Boating on Anna Maria Island
Boating is fabulous on Anna Maria Island year-round!
Anna Maria Island is truly a boater's paradise, offering endless waterways, scenic views, and pristine isolated beaches. Whether you’re an experienced captain or a casual cruiser, boating here is a dream come true.
The warm Gulf Coast waters and ideal temperatures offer a laid-back vibe. It's no surprise that nearly 1 million people enjoy Florida’s waterways each year. The climate is perfect for boating year-round, with average temperatures between 70°F and 90°F. Here you will encounter dolphins, manatees, and exotic coastal shorebirds.
The island has a unique position between the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay to the north, the Inter-Coastal Waterway to the east and Sarasota Bay to the south. Here, there are diverse boating opportunities. Think tranquil morning and sunset cruises to adventurous fishing expeditions or try anchoring at one of our sandbars and numerous keys for a day of swimming and relaxation. Snorkel our wreck, the Regina Sugar Barge or head to Egmont Key ruins for an introduction into our marine life.
You can bring your own boats to our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals since each one is positioned on deep water canals ideal for boating anytime. Don't have a boat? Rent one from the numerous local vendors around the island.
Boating
License Info
Top AMI Boating Destinations
Anna Maria Island Boat Ramps
Boating Tips
AMI Restaurants with Docks
Boating Marinas
Do I need a license to boat in Florida?
Florida Boating License Requirements:
✅ Who Needs a Boater Safety Card?
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If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you must:
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Complete a NASBLA approved Boater Safety Education Course
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Carry a Boating Safety Education I.D. Card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
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Also carry a photo ID while operating a motorboat of 10 hp or more
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❌ Who Doesn’t Need It?
You don’t need the card if:
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You were born before Jan 1, 1988
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You’re operating under the supervision of someone who has the card and is at least 18 years old
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You have a valid captain’s license or a similar exemption, if you have a boaters license from out of state or Canada that is accepted as well.
🚤 Boat Rentals
Most rental companies will:
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Ask for proof of your safety card if you’re under 36 years old.
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Offer a temporary certificate valid for 90 days after you complete a short online test (takes about 30 minutes and costs ~$10)
You can take that temporary test here: Florida Boating License Temporary Certificate Program
🧾 Summary Checklist for Renting a Boat in AMI
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✅ Born before 1988? You're good to go!
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✅ Born 1988 or later? Take a safety course or the temporary test.
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✅ Bring photo ID and your boater card or temp certificate.
*The information provided is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Boating laws and requirements may change, so please consult official sources or your rental provider and the state of Florida for the most current regulations.
Top Anna Maria Island Boating Destinations
Check out our List of Anna Maria Island Best Boating Destinations:
📍 Top Boating Destinations
1. Sandbars & Dolphin‑watching Cruises
Popular among locals: cruise, anchor, swim & sip at sandbars. Operators like Paradise Boat Tours offer dolphin‑focused trips. We recommend AMI Dolphin Tours. They've been in business for over 45 years and have in depth knowledge of the island. Also popular among families with children is Captain Kathe with her pup who can keep kids busy. She's a 4th generation Cortezian with a passion for education, sight seeing and eco tours.
2. Egmont Key State Park
Accessible only by boat. Marine wildlife, historic lighthouse & Fort Dade ruins await you. This location is absolutely spectacular for snorkelers and history buffs. The ruins are on the West side and old Fort Dade can be accessed from the East side of the Key. Be sure to avoid the south end of the island as this is a bird sanctuary and the park rangers will arrive to direct you away from this area. Be careful if you have a larger boat, the North-West side has areas that are 1 foot deep.
3. Jewfish Key - Longboat Pass
The channel running under Longboat Pass Bridge can be strong, so be sure to anchor south of the sandbar just off Jewfish Key. This area is popular and great for swimming and wading around. Be warned, it can be packed with folks for holidays such as July 4th and Memorial Day weekends. It's a great place to snorkel the shallow waters or play a game of catch with a football when the tide is low. There are the Coquina boat ramps and beach facilities nearby.
