underwater views (with the help of the LED light) of fish, stingrays, crabs, shrimp and other marine life all from the comfort of your kayak! 🐠🦀
“The views from the water in the dark were amazing and the LED lights beneath the kayaks really helped with seeing what was in the water around us Feeding the fish was a great touch!!”
-Roy (see other reviews)
You will also be treated with great views of the John Ringling Causeway Bridge and The City of Sarasota Skyline from your kayak! With sunset tours starting at 8pm and LED night tours starting at 9:30pm this experience is perfect for those looking for a evening activity full of adventure.
Again, perfect for those who love a little adventure and a unique experience.✨
What’s Included on this tour?
✔️ Knowledgeable Guide
✔️ Beautiful views of the John Ringling Causeway Bridge and Sarasota Skyline
✔️ Tandem kayak
✔️ Incredible sunset views on the water and see plenty of wildlife!
✔️ Explore mangrove tunnels and shoreline
3. Paddleboard Tour through Lido Mangrove Tunnels
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
⭐️ RATING: 5.0 Stars (39 reviews)
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Join SURFit USA on an exciting paddleboard tour through the Lido Mangrove Tunnels, located just south of Anna Maria Island, it’s about a 30 minute drive. So grab some coffee and breakfast, and head out on the road to Lido Key for an epic adventure.
This beginner friendly tour starts at Ted Sperling Park and takes you out into Sarasota Bay to start off. Here you can get used to your paddleboards or just being on the water.
The guides will then lead you alongside beautiful homes in the canals of Lido Key as well as into the mangrove tunnels to explore the unique ecosystem that lies above and beneath. 🌺🐠
“We did a 1:00 tour with Aaron and he was wonderful. Very knowledgeable about the area and took us to the right places. We saw a herd of manatees and they actually came up to us and rubbed our feet. It was amazing. They hung around for 30 min or so. Then we went to the mangroves tunnels which totally cool. Great trip!”
-Jacki (see other reviews)
Along your journey, keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, osprey and more!
Whether you’re looking for a workout or a thrilling adventure, this incredible Anna Maria Island boat tour is sure to provide something special. They even offer kayaks instead of paddle boards if you’re not comfortable with stand up paddleboarding.
What’s Included on this tour?
✔️ Knowledgeable and friendly guide
✔️ Stand up paddleboard or kayak
✔️ Chance to see dolphins, manatees and more!
✔️ Explore mangrove forest and winding tunnels
✔️ Beginner friendly with guidance
4. Siesta Key Kayak Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Stars (26 reviews)
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The Siesta Key Kayak Tour is the perfect way to explore the area south of Anna Maria Island. Siesta Key is a beautiful place (not to be missed) and you’ll experience paddling on its tranquil waterways on this tour. We do have to warn you- it is about an hour’s drive from Anna Maria Island, but a worthwhile drive.
Operated by SURFit USA, this tour will take you through the Jim Neville Marine Preserve, where you can experience mangrove islands and local wildlife. This preserve is known as a birder’s paradise, but you’re sure to spot plenty of other animals, like dolphins and manatees! 🐬
Choose between a kayak or stand up paddleboard for your excursion (depending on your preference), as you join a small group of adventurers who are looking to get a close view of the area’s natural beauty.
“Our Tour guide was Will. He was great. We saw a beautiful Dolphin in the channel and different types of birds. It was my friends first ever time kayaking and she loved it!“
-Kimberly (see other reviews)
With an experienced guide leading the way, be prepared to learn about the local flora and fauna while paddling towards Turtle Beach – a secret beach that can only be accessed by boat! Oh, and did we mention it’s a local favorite beach? 🌊
While on Turtle Beach, stretch your legs, enjoy a quick swim or simply relax as you take in the view and any wildlife that comes across your path. This boat tour is sure to leave lasting memories for any nature lover or anyone interested in visiting an exclusive beach!
What’s Included on this tour?
✔️ Knowledgeable guide
✔️ Explore waterways around Siesta Key
✔️ Offers a small group excursion for more personal attention
✔️ Choose between a stand up paddleboard or kayak
✔️ Explore the Jim Neville Marine Preserve, see manatees and dolphins
Anna Maria Island Private Boat Tours
Taking a private boat tour is an even better way to experience Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas in Florida. They offer more customizability than public boat tours. They’re also perfect for larger groups, as the guides offer personal attention and more space for everyone to enjoy their time out on the water.
5. Dolphin Sightseeing Tikibar Hopping Boat tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours
⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars (30 reviews)
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Looking for an exciting and totally one-of-a-kind way to explore the surrounding area near Anna Maria Island? Look no further than the Dolphin Sightseeing Tikibar Hopping Boat Tour. And yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. Get ready for some fun! 🤪
This private charter operated by Shellebrate Boat Tours LLC takes up to 6 travelers on a relaxing journey through Anna Maria Island’s beautiful waterways as well as to 3 different tiki bars in the area as well as Bird Key Pass, which is a popular spot for wildlife viewing!
