Updated: October 2026
Kayaking on Anna Maria Island shows you a quieter side of the island. Away from the beaches, you will find calm water, mangrove tunnels, and plenty of dolphins, manatees, and birds.
Sunrise and late afternoon are popular times to go. Kayaking is one of many ways to enjoy the water here, and my Water Activities on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide covers all of them.
Where to Go
Bimini Bay
Bimini Bay sits on the north end of the island. The water is calm and protected, which makes it a good choice for beginners. You will paddle along mangrove edges and may see dolphins, manatees, and shorebirds.
Leffis Key Preserve
currently closed
Leffis Key Preserve is located on the south end of the island. Kayak around the preserve’s shallow waters to explore the mangroves and enjoy beautiful views of Sarasota Bay. This area is especially popular for birdwatching and peaceful exploration.
Neal Preserve
Neal Preserve is on the mainland side of Manatee Avenue, just east of the bridge to the island. Its mangrove tunnels and tidal marshes are home to wading birds and jumping mullet, with an occasional dolphin or manatee. The 120-acre preserve also has boardwalks, a short shell trail, and a 20-foot observation tower. Signs along the trail explain the wetland habitat and the Native American people who lived here for thousands of years. Pets are not allowed.
Palma Sola Bay
Palma Sola Bay is just east of the island. The water is shallow and protected, so you can go as slowly as you like. You may see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and many birds along the mangrove-lined inlets.
Perico Preserve
Perico Preserve is a restored wetland with native mangroves and quiet estuaries. Look for herons, egrets, ospreys, and an occasional manatee.
Robinson Preserve
Robinson Preserve is a short drive from the island and one of the most popular paddling spots in the area. Marked trails run through 682 acres of mangrove tunnels, salt marsh, and open water, with views of Tampa Bay. Wildlife is plentiful, including dolphins, manatees, herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills. It works for every skill level.
What to Expect
Local naturalists lead the tours. You will paddle through shallow water lined with mangroves and seagrass, where marine life is easy to spot. Dolphins, manatees, herons, and ospreys are all common sights. Tours suit beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Manatees are easiest to find in the cooler months. Dolphins and birds are around all year.
What to Bring
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- Quick-dry clothing and water shoes or sandals that can get wet
- A hat, polarized sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle
- Bug spray, especially for mangrove tunnels, early mornings, and sunset
- A waterproof phone case or dry bag
- A towel and a change of clothes for afterward
A day on the water means a day in the Florida sun and mangrove tunnels bring out the bugs. My favorite sun protection and bug spray are both on my Amazon Storefront.
Check the tide and the weather before you launch. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms. If you rent without a guide, wear a life jacket.
Kayak Tours and Rentals
You can book a guided tour with a local expert or rent a kayak and explore on your own. Meeting points can change with weather and tides, so confirm yours when you book.
AMI Paddleboard
- Launch Spot: 12378 Manatee Avenue West · Bradenton
- 941-896-6422
AMI Paddleboard offers a range of kayak experiences on and around Anna Maria Island, from guided eco-tours to flexible rentals with convenient delivery options.
Delivery available
Island-wide service
Same-day rentals (based on availability)
Family-friendly options
Mangrove Eco Tours (Guided Experience) · Paddle through quiet mangrove tunnels and shallow seagrass flats where you may spot starfish, horseshoe crabs, cormorants, and sea sponges. Multiple daily time slots are typically available.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Clear-bottom kayak options offered
- Great for wildlife viewing and beginners
Happy Hour Dolphin & Manatee Tours (Evening Guided Tour) · A relaxed evening paddle that highlights the island’s ecosystem. Head toward sandbars for shelling while watching for dolphins and manatees along the way.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Clear-bottom kayak options offered
- Ideal for sunset and wildlife experiences
Kayak Rentals (Self-Guided + Delivery Available) · Explore Anna Maria Island at your own pace with flexible rental options, including convenient delivery to your location.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Rental durations range from single-day to weekly
- Delivery makes getting on the water easy
Beach Bums
- 427 Pine Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-778-3316
Beach Bums is a well-known spot on Pine Avenue offering kayak rentals with convenient delivery, making it easy to explore Anna Maria Island at your own pace.