4. Passage Key Wildlife Refuge
Located just north of Anna Maria Island, between AMI and Egmont Key, you'll find this remote, natural sandbar surrounded by crystal-clear water. It's best known for anchoring your boat, wading and swimming in shallow water. When not submerged, Passage Key can be used to view seabirds, as this is a sanctuary. You're not permitted to walk on the sandbar when it is above sea level, but you are permitted to walk around when it is underwater. This area is popular among boaters. Keep in mind, there are no facilities, just nature here. Some boaters treat Passage Key like a “party sandbar,” so it can vary from quiet to lively depending on the day
5. Beer Can Island (Greer Island), Longboat Key
Found on the northern tip of Longboat Key, Beer Can Island is accessible from the Longboat Pass Bridge area. The vibe here is a driftwood paradise with a laid-back, local crowd. It's best for beach picnics under the palm trees, great Instagram-worthy photo ops among the driftwood trees on the shoreline, and walking along the secluded shoreline. Tip: It gets crowded on weekends with boaters, currents near the pass can be strong, so caution is needed for swimming.
6. Regina Sugar Barge
Try snorkelling just off Bradenton Beach, where the sunken sugar barge sunk. It's located just west of 105 7th Street N., Bradenton, FL 34217. The depth is 11.5 feet and average visibility is about 16 feet. Although this dive site has an average rating of 3.00 out of 5 from scuba divers sometimes divers report that beach renourishment sometimes cover the site.
7. OffShore Fishing Charters
Offshore fishing charters are one of the top boating excursions near Anna Maria Island! Whether you're a serious angler or a family looking for an adventure, heading 20-30 miles offshore offers deep water, big fish, and a full Gulf of Mexico experience. Local captains are highly skilled and know where the fish are biting. Many charters include gear, bait, licenses and fish cleaning. Trips usually range from half day (4 - 6 hours) to full day (8-12 hours) excursions. Check out our Fishing Guide for more information.There is a big game variety of:
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Grouper, snapper, amberjack, cobia, king mackerel, and even mahi-mahi, sailfish (if your lucky), or blackfin tuna in deeper waters.
8. De Soto State Park
Boating to De Soto National Memorial near Anna Maria Island is a relaxing, scenic trip — perfect for boaters who want to combine nature, history, and gentle cruising in the calmer waters of Tampa Bay. Do Soto Park is located on the north side of the mouth of the Manatee River, across from Anna Maria Island (just north of Palma Sola Bay). This site commemorates the 1539 landing of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and his expedition into the Southeastern U.S. You can approach by the Intracoastal Waterway into Manatee River. It's about 5 - 7 miles from Anna Maria Island. It's best to visit mid-tide as there are no docks. It's a great way to get close to nature by walking the park shoreline looking at the shorebirds and marine life. We even had flamingos here recently!
Anna Maria Island Map of Marinas, Boat Ramps & Restaurants with Docks
1. Coquina South Boat Ramp
📍 1465 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
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2-lane concrete ramp
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Large trailer parking area
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Restrooms, picnic areas, and beach access
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Ideal for quick access to Longboat Pass and Gulf fishing
2. Kingfish Boat Ramp
📍 752 Manatee Ave W, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
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Located at the west end of the Anna Maria Island Bridge
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2 ramps with moderate parking
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Easy access to the north end of AMI, Bimini Bay, and Tampa Bay
3. Holmes Beach Boat Ramp
📍 63rd St & Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
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Small public ramp tucked into a residential area
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Limited trailer parking (first-come, first-served)
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Great for launching into canals and mid-island waterways
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No restrooms or fuel on-site
4. Palma Sola Causeway Boat Ramp
📍 9000 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
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Best for small boats, kayaks, and jet skis
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Beach launch directly from the sand
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No dock, but very accessible
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Shallow and wind-sensitive — best for calm days
5. De Soto National Memorial / Riverview Pointe Launch (Non-motorized only)
📍 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209
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Launch for kayaks and paddleboards only
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Great access to scenic mangroves and Manatee River
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No trailer parking or boat ramp for motorized craft
Anna Maria Island Marinas
Here's a list of the main marinas on or near Anna Maria Island, including the services they offer like boat rentals, fuel, dockage, bait, charters, and more:
⚓ 1. Galati Yacht Sales (Anna Maria)
📍 900 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL
🌐 galatiyachts.com
Services:
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High-end yacht sales & brokerage
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Full-service marina with fuel dock
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Overnight dockage (limited; call ahead)
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Boat maintenance, repair, and cleaning services
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Ship’s store with marine supplies
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No small boat rentals
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Dockside dining at Ocean Star Restaurant on site
⚓ 2. Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club (Holmes Beach)
📍 5325 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
🌐 Waterline Resort
Services:
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Overnight & transient slip rentals
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Water & power hookups
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Boutique hotel, restaurant, pool, and amenities access
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Ideal for guests with boats or visiting boaters
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No fuel or boat rentals directly on-site
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Dockside dining at The Chateau Restaurant in the hotel
⚓ 3. Keyes Marina (Holmes Beach)
📍 5501 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
🌐 Keyes Marina
Services:
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Boat slip rentals (monthly/seasonal)
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Bait & tackle shop
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On-site charter fishing boats
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Small marine repair services
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Friendly, “Old Florida” vibe
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No fuel dock
⚓ 4. Bradenton Beach Marina (Bradenton Beach)
📍 402 Church Ave, Bradenton Beach, FL
🌐 bradentonbeachmarina.com
Services:
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Full-service marina with:
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Fuel dock
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Boat rentals (pontoons, deck boats, center consoles)
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Jet ski rentals
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Dolphin & sunset cruises
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Fishing charters
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Dry storage and wet slips
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Bathroom & shower facilities
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Located just off Bridge Street — great walkable location
⚓ 5. Cortez Village Marinas - Currently Under Construction
📍 Near Cortez Road, East of AMI Bridge
Services:
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Boat slips & dry storage
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Several charter fishing boats
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Fuel available at select docks (e.g., Cortez Cove Marina)
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Close to great dockside dining (Tide Tables, Star Fish Co.)
