Our TOP 10 Activities to do on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island, Florida, is a breathtaking gem of a destination just off the Gulf Coast.
With so many activities to choose from here is our top 10!
1 - FISHING CHARTER
Anna Maria Island is a haven for nearshore, inshore and deep-sea fishing located miles off the Florida coastline. There is many fishing charters to choose from but here are the two that we have personally experienced.
Captain Anthony
Phone/Text - 941-807-0071
Youtube Video
Captain Nate - This guy knows where the fish are hiding! My son had a Jack Fish on our bucket list (as seen in picture above). Very responsive, punctual and fantastic with kids.
2 - BUILD YOUR OWN DONUTS
This is what people line up for...the most ridiculously fresh donuts you will ever taste! With flavors like Key lime pie, raspberry chocolate drizzle and so many more, you've just gotta get there. We like to take a dozen home with us to enjoy....most often they are devoured the same day!
INSIDERS TIP - Head to the Donut Experiment early to avoid line ups! They open from 7am every day and close just after lunch.
210C Pine Ave, Anna Maria
941-896-3172
The Donut Experiment
3 - HORSEBACK RIDING
C Ponies - An equestrian aquatic adventure like no other. Ride along the beach and out into the Bay where your horse will swim while you ride it. A great family activity available year round. A team of expert equestrians and beautiful horses will ensure your ride is safe and one of the best vacation experiences you will ever have.
NOTE -If the weather temperatures dip below 65F, the ride will continue on land. No experience required. Age requirements - minimum 8 years old.
4 - KAYAK TOURS
Happy Paddler - With over 700 5 stars reviews on Trip Advisor - Happy Paddler is a must during your next visit. They offer different tours including Coastal, Sunset, Mangroves and fishing.
INSIDERS TIP - If you love shelling I recommend the Coastal Tour. You will visit the famous Beer Can Island where you will find many different shells for your collection!
5 - PIRATE ADVENTURE
Pirate Adventure - Come aboard the Sea Gypsy - get caught up in this real life adventure and be amazed as our crew taps into the wonder of a child's imagination! The pirates will do an AMAZING job at keeping the kids entertained the WHOLE time! They handed the kids pirate guns as we boarded which they thought was fun, they had an epic water gun fight against pirate Josh and Peg leg Pete, had an opportunity to get pirate or Mermaid face paint, became an honorary pirate and were given certificates to prove it, and were able to keep pirates booty!! Dad appreciated the rum & cokes, mama appreciated the laughter & smiles, and the kids enjoyed it all!
6 - CAPTAIN KATHE / SCARLETT BOAT TOURS
Captain Kathe / Scarlett Boat Tours - I constantly recommend Captain Kathe and Captain Katie Scarlett out of Cortez to families with kids and there's a few reasons why. Captain Kathe is a fourth generation Cortezian and has a crazy amount of knowledge and stories to share about the area. She also has her first mate Sailor, a dog which keeps kids interested throughout the boat charter. Captain Katie Scarlett is equally knowledgeable about the area. She hunts down as many sea creatures such as sea horses, starfish, octopus, etc... so that visitors can learn about our area and understand its fragile ecosystem.
7 - THE FISH HOLE - MINIATURE GOLF
The Fish Hole - You can head to The Fish Hole in Bradenton Beach on historic Bridge Street for a fun game of golf anytime, day or night. This little spot lives large inside the golf course. With cool misting sprays and a 3,000 pound koi pond full of fish the atmosphere is tropical and lush. You can even feed the fish after your game. Look at the website for coupons before you go.v
INSIDERS TIP - After your game, head over to the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier down the street. The food is delicious!
8 - SEGWAY TOURS
This is a really fun way to toot around the island and learn about the local flora and fauna.
Zegway by the Bay tours - Serves Anna Maria Island and the surrounding areas, like the mainland cities of Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice. For all tours, you’ll be given a quick training session before you take off to ensure you’re comfortable on your Segway and can operate it properly. You’ll also be given a helmet to make sure you’re safe.
AMI Segway and Scooters - Segway, E-Boards, E-Trikes and Electric Bikes ; for kids 2+ (kids free from 3 to 9). Something for everyone!
9 - PARASAILING
For the adventure seeker! Take in all of the amazing sights of the Gulf of Mexico, the beaches and the mainland all in one trip. While some restrictions do apply, almost anyone can go parasailing/ Stay dry through the entire ride or volunteer for a “dip” in the water on your way back! No matter, whether you are going with friends or with family, one thing is for sure—you will all have a fantastic time!
Bradenton Beach Parasail
Florida Fun Boat
10 - SUNSET CRUISE
End your evening in the best way possible – with a spectacular Florida sunset! Admire the sun’s magnificent reflection on the water as it slowly sinks below the horizon.
AMI Dolphin Tours
INSIDERS TIP - Other tours like a visit to Egmont Key Island is also offered by this company. Egmont Key Island is a place to relax and collect shells along secluded, pristine beaches. We have collected many beautiful shells on this island! A must.
LOOKING TO RENT A GOLF CART?
When visiting the island you will see many with golf carts driving around on the streets. Golf carts are available in multiple sizes from 4-seater up to a 6 seater option.
There are many companies to choose from. Some will also deliver and pick up the golf carts right at your vacation rental! Here is a company that offers this service:
Fun and More Rentals
Fun and more rentals also offers many other rental equipment like bikes and kayaks, all delivered to your front door.
INSIDERS TIP - You cannot cross any bridges with the golf cart. It must remain on the island. All security rules apply (car seat/ booster seat for children, valid drivers license, etc..).
BONUS - OFF ISLAND ACTIVITIES
SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS - This is my son Xavier, feeding Flamingos, isn't that amazing! This was by far one of the best experience we had!
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals – many of them rescued or donated – including Florida’s noted pink flamingos. All nestled within 10 acres of lush tropical landscaping connected by winding jungle trails.
INSIDERS TIP - Buy your tickets online to skip the lineup at the entrance!
MOTE MUSEUM - AQUARIUM - Rainy day? This is the perfect outing! Always wanted to see manatees? This is your chance! Very family friendly aquarium with nice interactive attractions for the little ones.
INSIDERS TIP - After your visit we suggest grabbing a bite at The Old Salty Dog almost in front of Mote! Waterfront and fun family friendly spot.
CONCLUSION
This was just a glimpse of fun you can have on the Island! Here are a few videos with more suggestions and ideas to help you plan your trip in paradise!
Best Beaches and Things to do on AMI
Part 1 - 10 things to do on the island
Part 2 - 10 things to do on the island