Delivery available
Island-wide service
Family-friendly options
Guided Kayak Tour (Currently Unavailable) · Beach Bums offers guided kayak tours that included an introduction to paddling techniques and an overview of the local mangrove ecosystem.
The route featured several scenic stops:
- Bird rookery with Roseate Spoonbills, Blue Herons, and White Egrets
- Mangrove island for wading through seagrass and spotting marine life
- Oyster shoals
- Sandbar stop for swimming and cooling off
As of the latest update, guided tours are not currently available.
Kayak Rentals (Self-Guided + Delivery Available) ·
Explore the island on your own schedule with flexible kayak rental options, including free delivery to a location of your choice.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Rental durations range from a few hours to multi-day and weekly options
- Ideal for exploring mangroves, sandbars, and bay waters at your own pace
Pricing varies based on rental length and kayak type. Check directly for current rates and availability.
Florida Blue Adventures
- Launch Spot · Coquina Beach
- 941-720-7176
Florida Blue Adventures offers a variety of guided kayak tours focused on wildlife, mangroves, and unique island experiences, all launching from the south end of Anna Maria Island.
Scenic launch location at Coquina Beach
Family-friendly options
Guided eco-tours for all experience levels
Sunset Dolphin Excursion · Paddle into the evening as the sun sets over the water, with opportunities to spot wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Tandem kayaks provided (single available upon request)
- Ideal for sunset views and wildlife encounters
See Manatees by Kayak · An eco-friendly tour offering the chance to observe manatees from the water while exploring calm coastal areas.
- Tandem kayaks provided (single available upon request)
- Great for wildlife lovers and beginners
Robinson Preserve Mangrove Adventure · Explore winding mangrove tunnels and discover the diverse ecosystem that thrives within this protected coastal preserve.
- Tandem kayaks provided (single available upon request)
- Focus on nature, wildlife, and quiet paddling
Snorkel & Kayak Excursion · Combine kayaking with a stop at island sandbars for snorkeling in shallow, clear waters.
- Tandem kayaks provided (single available upon request)
- Unique mix of paddling and in-water exploration
Pricing varies by tour and duration. Check directly for current rates and availability.
Fun Florida Tours
- Launch Spot · Holmes Beach · King Fish Boat Ramp
- 941-259-9713
Fun Florida Tours offers a unique nighttime kayaking experience, perfect for those looking to see the water in a completely different way.
Family-friendly options
Unique nighttime experience
Guided tour
Clear Kayak LED Night Tour · Paddle in a clear tandem kayak illuminated with LED lights, starting along the shoreline and heading into shallow seagrass areas.
- Clear tandem kayaks with LED lighting
- Great for a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience
- Suitable for a wide range of ages
Glow Boats Kayaking
Launch Spots · Bradenton
Evening Tours Available
Glow Boats offers a unique nighttime kayaking experience with LED-lit clear-bottom kayaks, giving you a glowing view of the water below as you paddle through calm coastal areas around AMI.
Family-friendly (best for older kids)
LED lighted clear kayaks for nighttime viewing
Calm, guided evening paddles
LED Night Kayak Tour · Paddle after dark in illuminated clear kayaks and watch the water light up beneath you. You may spot fish, crabs, and other marine life as they move through the glow.
Single and tandem kayaks available
Guided tour for safety and local insight
Best enjoyed on calm, clear nights
Mangrove Glow Tour · Explore quiet mangrove areas at night with glowing kayaks, offering a peaceful and slightly more nature-focused experience.
Single and tandem kayaks available
Calm waters, great for beginners
Unique nighttime eco experience
Private Group Tours · Perfect for families or small groups wanting a more personalized outing.
Custom timing and experience
Great for special occasions or group trips
Conditions like water clarity, tides, and weather can affect visibility, so it’s best to go in with a sense of adventure and enjoy the overall experience. Pricing varies—check directly for current rates and availability.
