Get Out & Explore
Things to Do
From mangrove kayak tours to golf-cart cruises and sunset sails — make the most of Anna Maria Island.
The best wildlife encounters happen at a respectful distance. Follow your guide, avoid chasing or feeding animals, and obey posted nesting and slow-speed zones.
Wildlife GuideExploring the piers, Bridge Street or the beaches? Check where to park before you go and follow the signs at each location.
Parking GuideRecommendations
Mini guides from our island visits
With Children
Family daysCalm beaches, the free trolley, dolphin trips and a storm plan, for toddlers to teens.
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A Romantic Evening for Two
CouplesSunset sails, quiet beaches, dinner on the sand and a golf-cart cruise home.
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Rainy Day Ideas
Indoors & shelteredA free museum, a show, a long lunch, and coloring books for the kids.
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Wheelchair-Friendly Days
Easy accessBeach access mats, beach wheelchairs, paved nature trails and step-free planning.
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Free & Low-Cost Fun
BudgetFree beaches, the free trolley, a free museum and the island's best free show: the sunset.
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Your First Day
Start hereHow the island fits together, where to start, and a simple plan for day one.
Read the guideWater Sports & Adventures
3 spotsGet out on the Gulf
Happy Paddler Kayak Tours
Kayak & SUP Eco-ToursGuided paddles through the quiet mangrove tunnels behind the island. The naturalist guides know every heron, manatee, and tucked-away creek — perfect for beginners and families.
Island Style Watersports
Jet Ski & ParasailingThe adrenaline option. Hourly waverunner rentals and parasail flights launching right from the bay side. Book a morning slot before the afternoon wind picks up.
AMI Paddleboard Co.
Paddleboard Rentals & LessonsCrystal-clear flats make this some of Florida's best paddleboarding. They deliver boards to your rental and run sunrise lessons for first-timers. Patient, friendly instructors.
Golf Carts & Bike Rentals
3 spotsHow locals get around
Beach Bums Recreational Rentals
Golf Carts, Bikes & KayaksThe island's one-stop rental shop — street-legal golf carts, beach cruisers, kayaks, paddleboards, and chairs. Friendly crew, easy pickup right off Bridge Street.
Fun & More Rentals
Golf Carts & Beach CruisersClean, well-maintained carts and bikes delivered straight to your door. Daily and weekly rates that beat the competition, plus free helmets and baskets with every bike.
AMI Golf Cart Rentals
Street-Legal Golf CartsNewer six-seater carts that are perfect for cruising Gulf Drive at sunset. Delivery and pickup are included, and they walk you through the island's cart-parking rules.
Boat Tours & Cruises
3 spotsDolphins, shelling & sunsets
Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours
Dolphin & Sightseeing ToursNearly guaranteed dolphin sightings on a small, personal boat. The captain stops at a sandbar for shelling and swimming — one of the best-value tours on the island.
Paradise Boat Tours
Egmont Key & Shelling TripsHalf-day trips out to untouched Egmont Key for shelling, snorkeling, and exploring the old fort ruins. Knowledgeable crew and plenty of shade on board.
Spice Sailing Charters
Sunset Catamaran SailsA relaxed catamaran sail timed for the sunset. Bring your own drinks, kick back, and watch for dolphins riding the bow. Captain Rocky is a local legend.
Fishing & Piers
3 spotsCast a line, Old Florida style
Cortez Deep Sea Fishing
Offshore Fishing ChartersHalf- and full-day group trips out of the historic fishing village of Cortez. Grouper, snapper, and kingfish are common hauls, and the crew cleans your catch.
Rod & Reel Pier
Historic Fishing PierA 1947 landmark at the island's north end. Drop a line off the rail, watch tarpon roll, and soak up sweeping views back toward the Sunshine Skyway. Pure Old Florida.
Bay Front
Pier Fishing & StrollingThe island's iconic wooden pier stretching into Tampa Bay. No license needed to fish from it, and the bait shop has everything you need. Stunning at sunrise.
Parks, Nature & Family Fun
3 spotsTrails, towers & history
Robinson Preserve
Nature Preserve & Kayak TrailsOver 600 acres of restored coastal wetland with paved biking paths, kayak launches, and a 40-foot observation tower with panoramic Gulf views. Free admission.
AMI Historical Museum
Local History MuseumA charming free museum with the old icehouse, the tiny historic 'Belle Haven' cottage, and the famous one-cell city jail out back. A quick, delightful Old Florida stop.
Leffis Key Preserve
Coastal Nature TrailsA hidden gem of elevated boardwalks and shell trails winding over a man-made hill with bay views. Great birding, quiet lagoons, and a peaceful break from the beach crowds.
Ratings and reviews are editorial summaries from our island guide. Hours, pricing, and availability change seasonally — please call ahead or check each operator's website before you go.
Make It a Day
Rent a golf cart in the morning, paddle the mangroves at midday, and toast the sunset from a catamaran. On Anna Maria Island, the hardest part is choosing what to do first.