⚓ 6. Marine Max Bradenton (Palma Sola next to Compass Hotel)
📍 12312 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209, USA
Services:
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Boat slips & mooring for both short-term and longer stays
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Full-service fuel dock (gasoline & diesel)
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Marine head pump out
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Charter services: fishing, dolphin-watching, and sunset cruises
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On-site boat sales, parts, maintenance, and detailing
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Restrooms & showers, plus adjacent hotel amenities and dining at Floridays Restaurant
Boating Tips for Anna Maria Island
Although not completely exhaustive, use our handy checklist to as a quick tool to use before heading out. Be sure to tell someone on shore of your itinerary and when you will return. Check out the boating and weather apps that I like to use when boating around Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Sound and the Inter-coastal Waterway.
Boating Checklist:
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✅ Reserve your Anna Maria Island boat rental or charter early - high season sells out!
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✅ Check weather & tides
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✅ Floatation, fire extinguisher & safety gear onboard
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✅ Turn on your radio to monitor emergency channel 16 for any distress signals
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✅ Plan your route using a chart: destinations, restaurants & anchor spots
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✅ Pack eco‑friendly sunscreen, snacks and water
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✅ Respect wildlife - give 50 yards / 150 feet distance to dolphins and manatees
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✅ Respect preserve zones - half of Egmont Key & Passage Key are designated bird sanctuaries
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✅ Stay in marked zones - it gets shallow really quickly!
Check out my weather apps that I love to use when planning a day of boating on Anna Maria Island.
- MyRadar
Insider Tips
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When navigating the waters around Anna Maria Island, it’s essential to stay within the marked channels and pay close attention to navigational signs. The area is known for its shallow flats, where water depth can drop off unexpectedly—one minute you're cruising, the next you're scraping bottom. Staying vigilant helps prevent getting stuck or damaging your boat.
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Before heading out, always review current weather forecasts and radar. Florida’s coastal weather can shift rapidly, especially in the summer when afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and can roll in with little warning.
Anna Maria Island Restaurants with Docks for Boaters
Check out our List of Anna Maria Island Restaurants with Docks:
📍 Top AMI Restaurants for Boaters
1. Ocean Star – Galati Marina, Anna Maria
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27.5283° N, 82.7510° W (approximate for Galati Marina/Bay Blvd)
Tucked within Galati Marina on the north end of the island, Ocean Star offers stunning water views and fresh, made-to-order sushi. Boaters can dock right at the marina and enjoy a relaxing meal after a day on the water. The casual atmosphere pairs well with their creative rolls and hibachi dishes. It’s a peaceful, upscale-casual stop for seafood and sake.
2. Anna Maria Island City Pier (Currently Closed for Repairs)
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27.5325° N, 82.7160° W (Bridge Street north end on Anna Maria Island)
While temporarily closed, the Anna Maria City Pier remains an iconic boater stop for its incredible views of Tampa Bay and casual dining vibe. It typically offers transient dock access for small boats and is a popular spot for fishing. Once reopened, expect beer, bites, and breezes with a picture-perfect backdrop. Keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees as you dock.
