Anna Maria Island truly offers something for everyone. The foodie will adore fresh seafood on every corner, the shopaholic will find plenty of unique boutiques to check out, and the nature lover will have endless white sand beaches and countless bird species to fawn over.
No matter what your group is interested in, snorkeling makes a fantastic addition to your itinerary. Everyone in the family can get involved, and it’s easy to find great snorkeling spots near our Anna Maria Island rentals. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about snorkeling on Anna Maria Island!
How Can You Snorkel?
Even if you’ve never been snorkeling before, it’s easy to take up the hobby on Anna Maria Island. You don’t even have to bring your own equipment! There are plenty of snorkeling shops around the area that are happy to help you rent equipment and also offer snorkeling tours, putting you under the watchful eye of an experienced guide.
Egmont Key Adventures is conveniently located in Holmes Beach. They offer a variety of excursions from snorkeling and fishing to a sunset cruise or dolphin sightseeing tour. Their catamarans are equipped with all of the necessary snorkeling gear, water floats, and most importantly – friendly, and knowledgeable captains. These tours are meant to be laid back, so you can take full advantage of your vacation relaxation while enjoying the stunning coastal waters.
Why Should You Snorkel?
While many vacationers spend their time at the beach, most tend to stay on the shore or simply wade into the water. So why take the time to go snorkeling? It’s the perfect way to get your whole group active and interested in the incredible wildlife of Anna Maria Island. Not only will you get a new perspective of the water, but you may even spot majestic wildlife such as manatees and stingrays! But don’t worry; snorkeling on Anna Maria Island is safe and fun, especially if you opt for a tour with an experienced guide.
One of the best things about snorkeling on Anna Maria Island is how clear the waters are. In other parts of the world, murky waters can make for a mediocre view of the wildlife. But on Anna Maria Island, the waters are beautiful and blue, allowing you to see clearly the variety of fish, crabs, and more.
Where Should You Snorkel?
Now that you’ve decided to go snorkeling, where are the best areas? The Regina Sugar Barge is a great place to start. During a storm in 1940, the barge sunk off Bradenton Beach. Today, it is marked with a buoy and sits in about 20 feet of water at 150 feet off the beach. You can spot the wildlife that claims this area as home and explore the wreckage of the barge.
You can also find great snorkeling opportunities near the piers located between Bradenton Beach and Coquina Beach. Grab lunch at the Gulf Drive Cafe, then dive right off the pier to test your luck at spotting a stingray or manatee! Pro tip: Go when the sun is directly overhead to have the best visibility.
Of all the things to do on Anna Maria Island, snorkeling is one of the most exciting. If you’re searching for Anna Maria Island activities that the whole family can enjoy, this is one of them! At the end of a long day on the water, head back to one of our Anna Maria Island rentals to unwind for the evening. Contact Mainsail Vacation Rentals today to learn more about planning your getaway!
