Best snorkeling sites & top 7 tours at Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island, with sugar-white beaches and emerald blue and green gulf waters is an excellent destination for snorkeling. This snorkeler’s paradise nestled in the Gulf of Mexico is a Florida gem known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, including manatees, rays, tortoises and dolphins. The island’s small size allows for easy access to several snorkeling spots, and the waters around the island are typically clear, making it perfect for underwater exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, Anna Maria Island has something to offer. Here is a map of all my top spots for snorkeling near Anna Maria Island. Read on for a description of each.

Best places for snorkeling near Anna Maria Island

Snorkeling in and around Anna Maria Island offers some fantastic opportunities to explore the diverse marine life and beautiful underwater scenery of the Gulf of Mexico. Even when embarking from the shoreline, snorkelers can expect to encounter a variety of species in their natural habitats. Here are several top snorkeling spots around the Island.

Bean Point

Located at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point offers calm and clear waters full of vibrant sea life, perfect for snorkeling. You’ll likely spot a variety of fish, crabs, and other marine creatures around the rock formations and seagrass beds. The calm waters make Bean Point ideal for beginner snorkelers and families with young children.

Egmont Key State Park

Just a short boat ride from Anna Maria Island, Egmont Key is a small island surrounded by crystal-clear waters which are home to abundant marine life. Here you’ll find tropical fish, sea turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and possibly dolphins and manatees. The clear waters offer excellent visibility, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the underwater world. Egmont Key also offers on-shore activities such as exploring historic sites, wildlife viewing, and lounging on the beaches. Egmont Key is home to several historic sites, where you can explore the ruins and learn about its history through interpretive signs scattered throughout the island. It is also home to nesting colonies of seabirds such as terns, gulls, and pelicans, as well as migratory birds that pass through the area. If you don’t have your own boat, there are several tours and ferry services from Anna Maria Island. Visitors are encouraged to respect this protected environment and follow any posted regulations to help preserve its beauty for future generations.

Fort De Soto Park

If you’re embarking on your snorkeling adventure with a boat, Fort De Soto Park is one you should not miss! Although it’s a bit further out, Fort De Soto Park is worth the trip for its pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling spots. There are several designated snorkeling areas with shallow waters teeming with fish and other marine creatures. Check out the nature trails that wind through coastal habitats, mangrove swamps, and pine forests. Keep an eye out for native species such as ospreys, herons, dolphins, and even the occasional manatee. Grab a paddle board and explore the park’s mangrove tunnels, estuaries, and scenic coastline.These trails provide excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Pull up to the historic Fort De Soto and check out the remains. For your convenience, the park offers a variety of amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers.

Coquina Beach

Located on the island’s southern end, this beach is known for its soft, powdery white sand and its calm, clear waters, making it a great spot for snorkeling. The gentle slope of the beach creates shallow areas which are perfect for beginner snorkelers and families with young children. Look for areas near rock formations where marine life tends to gather. Enjoy the views and the natural wildlife habitats where you can observe shorebirds, dolphins and sea turtles. For your convenience, Coquina beach is equipped with picnic areas, pavilions with grills, restrooms, showers and ample parking.

Anna Maria Island City Pier

The area around the Historic City Pier is known for its diverse fish population. While primarily known for fishing, the area around the City Pier can also be good for snorkeling, especially near the pilings where fish congregate. Snorkelers can explore the pier’s underwater structures, which attract many marine species. Other advantages to visiting the City Pier include dining, shopping and soaking in the scenery.

Rod & Reel Pier

The Rod and Reel Pier is a historic fishing pier and restaurant, where larger fish are often spotted, making it an exciting location for more experienced snorkelers. A variety of fish species are spotted here year-round, including snook, redfish, trout, and sheepshead. Here you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the surrounding coastline. In addition to snorkeling, it’s a great spot for watching sunsets, spotting dolphins, and observing seabirds soaring overhead.

