Boat Tours on Anna Maria Island

    2021 Has been a very busy year on Anna Maria Island thus far. The beaches, restaurants, Hotels/vacation homes and activities have all been booked to full capacity! We are now in September, the kids are back in school and Island a bit more quit than the previous months.
      The tour boats on Anna Maria Island have been particularly popular. Its as if everyone wanted to be out on the water! A boat tour is the best way to experience the scenery and the wildlife around it! You can experience snorkeling, sandbars, sunsets, watching manatees and dolphins on a boat tour. Some people just prefer to relax and go for the boat ride! Some tour boats are only rated for up to 6 passengers. These are also known as uninspected vessels. Any vessel that takes out more than 6 passengers is required to have a certificate of inspection by the coast guard. Six passenger vessels tend to give a more personalized boat trip for the group. It is usually more hands on and the boat trip can be customized to the passengers request. Most of these private charter vessels will also allow coolers, alcohol and food aboard. Inspected tour boats that can accommodate more than 6 passengers usually have a shorter designated route and will cater to different groups or individuals at a time. These tour boats are great for people who just want to get out for a short period of time and don't mind being on a boat with other people. 
​      All tour boats must be operated by a licensed boat captain when paying customers are onboard. Most captains primary objective is to keep everyone safe onboard. The captain can also be the guide and will show the passengers the best spots to go to! He/she will know where to find dolphins, sand dollars, shells or a great fishing spot. Some vacationers prefer to rent a boat and take all the responsibility that goes with it. Navigation, running aground, fuel and damage to the boat are some of those responsibilities. You wont need to worry about any of that when you choose a tour boat agency. When visiting Anna Maria Island don't forget to get out on a boat. It will be one of the best experiences you will have!