On the way to each of your destinations, keep your eyes peeled for sightings – you can expect to see dolphins, manatees, and more!
You’ll get the full experience as you stop at the 3 different tiki bars. Relax with a cocktail or a snack while taking in the stunning views.
This was a fantastic tour! Super fun and chill. Captain Rachael went above & beyond to make us comfortable and tailor the tour to our requests. We will be doing this tour again without a doubt!
-ANDREW (see other reviews)
With this tour, you’ll experience more than one local (and popular) tiki bars in the same trip! You’ll visit Marina Jack’s, O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill, and The Old Salty Dog.
So if you’re looking for an unforgettable Anna Maria Island experience, look no further than this bar hopping boat tour. It’s the perfect tour for groups looking to explore the area in a non-boring way and maybe grab a drink or two along the way. 🍹
What’s Included on this tour?
✔️ Local Guide
✔️ Tour 3 Local Tiki Bars
✔️ Tour Bird Park Pass for incredible wildlife
✔️ Private charter, groups up to 6
✔️ See dolphins and manatees!
6. 4 Hour Private Charter
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours
⭐️ RATING: 5.0 Stars (19 reviews)
🚢 Book Tour
Experience Anna Maria Island in style and comfort with a 4-hour private charter operated by Sarasota Boat Tours.
This Sylvan Tritoon is the perfect vessel for up to 6 people, offering a safe and comfortable ride as you explore the beautiful waters of Sarasota Bay and its surrounding areas.
Whether it’s sightseeing, sandbar hopping, sunset cruises or tiki bar hopping – this tour has something for everyone. You get to choose what you do.
“…perfect day on the water!! Captain Bobby was wonderful! We saw so much wildlife, enjoyed a dip in the water on a sandbar, had lunch at a little tiki hideaway, and enjoyed hearing about the area from a local! “
-Cara (see other reviews)
With an experienced local captain at the helm, you can customize your experience to cater to your interests or just relax and enjoy the views of the stunning shoreline. You can even bring along drinks from home with the yeti cooler provided!
This tour is perfect for friends or family looking for a unique adventure near Anna Maria Island that is fully customizable based on interests. You can truly do anything from sightseeing or snorkeling to a full on Booze Cruise with your “Designated Captain.” 🧉😉
What’s Included on this tour?
✔️ Local friendly Captain
✔️ Private boat ride experience for groups up to 6 people
✔️ Sightsee, snorkel, or choose a Booze Cruise experience, up to you!
✔️ Explore the beautiful waters of Sarasota Bay
✔️ BYOB or drinks to store in the Yeti cooler onboard
7. Half Day Private Sarasota Charter Tour with Wildlife Watching
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours
⭐️ RATING: 5.0 Stars (55 reviews)
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Experience coastal Florida like never before with a Half-Day Private Sarasota Charter Tour with Wildlife Watching. This tour, operated by Siesta Key Boat Charters, offers morning and afternoon start times and is perfect for groups of up to 6.
With your friendly and knowledgeable captain at the helm, you’ll be able to explore Anna Maria Island’s (and nearby area’s) picture perfect coastal scenery as well as take in some wildlife watching! Keep an eye out for dolphins playing near the boat, manatees swimming around you, and more!
Visit keys, lagoons, beaches–you name it. 🥳
Depart from Sarasota Marina into the intracoastal waterway where you will pass by the historic Spanish Point, home to early Florida Settlers. From there, you’ll travel under Casey Key Swing Bridge, one of the only 83 left in operation in the US!
“Justin was a great captain and really tailored the 4 hours to our requests. He was very flexible and helped us plan out our day, making sure we had time to do and see everything we wanted to. We visited two beautiful beaches, got to look for shells, did some snorkeling, and played football on the beach. On the boat, we got very close to some dolphins and a pod of dolphins played in the wake of our boat! We saw a lot of beautiful real estate, including Steven King’s house and a house that is rumored to have been Prince’s. Definitely recommend this tour!“
-briana (see other reviews)
As you head closer to Venice Inlet the waters become a clear aquamarine that will leave you speechless and make seeing dolphins and other wildlife that much easier!
Stop at Snake island for some one-of-a-kind shelling or choose to pull up to a local tiki bar if that strikes your fancy. Nothing like a good beach cocktail and some snacks. You can even end the night with a fantastic meal at Pop’s Subset Grill or head out looking for more dolphins if that’s more your speed.
You’ll end the tour exploring mangroves and incredibly beautiful homes near Sarasota and Siesta Key, one of which is Stephen King’s. 💃 This half day boat tour is perfect for any beach lover or anyone looking for an exciting itinerary that promises an unforgettable experience!
What’s Included on this tour?
✔️ Friendly local Captain
✔️ Snacks, water, and a Bluetooth stereo for some tunes
✔️ Explore a historic swing bridge and historic point
✔️ See dolphins, manatees and more wildlife
✔️ Customize your plan – explore beaches visit tiki bars, go shelling on the beach
Best Sunset Cruise Anna Maria Island
Taking a sunset cruise Anna Maria Island is an unforgettable experience. Not only will you be able to witness the golden hues of the setting sun from the perfect viewpoint, but you’ll also get to explore Anna Maria Island’s stunning landscapes and coastlines in a unique way.
