Anna Maria Island is a nature lover’s paradise, with clear waters as far as the eye can see and stunning white sand beaches for the entire 7-mile stretch of shoreline. If you want to do more than just strolling the shores or swimming in the shallow waters, why not get in a kayak?
Even if you’ve never tried the hobby before, kayaking in Anna Maria Island is a great way to get your family out into nature. When you’re staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, there’s always a wonderful kayaking opportunity just minutes away!
Rentals
If you’re already confident on a kayak, consider renting one for yourself to explore the waters of Anna Maria Island. Companies like AMI Paddleboard make it easy and affordable to get a kayak while you’re in town. You’ll receive a Coast Guard-approved vest and whistle with your kayak rental, and you can even have your kayak delivered to your rental! Single kayaks start at $75, while double kayaks start at $85.
Kayak Jack’s is another popular rental company specializing in kayaks. You can get a 24-hour single kayak rental starting at $80 or opt for a weekly single kayak rental starting at $150. Finally, Beach Bums offers rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, and more. A single kayak starts at $35 for 4 hours, and a tandem kayak starts at $55 for 4 hours.
Tours
If you’ve never been on a kayak before, think about looking into kayak tours in Anna Maria Island. This is the perfect way to make sure you’re safe on your journey and to be taken through some of the most fascinating parts of the island and its waters.
AMI Paddleboards offers a Mangrove Kayak and Paddleboard Eco Tour that gives you two hours to discover the stunning Florida mangroves. Your guide will be able to point out breathtaking marine life and teach you about everything you’re seeing. Tours are offered multiple times per day, so you can easily fit an excursion into your itinerary.
Kayak Jack’s offers both self-guided and guided eco-tours. You can embark on a tour through Emerson Point, Leffis Key, or Robinson Preserve. These 2-hour journeys allow you to get up close and personal with the stunning flora and fauna of the area, and if you choose the guided option, your guide will teach you the history and biology of everything you run into.
Finally, Beach Bums offers a scenic kayak tour of Anna Maria Island. You’ll be taught how to paddle your kayak before you leave, then you’ll head through a bird rookery, pass under Key Royale Bridge, and arrive in Bimini Bay. You’ll get to see a mangrove island and an oyster shoal. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or manatee on your tour!
Plan Your Visit
If you just can’t get enough of the water, consider staying in one of our waterfront vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island! Contact us to learn more about all of our accommodations!
What to Expect
While you’re kayaking on Anna Maria Island, expect picturesque surroundings at every turn. You’re likely to see tons of bird species and plenty of marine life including fun manatees and majestic dolphins! If you choose to take a kayak tour, you can expect to be placed with an experienced guide who will show you the ropes before you set off and will make sure you’re safe for the entire excursion.
Kayaking on Anna Maria Island is a one-of-a-kind way to see the island and its surroundings.