Top 7 snorkeling tours at Anna Maria Island

At Anna Maria Island you can opt for snorkeling off the shores of the local beaches, or hop on a boat and explore further beyond, in search of buried treasure and hidden islands. Popular snorkeling destinations include Egmont Key, Passage Key, Holmes Beach, and the many sandbars and seagrass beds in between. If this sounds like your cup of tea, or if you’re a first-time snorkeler looking for some guidance, these top 7 tours are a great way to explore what the area’s underwater world has to offer. If you didn’t bring your snorkeling gear, not to worry. These charters provide everything you need, except for food and beverage. The best snorkeling tours and charters near Anna Maria Island are listed here.

Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions

Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions offers a variety of excursions and experiences. Private day trips, snorkeling adventures, and shorter sightseeing tours are a few of the options.

2-Hour Anna Maria Island excursions

3-Hour Egmont Key excursions

• $80 per person or $425 for a private trip up to 6 passengers.
• There are various booking options throughout the day, the first departing at 9AM and the last at 5PM.

This is your opportunity to explore a national wildlife refuge in historic Fort Dade and the oldest working lighthouse in Florida. Gopher tortoises roam around the island. Snorkel around sunken ruins of Fort Dade and see sub-tropical fish and other marine life. 

4-Hour Egmont Key Excursions

• $90 per person or $485 for a private trip up to 6 passengers.
• Booking times range from 9AM to 5PM.

A longer tour for those who really like the water and exploring! With this package you’ll see the Passage Key sandbar when you can snorkel for shells and sand dollars. This includes everything that the 2- and 3-hour trips have to offer. 

6- Hour and 8-Hour private trips

Also offered are a 6-hour for $675 and an 8-hour for $875. These are private trips only, and are customized to suit your needs.

Passage Key Dolphin Tours

Passage Key Dolphin Tours offers a variety of tours which include snorkeling for beginners or simple dolphin and manatee viewing. They offer private charters for up to 6 people and the first tours go out at 9:30AM. Tours range from 2 hours to 8 hours. Head to their website to book.

2-Hour Dolphin and Manatee Tour 

• $325 for up to 6 people

On this tour you’ll simply cruise the crystal blue waters around Anna Maria Island and probably spot dolphins and manatees.

Three or Four-Hour Dolphins and Beginners Snorkeling Tour 

• $450 for 3 hours / $550 for 4 hours

On this tour you’ll explore local sandbars and likely find sand dollars, crabs, sea urchins, and conch shells in shallow waters. No fins needed – this is a great snorkeling tour for beginners. You’ll also discover dolphins in all their favorite places.

Egmont Key Snorkeling Tour (4, 6 or 8 Hour)

• $550 for 4 hours / $750 for 6 hours / $899 for 8 hours

This tour generally travels to Egmont Key, while the longer tours leave plenty of time to visit other spots. Explore Passage Key, or simply cruise around in search of dolphins. Snorkel Egmont Key and the submerged historical structures of batteries Burchstead and Page. You’ll have the opportunity to walk the cobblestone streets of the historic 19th-century Fort Dade and visit the Egmont Key Lighthouse. Island dwellers include gopher tortoises and nesting birds. 

Big Wili Water Adventures

• 4108 99th St W, Bradenton, FL 34210
• Phone: 941-737-5142
• Open every day

Big Wili Water Adventures lets you customize your own trip! Offerings include snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a variety of sightseeing and island hopping tours for those who prefer to observe from the boat. They also offer private fishing charters and private sunset tours. Book your tour between 8AM and 4PM. Here are your options for building your own tour.

Two hour trip $275 / Three hour trip $375 / Four hour trip $475 / Five hour trip $575 / Six hour trip $675

Choose your own adventure

• Paddleboarding (2 paddleboards included)
• Snorkeling & Swimming
• Sandbar & Island Hopper Tour
• Egmont Key & Passage Key Tour
• Eco Tour
• Sightseeing & Nature Tour
• Dolphin & Manatee Sightseeing
• Island Hopper AKA Booze Cruise

Nature Coast Excursions 

• 752 Manatee Ave, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
• Phone: 941-779-8717
• Closed Saturday & Sunday 

Nature Coast Excursions offers 3, 4, and 6-hour charters for up to 6 passengers. Snorkeling is one option, but so is sandbar hopping, bird watching, and sight seeing. Book times between 9AM and 3PM on weekdays.

