The Best Boat Rentals in Anna Maria Island

Expect most standard private charters and self-drive rentals to run about $300–$600 for a half day and $600–$1,200 for a full day, depending on the boat size, season, and whether a captain is included. Larger premium vessels and yachts can range from about $1,200 to $3,000+ for a day. Sunset and sightseeing cruises are often $250–$500 for 1.5–3 hours. Rates typically include required safety gear, fuel policies clearly stated (some include fuel, others charge based on use), and basic route planning help. Taxes, captain’s fee (if separate), gratuity, and add-ons like tubing gear or premium coolers may be extra.

You’ll find easygoing pontoons for sandbar days, center consoles for island-hopping and dolphin spotting, deck boats for groups, and a selection of fishing boats for inshore or nearshore trips. There are also sailboats and cabin cruisers for relaxed cruising, plus a limited number of larger motor yachts for special occasions.

If you want a stress-free day with local knowledge of tides, sandbars, and the best dolphin routes, a captained charter is the simplest option and great for groups. Confident boaters who know the Intracoastal Waterway and local passes often choose self-operated pontoons or center consoles. Many planners book a captain for their first day, then go self-drive later in the trip once they’re familiar with the area.

Common departure spots include Bradenton Beach Marina on the island’s south end and Keyes Marina in Holmes Beach. Popular public launch points for meet-ups include the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach and the Coquina Bayside (Coquina Boat Ramp) area in Bradenton Beach. Some trips also depart just over the bridge in Cortez from marinas along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Most outings cruise the calm waters of Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay, with views of Bean Point, the Anna Maria City Pier, and the Rod & Reel Pier. Many captains run to Jewfish Key sandbar near Longboat Pass for a swim stop. On longer trips, you can head toward Egmont Key State Park and the lighthouse, or idle by Passage Key’s clear shallows when conditions allow. Dolphins are common year-round, manatees are spotted seasonally, and you’ll see plenty of shorebirds along the mangrove edges.

For self-operated motorboats in Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must have a Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card or a temporary boater certificate from an approved provider. Captained charters do not require you to hold a card since the licensed captain operates the vessel. Minimum renter and operator ages vary by listing, so check the specifics when you book.

Yes—families are welcome. Every legal charter or rental provides U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, including child sizes upon request. Florida requires young children to wear life jackets on smaller vessels while underway, and captains will brief your group on safe seating, swim stops, and how to board and disembark. If you have infants or toddlers, mention their ages so the provider brings the right sizes.

Most private charters and rentals are BYO-friendly for snacks, picnic items, and beverages. Many boats supply a cooler with ice or offer one as an add-on. Alcohol is typically allowed for passengers of legal drinking age, but glass is often discouraged for safety. If you plan to cater, let the captain know—some will recommend pickup spots near the marina to keep things simple.

Many private charters allow well-behaved dogs, especially on pontoons and deck boats. Always confirm ahead of time and share your pet’s size. Keep in mind that certain protected shorelines—such as Egmont Key and some wildlife areas—do not allow pets ashore, so your captain may steer you to dog-friendly sandbars instead. Bring a leash, water bowl, and a towel for sandy paws.

Summer brings hot, calm mornings and a chance of brief afternoon thunderstorms; winter is cooler with occasional windy fronts that can make open water choppy. Captains watch radar and marine forecasts closely and may recommend a morning start or a different route for comfort. If conditions are unsafe—think lightning, high winds, or small-craft advisories—most operators offer weather-based rescheduling or refunds according to their stated policy. Build a little flexibility into your plan during peak summer and hurricane season.

Absolutely. Private pontoons, center consoles, and small yachts are popular for celebrations, with easy swim stops at Jewfish Key sandbar and scenic sunset runs along Anna Maria Sound. Tell the captain your headcount, vibe (chill cruise or party playlist), and any must-do moments like a cake or a toast. Many crews can help with photo spots, decorations that won’t blow away, and timing around sunset.

Peak boating runs spring through early fall, roughly March through October, with the warmest water from late May to September. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—sell out weeks in advance and bring heavier traffic around Longboat Pass and the Intracoastal. Notable nearby events like the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival in February and the Sarasota powerboat festivities in early summer can also impact availability. For smoother cruising and easier parking, choose weekdays, start in the morning, and book sunset slots early in busy months.

For half days, cruise Anna Maria Sound with a swim stop at Jewfish Key sandbar, then loop past the piers at the island’s north end for dolphin watching. Full-day trips often add Egmont Key for beachcombing and lighthouse views when seas are calm, or a relaxed circuit through Sarasota Bay’s mangrove-fringed spoil islands. On wildlife-forward days, captains idle slowly along grass flats and channel edges to spot manatees and feeding birds before heading to a sandbar for lunch.