Guide to Snorkeling in Anna Maria island (Best Spots & Tips!)
Ready to go snorkeling in Anna Maria Island? 🤿
Welcome to this Gulf Coast gem with unbelievably crystal clear waters that practically beg for snorkelers to explore its vibrant underwater world.
If you’re looking for the best places to snorkel near AMI, I’ve got you covered. Discover gems like Cortez Beach, with its many piers, or Egmont Key State Park, where American history intertwines with perfect snorkeling conditions.
I’ll also share tips to make sure you stay safe and get the most out of your experience. Okay, ready to explore Anna Maria Island’s beautiful waters? Let’s get moving!
What to Expect Snorkeling on Anna Maria Island
The waters surrounding the island boast excellent visibility, allowing you to see the underwater marine life with surprising clarity!
Let’s start with the water here—it’s like something straight out of a dreamy tropical paradise with incredibly green and clear water.
Plus, You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy snorkeling here. The spots range from shallow to moderate depths, so everyone, from beginners to experienced snorkelers, can dive right in and have a blast.
What Marine Life Will You See? 🐬
While Anna Maria Island may not have an extensive coral reef system to explore, its waters are still home to a fascinating variety of marine life.
You’ll have the chance to see anything from beautiful schools of colorful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles gracefully gliding through the water near you. You may even spot playful dolphins or rays in the water nearby as well. Oh, and of course there are plenty of shells to be seen!
Disclaimer: When you’re snorkeling and hanging out with these incredible animals, it’s important to be respectful to them and the environment. Keep a safe distance, resist the urge to touch or disturb them, and leave the environment exactly as you found it. By doing our part, we’re ensuring that the marine ecosystem sticks around for years to come.
Best Places to Snorkel on Anna Maria Island 🤿
Alright then, let’s jump right into the list of the best places to snorkel on Anna Maria Island. These aren’t ranked in any particular order but they’re all incredible spots to check out.
1. Regina Sugar Barge
Regina Sugar Barge is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers located off of Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. Originally a molasses ship, the barge sunk during a storm in 1940 and now sits just 200 yards out from the shore in about 20 feet of water.
It is also known as the “Sugar Wreck” or “Molasses Barge”. What makes this snorkeling spot special is that it provides easy access for all levels as it is close to shore and across from Seatrek Divers shop. So if you’re in search of an exciting adventure with a bit of history, the Regina Sugar Barge is a great spot.
Note: Over time, the wrecked barge has disintegrated a bit so it might not be as visible as it once was. That and often there might be beach nourishment in the area that impacts visibility.
Address: 105 7th St N. Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
2. Cortez Beach
Cortez Beach, located on the southern end of the island (in the town of Bradenton Beach) is another great spot for snorkeling Anna Maria. It offers beautiful, clear waters and white fluffy sand beaches.
There are plenty of piers located nearby which are a great spot to snorkel (watch out for fishing lines and hooks though!). You’ll find a variety of marine life here including anything from Barnacles, tiny sea shells, pencil fish and even crabs.
This beach doesn’t offer a lot in terms of amenities so you’ll need to head over to a nearby beach for those. This is slightly inconvenient but something to note upfront so you’re prepared! There is a parking lot close by, but this beach does get busy so get there early.
Address: 698 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
3. Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach, located on the southern end of Anna Maria Island and just north of Longboat Key, is not only a picturesque destination with its long stretch of beautiful white sand, but also a fantastic spot for snorkeling.
The clear waters offer excellent visibility, allowing you to explore a diverse range of marine life. Oh, and the best yet: keep your eyes peeled for encounters with manatees and playful dolphins that often grace these waters. This is a great spot for that, so if you’re interested in that, this is the right spot for you.
Some lucky snorkelers have mentioned finding a grassy sea bed beneath the water, which is the perfect haven for all kinds of marine life. Be on the lookout to see if you can find one of these – it might take a bit, but it’ll be well worth it.
Plus, if you’re looking to take a break from swimming, Coquina Beach has its own Cafe usually with live entertainment and changing rooms and restrooms so you can make a day out of it. With so much to offer, Coquina Beach is the perfect place for your next snorkeling adventure!
Address: Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
4. Manatee Public Beach
Manatee Public Beach is a great spot for snorkeling on Anna Maria Island. Located in Holmes Beach, this low-key beach is full of amenities like free showers and changing rooms, making it perfect for those looking to spend the day in the sun. Better yet, the sand is soft, white, fluffy and clean. Can’t get better than that, right?
This also happens to be my one of my absolute favorite beaches on Anna Maria Island! Seriously, I’ve been way too many times.
Manatee Public Beach is a great place to snorkel and explore the underwater world. The water is crystal clear, with bright blue and green hues making it perfect for spotting colorful sea life like small sand dollars, hermit crabs, minnows, and more. Plus, the waves never get too rough so even beginner snorkelers can enjoy this experience.
If you get hungry during your day snorkeling or at the beach, there’s a beach cafe nearby that serves up fresh food at reasonable prices (literally one of my favorite beach cafes, ever!).
