Individuals and families who have booked one of our luxurious Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will want to know what they should do during their free time.
With so much to do and see, there are dozens of possible activities that might grab your attention, but we recommend snorkeling to start.
Anna Maria Island is known for having incredible snorkeling opportunities, and this is an experience that you won’t want to miss! Experienced snorkelers and amateurs, alike, love the crystal blue waters teeming with aquatic life.
So, gear up and dive in for an experience of a lifetime!
Anna Maria Island Snorkeling Tours
It’s usually best to find a company to guide you if you’re ready to try snorkeling with your family. Many of the companies operating on the island have been in business for many years. They’ll set your group up with knowledgeable individuals who have been snorkeling their whole lives and can answer any questions you have and take you to places where you’re likely to encounter the most exotic wildlife Anna Maria Island has to offer.
Egmont Key Adventures is well known on the island for providing scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing experiences. You can be accompanied by an expert guide for any of these activities if you’re not confident yet in your aquatic abilities.
Find them at the Waterline Marina, where their friendly staff will be more than happy to tell you about their pricing and the packages they offer. They will equip you with all the gear you need, and they also know about some of the best spots to see fish and various other forms of aquatic life.
Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions is another top pick for island visitors. This company will take you to Egmont Key, where they will guide you through some underwater ruins.
Captains Paul and Kasay are licensed and insured, and they’re full of facts about the island and the many forms of wildlife that live there. The company offers two, three, or four-hour excursions perfect for a morning of exploration before you take a break for lunch.
This might be the right pick for anyone who’s curious about snorkeling but still wants an expert close by at all times for supervision and encouragement.
Where to Go?
Many of our Anna Maria Island rentals are close to locations that are ideally suited for snorkeling. There are a few local favorites that should be a part of your agenda if you want to get the most out of your underwater experience while vacationing in this part of Florida.
Egmont Key offers miles of white sand beaches, clear, calm waters, and a dazzling array of oceanic wildlife. It’s at the mouth of Tampa Bay, and thousands of species call these waters home for some or all of the year.
When you go snorkeling or scuba diving around Egmont Key, you’re liable to see flounder, grouper, tarpon, snook, and sea trout! Certain areas are designated for fishing, but there are others where you can snorkel undisturbed and see these fish in their natural habitat.
Egmont Key is also known for the sunken ruins we mentioned earlier. Fort Dade traces its roots back to the Spanish-American War.
You might also take some time to check out The Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, which is only accessible by boat. It’s an out-of-the-way retreat nature lovers adore.
Plan Your Visit to Anna Maria Island
Ready to make your perfect vacation a reality? Head to our website or reach out to one of our customer service experts at A Paradise rentals to get started booking your home away from home!
Holmes Beach is a tiny city with a population of about 3,000. The abundant sunshine, shaded beaches, and calm waters attract thousands of fishing aficionados, snorkelers, and scuba divers every year. You will also likely see bodyboarders and surfers there on clear days.
This is widely considered one of the best places for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling on Anna Maria Island. For good reason, too! As it’s an area with natural shelter due to the layout of the coastline. The water is just right for individuals who want to try snorkeling for the first time.
Coquina Beach is a third option for vacationers ready to give snorkeling a shot. It is considered to be a part of the larger Bradenton Beach area. This will likely be the place to grab some free souvenirs, as you’ll encounter many exotic-looking seashells and sand dollars everywhere.
One advantage of Coquina Beach is that there are usually lifeguards on duty. You will probably have a guide with you to keep you safe when you go snorkeling, but it’s also nice to know you have some extra sets of eyes monitoring your progress.
Tips on Snorkeling
First, relax and remember to have a good time! If you’ve never snorkeled before, the task can seem daunting, but once you’re in the water, you’ll quickly forget any fears or doubts as you take in the gorgeous underwater views of the ocean.
Probably the most crucial tip to give first-time snorkelers is to make sure to go out with a guide. They will know the area, and they can steer you toward safe, tranquil waters where there are no obvious dangers.
Even if you’ve gone snorkeling before, it’s usually best to go out with a guide because of their expert familiarity with the water. You’ll want to go out on a clear, calm day. Be sure to also make certain your mask fits snugly. It shouldn’t be too loose or too tight.
Book Your Anna Maria Island Rental
Now that you know a bit about snorkeling on the island, let’s go over some of our Anna Maria Island beachfront rentals for the perfect trip! At A Paradise, you will find comfortable and cozy lodgings for larger or smaller families that are just a stone’s throw from the glittering waters of the ocean.
If you’re thinking about Anna Maria Island rentals with a pool, we have you covered! Some of our stays even offer hot tubs if you’d like to luxuriate in the heated water after a long day of exploring. No need to worry about parking, either! Many of our units have carports where you can park your rental, or your vehicle if you drove down to Florida from the Northern states. You’ll be close to tennis courts, fine dining establishments, and golf courses as well.
At A Paradise, we’re known for large family homes, some of which are big enough for six to eight people. The trolley stops close to these rentals, so your entire group can hop aboard and tour the island if you’re feeling up for some exploring. Perfect for the whole family, feel free to bring along your furry friend to one of our dog-friendly rentals and get started enjoying the Florida vacation of your dreams!
