Guide to Snorkeling Around Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island and the surrounding area are known for their crystal clear waters and variety of marine life, making it the perfect place to go snorkeling. Whether you are an experienced snorkeler or this is your first time, Anna Maria Island offers a variety of snorkeling spots for all levels!
Anna Maria Island Beaches for Snorkeling
Regina Sugar Barge (Bradenton Beach)
Regina Sugar Beach, or Bradenton Beach, is home to a historic shipwreck. Going about 150 feet offshore, you will see the molasses barge resting in about 20 feet of water. This shipwreck brings in a variety of marine life! You will see tropical fish, crabs, sea urchins, and, if lucky, dolphins have been known to swim around the wreck. While there are hardly any reefs on the beaches in Anna Maria Island, this spot is home to a beautiful artificial reef. This spot is easily accessible from the beach and is marked with a buoy for your convenience!
Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach is the place to go if you have kids interested in snorkeling or just want a beginner-friendly spot. Here, you can spot numerous sea turtles, rays, dolphins, and fish. With lifeguards on duty, shaded picnic areas, and nearby bathrooms, this is the best place to take kids and see marine life.
Cortez Beach
Looking for a quiet and peaceful place to snorkel on Anna Maria Island? With its white sandy beaches, calm waters, and little to no crowds, Cortez Beach is your spot. Three concrete piers create more peaceful waters and, in return, great places to snorkel.
Manatee Public Beach
Manatee Beach is another great snorkeling spot for families! Not only is snorkeling very accessible, but this spot offers a variety of facilities. With changing rooms, public restrooms, and lifeguards on duty, this is a great spot to let kids explore. The clear waters and sandy bottom make it easy to spot marine life and easily get back to shore.
Bean Point
Located at the northern tip of the island, Bean Point is a great spot to watch the sunset and observe marine life. Many snorkelers have reported spotting a variety of fish species in this spot. However, it is also known for its strong currents and is not recommended for inexperienced swimmers!
Holmes Beach
Ideal for beginners, Holmes Beach is known for its calm waters and diverse marine life. Here, you can see dolphins, rays, and a number of fish species. Not only is this spot great for snorkeling, but it’s also a great beach for surfing, swimming, and bodyboarding. Overall, it’s a very fun and active beach.
TOURS
If you are looking for a more guided snorkeling experience or don’t want to worry about renting gear and finding good spots, then a tour might be for you! There are many tours on the island, but here are a few that we love!
Cruz’n AMI
This 12-person cruise offers beautiful snorkeling right in the heart of Bradenton Beach. You can customize your experience with either a two- or four-hour excursion. Explore the shipwreck, native marine life, and crystal clear waters, all while enjoying the sights on a pontoon.
Crysten’s AMI
Crysten’s is all about experiencing Anna Maria Island not just visiting. This is a three-hour tour for up to six passengers, and includes snorkeling gear, paddle boards, sandbar floats, and an up-close look at the marine life. This is an excellent tour for families who are looking for a variety of activities and differing interests.
AMI Escapes
Ranked the number one snorkeling tour on Anna Maria Island, AMI Escapes offers beautiful four-hour tours on Egmont Key Beach. With up to 6 people, they provide underwater scooters to give you a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling experience. You will swim along the island’s ruins and sandbars to create a rich and exciting snorkeling experience in Anna Maria Island.
Other Things To Keep In Mind
Gear
While snorkeling is very accessible and easy to get into, having the proper gear is essential! This will ensure not only safety, but a more enjoyable experience. Here are some of our recommendations.
- Mask: Creates an airtight seal on your nose and eyes, making it easier to breathe and see things clearly under the water
- Snorkel: This breathing tube allows you to lay flat on your stomach and admire the wonders of the ocean with ease.
- Fins: While these are not necessary, they can help conserve energy and help you swim with ease.
- Life vest: While also not necessary, it is always smart to be safe and use a life vest, especially for young or inexperienced swimmers.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: We always recommend using some form of sunscreen, but using reef-safe sunscreen helps protect the marine life!
- Water Shoes: While these are also not necessary, they can be helpful getting in and out of the water and be nice when swimming in rocky areas.
When Should I Go?
While you can go at any time of day or season, there are a few things to remember to get the best experience. The first is to check the weather. The less wind there is, the fewer waves and the higher visibility. The other thing to remember is that opting to go in the morning or right before sunset sometimes means fewer crowds and more marine life. Overall, the summertime is the busy season and means more crowds, so if you are looking to go with fewer crowds and the possibility of seeing more wildlife, going in the off season may be best for you. But no matter when you go, there is always something beautiful to see!
Stay with Island Dreams Realty
After a long day of sun and snorkeling, the best thing is coming back to a beautiful rental ready for you to relax and recharge. All of our rentals at Island Dreams offer everything you need to make the most of your stay. Whether you are looking for rentals with pools or oceanfront rentals, we have it all! Book your Anna Maria Island escape today! Browse Anna Maria Rentals.
