by Holle Abee

Created on: April 30, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

"Water, water everywhere..." Coleridge wasn't referring to Anna Maria Island in this famous line, but it certainly describes the little slice of Florida paradise well! With Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Sound, Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Intracoastal Waterway enveloping the island, along with mangrove-lined canals criss-crossing the interior, water is indeed everywhere!

Best of all, the ubiquitous water is clear, warm, and calm - begging visitors to come and play! Check out these great water activities:

Swimming: The island beaches provide great swimming, with calm surf and little undertow. Several beaches have lifeguards on duty year-round, along with kid-friendly shallows.

Diving/snorkeling: With high visibility and abundant marine life, these activities are popular. Visit the Regina shipwreck at Bradenton Beach, lying less than 20 feet below the surface. The submerged ruins of Ft. Dade on Egmont Key is another great spot, along with the rocky coves on Siesta Key. Dive tours to the offshore reefs are available, also.

Kayaking/canoeing: Bring your craft or rent one and explore the mangrove-lined canals to see all kinds of wildlife and birds along the banks, as well as horseshoe crabs, dolphins, manatees, and fish in the clear waters. Other great spots include the estuaries, Egmont Key, and Coquina Beach.

Surfing: The calm waters here aren't exactly famous for "hanging ten," but the surf at Cortez Beach sometimes offers some nice breaks. Florida's oldest surf shop is located on the island!

Water skiing: For some real fun, book a ski boat and slalom on the calm waters!

Personal watercraft: Jet skis and waverunners are available for rent at several island locations.

Windsurfing: Catch the tropical breezes in your sail and skim along the pristine water! You'll find several outfitters that rent equipment at the main beaches.

Water toys: Rent a skimboard, boogie board, or paddle board - no wind required! Local shops offer weekly rates and will even deliver your toys right to your door!

Parasailing: For the more adventurous, head to Cortez for some awesome views while parasailing!

Boating/Sailing: Rent a vessel and be your own captain! Tour the beautiful islands at your own pace. A great family adventure!

Water tours: Book a cruise at a local marina for dolphin and manatee watching, bird watching, eco-tours, sunset cruises, and general sightseeing. A wonderful way to see the area from a different perspective!

Fishing: Visit one of the three island piers, the jetty at Longboat Pass, the grass flats, or charter a fishing guide to take you to deeper water for the big boys, like gargantuan grouper, kings, and monster tarpon! Just casting a line in the surf from the beach will often produce catches of pompano, flounder, reds, trout, and small sharks.

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