Don’t forget to stick around for the sunset, as Manatee Public Beach is one of the best spots on the island for enjoying a beautiful Florida sunset. Parking can be a little tricky, so make sure you come early or be prepared to be patient!
Address: 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Nearby Places to Snorkel Near Anna Maria Island
Not only does Anna Maria Island offer plenty of prime locations for some good snorkeling, there are also many places nearby the Island that offer this as well! Here are a few recommendations.
5. Egmont Key STATE PARK
Egmont Key is a secluded island (accessible by boat only) located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, and it’s a great spot for snorkeling near Anna Maria Island. Egmont Key is primarily a wildlife refuge, but it’s filled with stunning natural beauty and rich in American history. It’s a great spot for a snorkeling excursion and a great way to spend a day nearby.
With stunning blue-green waters and lots of sea life you’ll have a lot to explore. The island is also home to many deteriorated structures that have sunk into the sea, making it the perfect place to explore via snorkeling. You’ll have lots to see with these ruins as well as the chance to see plenty of marine life up close.
You can even soak up some American history after you spend the morning snorkeling. The island is famous for its iconic lighthouse that has been standing since 1858 as well as Fort Dade that was built during the Spanish-American War.
Heads up, there are no lifeguards on duty so just be alert for younger kids and understand that you’re swimming at your own risk. Also, since it’s a secluded island, there aren’t any stores or restaurants here so you’ll want to make sure you bring plenty of water, food, and sunscreen with you.
6. Jewfish Key
Jewfish Key is a stunning 38 acre private island located between Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island that can only be accessed by boat. The island itself has less than 10 homes! The sandbar of the island is the perfect spot for those seeking an off the beaten path adventure and a great snorkeling destination.
The waters around Jewfish Key are incredible! They are so clear that it makes it easy to spot lots of marine life in the area, including the occasional manatee. Plus, the sand bar offers calm waters giving yet another reason to snorkel here.
So whether you’re looking for some time away from the crowds or an unforgettable snorkeling experience, Jewfish Key is a spot to know and add to your bucket list.
Safety & Tips for Snorkeling in Anna Maria Island
Here are some quick safety tips or just general tips for snorkeling in Anna Maria Island. While snorkeling isn’t necessarily a dangerous activity, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared.
- Snorkeling is a great activity since it has low barriers to entry – you can easily grab an affordable snorkel set before you go, meaning you won’t have to deal with snorkel rentals or prices while you’re visiting.
- There are plenty of Anna Maria Island snorkeling tours to take if you want to head out on the water with someone who knows the area very well (which is always a great way to see anywhere!).
- Check the weather before you head out to snorkel – less wind means calmer waters and more visibility.
- Avoid the water if there are rough currents or strong waves – this goes for normal swimming as well, not just snorkeling (check water conditions upfront if you can).
- Be cautious of your surroundings when you’re snorkeling – it’s easy to get caught up in the moment underwater but make sure you’re not putting yourself in the path of boats, jet skis, etc.
- Don’t touch marine life. Just don’t do it. Seriously. Observe and admire from a distance.
- Wear SPF especially if you’ll be outside for a good chunk of the day.
Snorkeling Vacation FAQs
There isn’t a perfect time to go snorkeling in Anna Maria Island, but you might see more marine life if you go towards the morning or right before the sunset. Generally, there are less people around in the water during these times. Also, the summer season can be busier so you might opt for an off season time to go.
Yes definitely! The water is so clear and shallow here, which makes it a perfect spot for snorkelers, especially those who are just beginning. Plus, there’s lots to see like turtles, manatees, dolphins, plenty of colorful fish, and more.
Yes and no. There are reefs here, but they’re not the coral reefs that you’ll find elsewhere. There have been lots of artificial reefs placed nearby to cut down on red tide in the area but overall, Anna Maria Island isn’t really a big reef spot. If you’re scuba diving, you’ll probably see more reefs the further out you are.
Yes! The water is a beautiful light green and crystal clear. Of course, if the weather conditions change the water might change, but overall it’s a clear beach area.
Generally, no. Alligators prefer freshwater, not salt water. However, that doesn’t mean that there won’t ever be alligators on the beach, in the bay, etc. Hurricanes often displace alligators, so just be aware and note any warnings from lifeguards or locals.
Final Thoughts: Snorkeling in Anna Maria Island
Alright, that’s a wrap for now. Get ready for a wild day in the sparkling waters of Anna Maria Island! Hopefully this guide to snorkeling in Anna Maria Island has given you all of the information you needed to get out there and explore.
I’ve uncovered the best spots to snorkel with the coolest marine creatures and even plenty of tips to make sure you’re fully prepared! Plus, I’ve covered some frequently asked questions that you might have before heading out that you can easily refer to.
So, grab your snorkel gear, slap on that sunblock, and head out into the world beneath the waves of Anna Maria Island.
Happy snorkeling!