3- or 4- Hour Charter 

• $425 for Three Hour Private Charter / $525 for Four Hour Private Charter

You’ll see the essentials on this tour – the clear shallow waters brimming with dolphin, manatee, rays, and other marine life. At Egmont Key State Park and National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll see the historic lighthouse and explore Fort Dade. Explore secluded beaches and walk nature trails. Swim and picnic at the shoreline. Snorkel the ruins of Fort Dade, nearby shallow grass flats of Egmont Key, and or Passage Key for shells and sand dollars.

6 Hour Charter 

• $725 for Six Hour Private Charter

A more complete excursion, with extra time for relaxing at sand bars, exploring surrounding keys, swimming, and snorkeling.

YOLO Parasailing & Adventures 

• 135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 (Located in: The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar)
• Phone: 941-778-5000
• Open every day

Yolo offers a snorkeling adventure starting on their boat, which can hold up to 6 passengers. The ride is 30 minutes to Egmont Key, the secluded island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Here you can snorkel around the sunken fort and beds of seagrass. Private snorkeling trips out to Egmont Key take a minimum of three hours and the price is $25 per person per hour. 

Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours 

• 5325 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 (Located in Waterline Villas & Marina, Autograph Collection)
• Phone: 941-281-3461
• Open every day

Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours offers boat tours, snorkeling trips and pontoon rentals out of Holmes Beach. They offer a base price for the first six people, and then $45 for each additional person. Book the 9AM or 2PM option. This is a great option for larger groups, with a capacity of up to 18 passengers.

• $425 for 3-Hour Charter (up to 18 passengers) / $503.50 for 4-Hour Charter (up to 18 passengers)

Spirit Cruises

• Bridge Street Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
• Phone: 941-253-8503
• Open every day

Book a spirit cruise and enjoy a charter lasting 2-6 hours. You’ll have relaxing cushioned seating and plenty of shade. All charters are private and accommodate up to 6 passengers. Customize to your exact specifications! Masks, flippers, and snorkels are provided, as well as beach toys, floats and other fun things. You’ll end up on a local island where you can kick back, snorkel, swim, shell, picnic, paddle board and relax.

2-Hour Sightseeing and Island Hopper

• $300 for up to 6 people

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the island, while enjoying sightings of marine life. Search for manatees and dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico and intracoastal waterway. Disembark in shallow water for paddle boarding, or snorkeling. Find colorful shells at Longboat Key, Beer Can Island, or Jewfish Key. Enjoy a bite or beverage at local eateries!

2-Hour Sunset/Cocktail Cruise 

• $300 for up to 6 people
• 4PM to 6PM

This tour is the same as Sightseeing and Island Hopper, minus paddle boarding and snorkeling. Bring along your favorite beverages and snacks. 

3-Hour Sightseeing, Island Hopping, Snorkeling & Paddleboarding 

• $400 for up to 6 people

Navigate the intracoastal waterway and see dolphins and manatees. Tour the fisheries, paddle board and snorkel. Kick back on an island and look for shells, sea urchins, sand dollars and starfish. Buckets and nets provided. 

4-Hour Sightseeing & Fun in the Sun Excursion

• $500 for up to 6 people 

This is their most popular tour, which includes sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Find an island to explore and see the Cortez Fishing Village.

6-Hours The Spirit AMI Experience $700

• $700 for up to 6 people

This longer tour includes Longboat Key, Beer Can Island, Passage Key preserve, shelling, paddle boarding and snorkeling. Boad disembarks at AMI City Pier and the famous ‘Rod and Reel Pier’ – perfect spots for paddle boarding, snorkeling, and shelling.

Tips for snorkeling Anna Maria Island

• Prioritize safety – always be aware of your surroundings and current local conditions. 
• Be mindful of hazards such as currents and jellyfish and don’t venture too far from shore.
• Stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect against the Florida sun
• Consider renting equipment from a local dive shop where they can answer questions and update you on current conditions. If you’re new to snorkeling, consider taking a lesson or joining a guided tour.
• It’s exciting to see creatures up close, but do respect their space and not disturb their habitats
• Sunrise or sunset snorkeling provides unique underwater lighting for an unforgettable experience
• Try out an underwater camera for capturing your underwater adventures!