3. Tide Tables – Cortez
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27.4667° N, 82.7047° W (along Cortez Road on the ICW)
A local legend for dock-and-dine simplicity, Tide Tables sits directly on the Intracoastal Waterway just across the Cortez Bridge. Boaters can pull right up to the dock and enjoy laid-back seafood fare like blackened mahi tacos and grouper sandwiches. Cold beer, no-frills tables, and killer sunsets make this a must-do. It's perfect after a day exploring the bays and mangroves.
4. Star Fish Company – Cortez
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27.4670° N, 82.7043° W (in Cortez Fishing Village)
Step back in time at this working fish house-turned-dockside eatery in the historic Cortez Fishing Village. Star Fish Company serves ultra-fresh, dock-to-plate seafood in a rustic, picnic-style setting right on the water. Tie up at the docks, order a fried mullet basket, and watch the commercial boats unload their catch. It's authentic, Old Florida charm at its best.
5. Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar – Bradenton Beach Pier
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27.4988° N, 82.7135° W (200 Bridge St on the Pier)
Located on the Bridge Street Pier, this casual oyster bar is a favorite stop for boaters cruising the Intracoastal. Tie up at the public day dock and stroll over for oysters, shrimp, and island cocktails with a view of the water. It’s fun, unfussy, and perfect for families. Sunset views over Sarasota Bay seal the deal.
6. The Blue Marlin – Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
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27.4987° N, 82.7136° W (121 Historic Bridge St)
Just a short walk from the Bradenton Beach Pier, The Blue Marlin is a cozy spot known for its fresh Gulf seafood and local vibe. Dine indoors or in the “Trap Yard” outdoor patio with live music on weekends. It’s the perfect upscale finish after a casual boat day. Reservations recommended during peak season.
7. Pane e Amore – Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
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27.4989° N, 82.7136° W (119 Bridge St)
Craving Italian after a salty day on the boat? Pane e Amore delivers with handmade pastas, hearty entrées, and fine wine—just a block from the pier. This intimate spot feels like a European escape on the Gulf Coast. Ideal for couples or a quiet evening away from the crowds.
8. Bridge Tender Inn – Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
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27.4990° N, 82.7135° W (135 Bridge St)
This laid-back, tropical-themed restaurant sits right on the water and welcomes boaters to its dock-and-dine setup. Known for live music, cold drinks, and hearty pub fare, it's a great place to unwind post-cruise. You can tie up just steps away and settle in for fish sandwiches or grouper bites. A favorite among locals and visitors alike.
9. Shore – Longboat Key
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27.4357° N, 82.6852° W (800 Broadway St, south of Longboat Pass)
Located on Longboat Key with its own dock access, Shore is an elevated waterfront restaurant offering stylish coastal cuisine with a modern twist. Pull up by boat and dine on scallops, short rib risotto, or truffle fries in a chic, open-air setting. Their upstairs bar and terrace are perfect for watching the sun melt into Sarasota Bay. Upscale but still approachable for sandy flip-flops.
10. Mar Vista – Longboat Key
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27.4350° N, 82.6850° W (adjacent to Shore at 800 Broadway area)
Nestled under a canopy of buttonwood trees, Mar Vista delivers Old Florida charm with refined seafood and dockside dining. Boaters can tie up right out front and enjoy stone crab claws, local fish, and cocktails on the beachy patio. It’s romantic, rustic, and a great sunset stop. Don’t skip the pineapple mojito.
11. Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar – Palma Sola / Compass Hotel
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27.4921° N, 82.7019° W (adjacent to the Compass Hotel at 12332 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton
Floridays is a laid-back waterfront restaurant located at the Compass Hotel by Margaritaville, right on the Palma Sola Bay waterfront. Boaters can dock at the adjacent marina and walk right up for coastal favorites like grouper sandwiches, coconut shrimp, and wood-fired specialties. With open-air seating, live music, and a tiki bar atmosphere, it’s a fun, Florida-style stop after a day on the water. It’s also family-friendly and great for sunset cocktails overlooking the bay.
Anna Maria Island Waterfront Vacation Rentals
Looking for an exciting way to enjoy the Florida sunshine and spend quality time with family or friends? Fishing the waters around Anna Maria Island offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. With local reefs, inshore flats, and abundant marine life, the area is a true angler’s paradise.
To make the most of your trip, why not stay somewhere that puts you right on the water? We offer a selection of beautiful vacation rentals with private fishing docks—including deep canal properties ideal for serious fishing enthusiasts. Reach out to us to find the perfect home base for your next island escape.
