Snorkeling on Anna Maria Island: Private boat with local guide

Customize your route to chase dolphins and explore hidden sandbars

A 4-hour private snorkeling activity on a boat around Anna Maria Island, where you enter the water at sandbars and beaches to see dolphins, manatees, fish and other marine life. Captain Jeremy, a local guide, steers the boat and tailors each trip to what you want to see, whether that's wildlife, seashells, scenic views or a quiet cruise. Masks, snorkels and a paddle board are provided. The boat suits all ages and fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and sandbar exploration

• Board boat with Captain Jeremy
• Visit multiple sandbars and beaches
• Snorkel and search for seashells
• Spot wildlife like dolphins and manatees
• Enjoy scenic coastal views
• Relax on sandbars and beaches

The experience

What makes this snorkeling work is that Captain Jeremy knows which sandbars hold dolphins on a given day and where the manatees gather: information only a born-and-raised local has. You board the boat and he navigates to the spots that match what you're after: if you want to photograph seashells, he finds the beaches where they wash up. If dolphins are your target, he heads to the channels where they hunt. The route is never the same twice because the water and the wildlife move.

You'll snorkel at several different sandbars and beaches, entering the water with a mask and snorkel to watch tropical fish, sharks, crabs and seabirds in their habitat. An inflatable float ring and paddle board are aboard if you want to rest between entries or explore the shallows without diving. The 4-hour window gives you time to move between two or three stops without rushing, and the boat's pace is whatever you set: some groups want to linger at one sandbar. Others want to cover more ground.

Infants and small children can come along in a stroller or pram, and the activity suits all fitness levels because you choose how deep you go and how long you stay in the water. Captain Jeremy handles the boat and the route. You handle the snorkel and the paddle board.

What’s included

• Masks and snorkels for all passengers.
• inflatable float ring and paddle board.
• Captain Jeremy as your live English-speaking guide.
• boat transport to multiple sandbars and beaches around Anna Maria Island.
• customized route based on what you want to see.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Please wait for our text message 24 hours before your boat tour schedule.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Boating AMI Boat Tours

Is this one for you?The 4-hour window and the customized route work best if you're flexible about where the boat goes: Captain Jeremy steers based on wildlife sightings and your interests, not a fixed itinerary. If you want to maximize time in the water rather than cruising between stops, ask him to focus on one or two sandbars instead of moving through several.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of marine life will I actually see when I snorkel here?

Dolphins, manatees, tropical fish, sharks, crabs and seabirds are common around the sandbars and beaches Captain Jeremy visits. The exact species depend on the day and the water conditions, but the sandbars are active feeding grounds where wildlife shows up regularly.

How does Captain Jeremy decide where to take the boat each day?

He customizes the route based on what you want to see and where the wildlife is that day. If you're hoping to spot dolphins, he steers toward the channels where they hunt. If you want to collect shells, he heads to the beaches where they wash ashore. His local knowledge of the water and the animals' patterns guides every stop.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. Masks and snorkels are included for all passengers, along with an inflatable float ring and a paddle board. You just need to bring a swimsuit and sunscreen.

Is this snorkeling suitable if I've never done it before?

Yes. The activity suits all fitness levels, and you control how deep you go and how long you stay in the water. Captain Jeremy's approach is friendly and personalized, so he can adjust the pace and the stops to match your comfort.

Can I bring small children or infants?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on the boat, and the activity is designed for all ages. You decide whether they enter the water or stay aboard.