Outdoor Activities on Anna Maria Island
Outdoor Activities on Anna Maria Island
Horseback Riding
For a bucket list experience, we love Horseback riding on Anna Maria Island. Saddle up on your very own Black Beauty as you embark on a journey over white sands and crystal-clear waters, or through scenic trails in a stunning natural setting. Whether you’re on a family holiday or looking to create a moment straight out of a romantic movie, horseback riding is an outdoor activity that laps up the sights and sounds of the island.
Water Sports
Turn the thrill factor up a notch with one of the many water sports on offer on the island…
Jet Skiing
Feel the waves crashing beneath you as you zip into the horizon on a jet ski. Bean Point - once a hidden gem and now loved by all for its white sand beaches and fabulous views of Tampa Bay - is a great place to try this thrill. We also love Bradenton Beach, just south of Anna Maria Island, for its prime Gulf of Mexico location and ease of access to rental equipment.
Snorkelling and diving
One look at those shimmering postcard perfect waters and you’ll be ready to dive right in and lose yourself in an underwater world of rainbow reefs and exotic sea life. Egmont Beach is great for spotting a dolphin or two on your travels, while the transparent waters of Holmes Beach allow you to gaze at schools of tropical fish, and maybe even the occasional octopus.
Kayaking
Kayaking at Anna Maria Island couldn’t be easier with the number of rental companies on offer. Whether you want to double up and enjoy wildlife spotting with a travel buddy or enjoy ocean paradise in peaceful solitude, there’s a kayak for every need. This water sport is a superb option for exploring hidden coves and mangrove tunnels of the island.
Parasailing
Enjoy panoramic views as you sail high above those piercing blue waters of Anna Maria Island. Several tour operators offer this on the island, so you’ll not be short on options. Enjoy single or tandem flights soaring high above the waves, catching the breeze, and experiencing the thrill of flying like a bird over the sparkling Gulf Coast—it's a sky-high adventure you’ll never forget. Plus, some companies also offer video and photo services so you can take a piece of your parasailing adventure home with you.
Wildlife Preserves
Tucked into the corner of Bradenton, you’ll find Robinson Preserve, an enchanting network of trails, boardwalks, and water channels. This spot is ideal for nature enthusiasts looking for a bit of everything. But due to its popularity, Robinson Preserve can be a little busier in peak times. For a more secluded and one with a nature feel, we love Perico Preserve. Here, you can spot an impressive array of bird species, take a leisurely stroll along the scenic boardwalks, or lay down the picnic blanket for an outdoor family feast.
Boat Tours
Boat tours are a terrific way to experience more of the island and you can choose from many different operators each offering something different. We highly recommend a sunset boat tour, where hues of fiery orange, crimson red, and golden yellow blanket the island for incredible holiday photos. You can also opt for fun dolphin and donuts or dolphin and drinks boat tours which depart from Siesta Key Marina and travel north around the mangrove islands of Roberts Bay with a strong focus on finding the majestic dolphin.
Biking
Exploring on two wheels is a savvy way to keep fit as well as soak in the natural charm of Anna Maria Island. There are many routes to choose from, but we recommend Gulf Drive which is one of the main thoroughfares and connects you to all the island’s main attractions. For a more peaceful, scenic bike route, Coquina Beach Park in the southern end of the island offers trails through forests and along the shoreline. And when you want to park up for a break, there are ample amenities on offer, from playgrounds to beach volleyball and barbeque pits.
Golfing
If you’re a keen golfer or just ready to take your first swing, there are several golf courses nearby, making it a great option for outdoor activities. Manatee County Golf Course has two 18-hole golf courses open year-round for an affordable day on the green. Tee off surrounded by trees, lakes, and beautiful landscaping then enjoy the on-site clubhouse, offering a fully stocked golf shop, a full-service restaurant and lounge, as well as plenty of outdoor and indoor seating to reflect on your game.
Beachcombing
If there’s one thing Anna Maria Island has in abundance it’s seashells. Due to its variety of pristine beaches, the eager beachcomber can collect a real goody bag of seaside treasures. We reckon you’ll spot a rare shell or two if you head on over to Palmetto Avenue Beach. This is one of the more secluded and unspoiled beaches, making it easier to come across those lesser-known ones. You may even spot a Junonia Shell, one of the most coveted on the island. But one of the more popular places among locals and tourists alike is Manatee Public Beach, where you’ll likely get your hands on a kaleidoscope of colourful shells.
