Eco-Tourism on Anna Maria Island

One of the best ways to enjoy Anna Maria Island’s natural beauty is to take part in some of the eco-tourism activities that are available. There are a lot of options that vary in the length of time needed, levels of physical activity, or simply in what you will see and experience. Here are a few ideas from our local experts.

Zegway by the Bay

You can walk around the island on your own or even use the bicycles included with your vacation home, but this option gives you a little extra fun. Zegway by the Bay conducts Segway tours here on the island that add in the benefit of a local guide. The Bean Point Beach to Bay Adventure explores the flora and fauna of Anna Maria Island, as well as some local history. It also takes you to several bodies of water and beaches. The tours are conducted on environmentally friendly, electric Segways. The tour is about 2 hours long. The starting point is located at 62nd St, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Visit their website for more information or to reserve your spot.

Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours

Who doesn’t love dolphins? They are smart, playful, and graceful and it looks like they’re always smiling. Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours is all about getting you next to these beautiful mammals. You may see eagles, ospreys or sea turtles as well. Depending on the season, even manatees are possible. They have two tour options: a regular tour or a sunset cruise. Both options are approximately2 hours long. We may be a little biased toward the sunset cruise because Anna Maria Island has some of the most amazing sunsets you will see anywhere. The cruises start at Waterline Marina at 5325 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Visit their website for pricing and reservations.

Leffis Key Preserve

If you prefer something less structured and more self-paced, Leffis Key Preserve may be a great choice for your eco-tourism activity. The preserve is open daily from 8:00 am to sunset. There are plenty of footpaths to guide you through native island wildlife and plants. 1,500 feet of boardwalk allows you to walk through a mangrove forest and enjoy these unique trees up close. One hidden gem is a 26-foot hill that allows you to have a 360-degree view of both the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.  Leffis Key Preserve is located at 2351 Gulf Dr S Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, across from the entrance to Coquina Beach.

Happy Paddler

Happy Paddler offers eco-tourism opportunities with kayak tours through some of our most beautiful areas. After a quick lesson, guides take you out to find some of our local wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. Being in a kayak not only offers you some exercise, but a much more up-close experience with some of the birds and marine life. The guides help you to understand how to interact with the wildlife and get the best possible experience. Happy Paddler offers both daytime and sunset tours and has 3 locations on Anna Maria Island. The spot closest to most of our homes is located at Bayfront Park, 316 North Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Visit the Happy Paddler website for more information and to make reservations.

We love our Island, and we know you will love it here too. These activities are just a few of the ways you can enjoy it on a more personal level, but there are others. If you are looking for something different, our local experts can help you find exactly what you are looking for. Just contact us and we will help you make this the best vacation you’ve had.