Florida Gulf Beaches
The beaches of Florida’s Gulf Islands offer a shoreline experience for every Florida beach lover. Florida Gulf Beaches here are all just a short drive from one another, and most offering free parking. Shore-side activities include nature trails, fishing piers, and plenty of beachcombing for shells, shark teeth and sea turtle nests. The local Island Turtle Watch conducts guided tours for an up-close look in July. Visitors can even find a spot to cool off in the Bradenton area with three dog-friendly locales. So kick off your shoes and sink your toes into one of our local favorites.
Local Bradenton Water Activities
Awesome aquatic adventures are abound on Florida’s Gulf Islands providing equal parts relaxation and exhilaration. Enjoy Bradenton water activities and the area’s native wildlife while seated in a kayak, gliding on your board or soaring high above the Florida gulf coast. Catch the Florida Gulf Coast waters and steady winds off Bean Point or the local surf break just south of the Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach for some exhilarating kite surfing. While in Bradenton take advantage of the many Bradenton water activities such as parasailing and scuba diving. If you want to keep your plans up in the air, take in a thrilling view of the Florida Gulf Coast with a parasailing adventure. Dive reefs just offshore of Anna Maria Island for goliath grouper, or hop on a charter in search of tarpon, dolphin or sailfish. Paddle through the mangroves or feed that need for speed on a high-powered jet ski. Whatever your passion, be sure to make the most of our liquid assets.
Florida Nature & Outdoors
Florida’s Gulf Islands is a tropical oasis of Florida nature activities including thriving marine life and plenty of options for up-close and personal experiences for visitors. Anna Maria Island is home to the largest open estuary in Florida, offering daily encounters with manatees, dolphins, roseate spoonbills, egrets and more. Try your hand at kayak fishing in the grass flats and backwaters of Palma Sola Bay for redfish, snook or speckled trout, or paddle through the mangroves in search of the East Indian manatee. Sightseeing charters in the Bay and along the coast give Florida nature visitors a chance to get acquainted with the many marine mammals, from dolphin sightings to serious Florida bird watching, and hands-on experiences with starfish, crabs and even rays.