Happy Paddler Kayak Tours
- Launch Spot · 522 Cedar Street · Longboat Key
- 941-773-1920
Happy Paddler offers a variety of guided kayak tours and lessons around Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, with a strong focus on wildlife encounters and paddling education.
Family-friendly options
Guided eco-tours and lessons available
Great for wildlife viewing
Coastal Island Kayak Tour · Explore coastal waters with opportunities to spot manatees, dolphins, seahorses, crabs, conch, and more.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Ideal for wildlife lovers and nature-focused paddling
Mangrove Kayak Tour · Paddle through scenic mangrove tunnels while observing dolphins and manatees in their natural environment.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Calm waters, great for beginners
Sunset Kayak Tour · Enjoy a longer paddle along the Gulf Coast, timed perfectly to take in a stunning Florida sunset.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Best for sunset views and a more immersive experience
Kayak Rentals · Explore the clear waters around Longboat Pass at your own pace with flexible rental options.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Great for independent exploration
Kayak Lesson · Learn proper paddling techniques from certified instructors, covering both basic and advanced skills, gear selection, and safety.
- Suitable for beginners and those looking to improve skills
- Led by certified instructors
Pricing varies by tour, rental, or lesson. Check directly for current rates and availability.
Kayak Jacks
- Launch Spot · Robinson Preserve
- 941-538-1448
Kayak Jacks offers both guided and self-guided eco experiences through the scenic mangroves and waterways of Robinson Preserve.
Delivery available
Prime mangrove location
Family-friendly options
Guided Eco Tour · Paddle through lush mangroves with a guide while learning about the local ecosystem and spotting native wildlife along the way.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Ideal for first-time visitors and nature enthusiasts
Self-Guided Eco Tour · Explore Robinson Preserve at your own pace, navigating through calm waters and winding mangrove trails.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Great for flexible, independent exploration
Kayak Rentals · Choose from a range of rental options and enjoy the convenience of delivery to your preferred launch spot.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Rental durations from single-day to weekly
- Easy access to preserve and surrounding waterways
Pricing varies based on rental length and kayak type. Check directly for current rates and availability.
Kool Kayak
- Launch Spot · Manatee Causeway and Kingfish Boat Ramp
- 941-264-5081
Kool Kayak specializes in unique clear kayak experiences, offering both daytime and nighttime guided tours through the calm waters of Palma Sola Bay and surrounding mangroves.
Unique day and night experiences
Guided eco-tours
Clear kayak specialty
Clear Dayz Tour · Paddle during the day in a completely transparent kayak, giving you a full view of the water below as you explore mangroves and seagrass areas.
- Clear kayaks for enhanced visibility
- Great for daytime wildlife and water views
- Calm bay waters, suitable for most experience levels
Neon Nights Tour · Experience the water after dark in a clear kayak illuminated with color-changing LED lights, creating a one-of-a-kind nighttime paddle.
- LED-lit clear kayaks
- Unique evening experience
- Ideal for something different from a typical daytime tour
💡 Pricing varies by tour. Check directly for current rates and availability.
Robinhood Rentals
- 9802 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-920-1996
Robinhood Rentals offers convenient kayak rentals on Anna Maria Island with free delivery, making it easy to get out on the water without leaving your rental.
Delivery available
Island-wide service
Family-friendly options
Kayak Rentals · Explore at your own pace with flexible rental options and convenient delivery directly to your location.
- Single and tandem kayaks available
- Rental durations range from a few hours to weekly
- Ideal for exploring the bay, mangroves, and nearby waterways
Pricing varies based on rental length and kayak type. Check directly for current rates and availability.
Coastal Close
Kayaking on Anna Maria Island offers a peaceful way to see the island from a whole new perspective, gliding through calm waters, drifting past mangroves, and spotting dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife along the way. It’s one of those experiences that slows everything down and lets you fully soak in the natural beauty of the island.
Once you’ve spent time on the water, there are plenty of other ways to explore Anna Maria Island. For those who love exploring on land, Biking on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide highlights the best biking routes around the island.
No matter how you choose to explore, slowing down and experiencing Anna Maria Island at your own pace is the key and getting out on the water is the perfect place to start.
— izzy