Browse Boat Rentals on Anna Maria Island, Florida.

Renting a boat on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is a small, barrier island off the coast of west Florida near St. Petersburg. It’s the perfect location for renting a boat or booking a water experience, since here you can enjoy stunning sunsets, cruising the waves, and soaking up the sun nearly any time of year. If you're visiting with your family, rent a pontoon or a powerboat (or ski boat) for a fun time cruising around Anna Maria Island. You can enjoy watersports like wakeboarding or tubing, a super fun option if you're traveling with kids or adventurous companions.

Are you looking for a fun day out with the guys or are your kids obsessed with fishing? Rent a fishing boat for a fun fishing trip on Anna Maria Island, or book a fishing charter with a local guide to take you to the best fishing spots around Anna Maria Island, around Rod and Reel Pier, or cruise to Shell Key Reserve Park.

Another popular experience on Anna Maria Island is a dolphin tour - it’s a great way to see and connect with these creatures in the wild.

When booking a boat trip or fishing charter on Anna Maria Island, you can choose between going out yourself or hiring a captain. With a captain, you don’t have to worry about navigating, which can make the boating experience much more relaxing. Book a boat tour with a captain for a sunset cruise, dinner cruise, harbor tour, or another type of tour by boat around Anna Maria Island. Boat charters with captains on Anna Maria Island are perfect for bachelor and bachelorette parties, family gatherings, and other special celebrations.

For travelers and folks on vacation who want to enjoy a workout while soaking up the sun on Anna Maria Island, renting a kayak is a fantastic option. Paddlesports rentals are not only a great way to get out on the waves, but you’ll get in an upper body workout, making it a good way to keep up your fitness.

When booking your boat rental on Anna Maria Island, make sure to ask clarifying questions when getting it organized. If you’re renting with a captain and crew, inquire if gratuity is included, make sure you understand all charges i.e. fuel surcharges, and coordinate the drop-off and pick up locations. It’s a good idea to ask if any special extras are included and make sure the boat capacity can accommodate your group size.

Things to See and Do by Boat on Anna Maria Island

Good places to go boating around Anna Maria Island include off the coast of the beaches like Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Egmont Key. The waters are typically calm, and you can boat out in the open Gulf or in the more protected waterways between Anna Maria Island and mainland Florida.

Some restaurants to check out right on the waterfront and perfect to enjoy during a boat day include The Waterfront Restaurant, The Sandbar Restaurant, Rod and Reel Pier, and Island Ocean Star. Dock your boat and relax while admiring views of the ocean.

When you rent a boat on Anna Maria Island, you can add watersports equipment to your boat rental to enjoy your boating day even more, especially if you’re visiting with some adventurous travelers. Waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding on the ocean can be incredibly fun experiences to have while visiting Anna Maria Island.

About Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is the perfect place to rent a boat. Cruise around the stunning coastline, basking in the sun and admiring the beaches of the island from your private watercraft. It’s also a great spot for fishing charters and seeing dolphins on a dolphin tour.

When preparing for your boat rental, stop off at Publix Supermarket at nearby Holmes Beach, the Anna Maria General Store, or Island Fresh Market. Stop here to get food and drinks to bring onboard, and don’t forget to stock up your cooler with ice.

The best time of year to visit Anna Maria Island for boating and outdoor activities is within the early autumn months or early summer. Peak summer of June, July and August can be unbearably hot and humid with a lot of rain. September and October will have less precipitation and more manageable temperatures, while still being warm enough to swim and enjoy a boat rental. Enjoy the beaches, the gentle waves, and the sunshine of Anna Maria Island.

A few accommodation options on Anna Maria Island include the Dream Inn, Tortuga Inn, Waterline Marina, and Mainsail Beach Inn. There are lots of beach resorts and holiday homes to choose from to rent for the perfect boating and beach vacation on Anna Maria Island.