8. Sunset Cruise Anna Maria Island
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 Stars (900 reviews)
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Anna Maria Island Boat Tours offer the perfect way to experience Anna Maria Island’s stunning views and wildlife.
On board Salty Dolphin 2, guests will be taken on a two-hour tour around Anna Maria Island where they can witness playful dolphins near the boat as well as spectacular sunsets over the water. 🐬🌴
“Captain Ben took out my family for a sunset dolphin tour. Ben was friendly and professional. He was thoroughly enjoyable and made the trip fantastic. I was a tour guide and boat captain for around 12 years and Captain Ben told us things that I didn’t know which is quite a feat. I can’t recommend them enough. Great boat and crew. Thanks again!!!“
-Patrick (see other reviews)
This tour is available in both public and private options, with private tours accommodating up to 18 passengers. It is a great option for families or groups of friends looking for a unique experience that combines sightseeing with relaxation.
The Anna Maria Island Boat Tour offers breathtaking views of Anna Maria’s seven miles of pristine beaches, lush vegetation, and charming coastal vibes. All while taking in one of nature’s most beautiful displays: sunset over the water!
What’s Included on this tour?
✔️ Knowledgeable local guide
✔️ Explore 7 miles of Anna Maria Island
✔️ Private or public boat tour options
✔️ Watch dolphins play near the boat
✔️ Enjoy the perfect sunset over the water
9. Sunset Cruise Island Pearl Excursions
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 Stars (55 reviews)
🚢🌅 Book Tour
Experience Anna Maria Island like never before with the Sunset Cruise from Island Pearl Excursions.
This tour is a Florida favorite and offers visitors the chance to sail through the bay around Anna Maria Island and witness a spectacular sunset that you won’t soon forget.
With 3 boats in their fleet, they’ll choose one to use depending on crowd size, weather conditions, and water conditions for an optimal experience. ⛵️
“Perfect sunset cruise. An excellent mix of interesting facts, while giving everyone plenty of space. Equipment was clean and comfortable. Having a bathroom on board is really nice. Super helpful staff! We’ve taken many of these type cruises and this is our favorite.“
-andrew (see other reviews)
The tour departs 1.5 hours before sunset and reservations are required. Don’t miss out on this unique experience.
This tour is perfect for couples looking to spend quality time together or families wanting to make memories, because this this Anna Maria Island boat tour is sure to be quite memorable indeed!
What’s Included on this tour?
✔️ Local guide and Captain
✔️ Explore the bay around Anna Maria Island
✔️ Witness and unreal sunset on the Gulf of Mexico
✔️ Perfect for families or couples
Best Boat Tours Anna Maria Island: FAQ
Alright, we know you might have some burning questions at this point. Anna Maria Island boat tours are a must-do, but what exactly should you expect?
What is the best time of year for a boat tour on Anna Maria Island?
The months of May to October are the most ideal time for Anna Maria Island boat tours. The summer months have warmer weather and longer days, meaning you’ll have time to explore all of the best sites nearby and even hop in the water for a relaxing swim.
What is the weather like on a boat tour?
Anna Maria Island boat tours often take place in the morning or afternoon when temperatures are a tad cooler, making it more pleasant for all passengers. You can always expect plenty of sunshine, so make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen, just in case. Bring a light jacket if it’s windy or later in the evening.
What kinds of wildlife can you expect to see on a boat tour of Anna Maria Island?
You can expect to see plenty of incredible wildlife during Anna Maria Island boat tours. There are bottlenose dolphins and manatees that often swim alongside the boat, along with seabirds like pelicans and ospreys. You may even spot sea turtles, stingrays, and other fish.
Are Anna Maria Island boat tours family-friendly?
Yes! Anna Maria Island boat tours are perfect for families of all sizes. They’re a great way to bond and explore Anna Maria Island together. The boats are comfortable and spacious, so everyone can spread out and enjoy the trip. Choose a private tour for extra room and more flexibility on where to explore.
Should you book a private boat tour?
A private Anna Maria Island boat tour might be your best bet for a group. Private tours are more intimate, allowing you to customize your experience to what works best for you. Plus, you’ll have a knowledgeable guide that can provide insight into Anna Maria Island and its wildlife, and you’ll hear all about it first hand.
Final Thoughts: Best Anna Maria Island Boat Tours
Anna Maria Island boat tours are an unforgettable experience that will give you a glimpse into the beauty and wildlife of the island when visiting.
Whether you choose to go on a private or public tour, your guide will ensure you learn all about the island’s history and that you’re dazzled by its incredible wildlife.
With year-round warm weather and plenty of sunshine, Anna Maria Island is the perfect spot for a relaxing day out on the water! So what are you waiting for? Book an Anna Maria Island boat tour – it’s time to explore paradise!
