Exploring the clear waters around Anna Maria Island offers an unforgettable chance to witness the graceful movements of dolphins in their natural habitat. Setting out on a private boat tour provides an intimate and guided experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the beauty of this coastal region. With comfortable amenities and expert captaincy, this excursion promises an up-close encounter that may just leave you eager to discover more about these captivating marine creatures.
This experience made our article of 4 Incredible Dolphin Watching Tours In Sarasota.
Key Points
- A dolphin watching boat tour around Anna Maria Island in Sarasota, Florida, recommended by 100% of travelers with 11 reviews.
- The tour is priced at $399 for up to 6 people and includes beverages, snacks, private transportation, and amenities like a cooler and bathroom onboard.
- The tour departs and returns at the Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp, with parking available nearby.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions or infants.
- The tour has an overall rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 12 reviews, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guide and multiple dolphin sightings.
Tour Overview
The dolphin watching boat tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the waters around Anna Maria Island in Sarasota, Florida.
Visitors can explore the waters around Anna Maria Island in Sarasota, Florida on a dolphin watching boat tour.
The 11-reviewed tour is recommended by 100% of travelers and priced at $399 for up to 6 people. Included are bottled water, soda, private transportation, a cooler with ice, a bathroom onboard, and snacks.
Passengers meet at the Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp and board a large white World Cat boat with yellow Anna Maria Tours flags.
The tour returns to the same meeting point after seeing dolphins and beautiful homes along the canals.
Want to see more dolphins? We've reviewed these other marine encounters in Sarasota
Inclusions
Included in the dolphin watching boat tour are bottled water and soda to keep passengers hydrated. The tour also provides private transportation, a cooler with ice, and a bathroom onboard. Plus, passengers can enjoy various snacks during the excursion.
| Inclusions | Details |
| — | — |
| Beverages | Bottled water, soda/pop |
| Amenities | Private transportation, cooler with ice, bathroom onboard |
| Extras | Snacks |
The inclusive nature of this tour ensures passengers can focus on spotting dolphins and taking in the scenic views around Anna Maria Island without worrying about basic necessities.
Meeting and Pickup
Passengers gather at the Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp, located at 1465 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217.
They can park in the car parking area or the overflow parking across the street. Passengers then locate the large white World Cat boat with two yellow Anna Maria Tours flags.
The tour departs from and returns to this meeting point. Passengers must board the boat independently, as the insurance policy doesn’t permit assistance.
Near public transportation, the tour isn’t recommended for those with back, leg, or serious medical problems, or for infants and expectant mothers.
Health and Safety Information
Although confirmation is received at booking, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
The tour is also not recommended for travelers with back problems, leg problems, or serious medical conditions, as the insurance policy doesn’t permit infants or expectant mothers.
Passengers must board the boat independently.
The tour is located near public transportation, but guests are advised to park in the car parking area or overflow parking across the street and locate the large white World Cat boat with 2 yellow Anna Maria Tours flags at the meeting point.
Reviews and Ratings
How do the reviews and ratings fare for this dolphin watching boat tour? According to the information provided, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 12 reviews.
The reviews highlight some key positives:
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Guests praise the knowledgeable and attentive guide, David, who went "above and beyond" to ensure a great experience.
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Many reviewers mention seeing multiple dolphins and being able to hear them thanks to the close proximity of the boat.
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The scenic canal views and beautiful homes along the route are also noted as highlights of the tour.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Sarasota
- Dolphin Watching Boat Tour Around Anna Maria Island
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Booking Information
The tour is likely to sell out, so prospective guests are encouraged to reserve their spot as soon as possible.
The company offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility.
Guests can also take advantage of the Reserve Now and Pay Later option, allowing them to secure their spot without immediate payment.
With these convenient booking policies, customers can plan their dolphin watching adventure with confidence and ease.
Exploring the Waterways
When guests board the boat, they embark on an immersive journey through the waterways surrounding Anna Maria Island. The tour navigates the scenic canals, providing up-close encounters with the local wildlife.
Guests can expect:
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Breathtaking views of the island’s lush mangrove forests and pristine beaches
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Opportunities to spot a variety of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, and a diverse array of birds
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A peaceful and relaxing experience as the boat glides through the tranquil waters, offering a unique perspective of the island’s natural beauty.
Glimpsing the Local Marine Life
As the boat glides through the tranquil waters, guests have the opportunity to glimpse the diverse marine life that inhabits the surrounding area. From the majestic dolphins breaching the surface to the graceful sea turtles swimming beneath the waves, the tour offers a unique window into the ecosystem of Anna Maria Island. The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the local wildlife, ensuring guests gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of this coastal environment.
| Common Marine Life | Habitat | Behavior |
| — | — | — |
| Bottlenose Dolphins | Shallow Coastal Waters | Sociable, Playful |
| Green Sea Turtles | Seagrass Beds | Migratory, Herbivorous |
| Roseate Spoonbills | Mangrove Forests | Wading, Filter-Feeding |
The Sum Up
The Dolphin Watching Boat Tour around Anna Maria Island offers a captivating and exclusive experience. With its scenic views, frequent dolphin sightings, and attentive captain, this tour provides a perfect opportunity for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the local marine life. At $399 for up to six guests, it’s a must-book for those seeking an unforgettable adventure on the water.
📍 This experience made our list of the 4 best Dolphin Watching Tours in Sarasota
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