Posted on 1/31/2025

Boat Rentals on Anna Maria Island: Where to Go

Are you dreaming of a vacation getaway on the water? Look no further than Anna Maria Island: a gorgeous, beach-filled island within Florida’s Manatee County. Here, you’ll find tons of opportunities to enjoy afternoons on the water, as well as ample time to relax in the sun.

Here at Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals, our local experts are at your beck and call to help you make the most of your getaway.

Interested in learning about Anna Maria Island Boat rentals and how to enjoy your trip on the water? Keep reading as we round up common questions, rules, and rental options for our future guests on Anna Maria Island!

About Boat Rentals on Anna Maria Island

One of the most common vacation activities on Anna Maria Island is boating along the coast. Travelers can choose from small speedboats or sightseeing pontoon boats to more luxurious yacht rentals for more sophisticated sailors.

The area is well-known for boating, and it’s common for travelers to sail with or without a captain. If you opt for a boat rental with a captain, you can enjoy a more laissez-faire experience and enjoy a glass of champagne along the ride.

However, if you choose to drive the boat yourself, you’ll need to have a Florida Boater Card. This card certifies that you’ve completed a safety course if you were born after 1988. If you aren’t from the state of Florida, any boating license from a reputable body in your state will suffice. Additionally, people born in 1987 or prior are exempt from needing a license.


5 Anna Maria Island Boat Rental Companies

Ready to set sail? Here are five boat rental companies you can choose from for a great day on the water!

1. H2O Watersportz

Photo Credit: h2owatersportz




  • Website: h2owatersportz.com
  • Address: 4110 127th Street West, Cortez, FL
  • Contact: 941-538-4290

H2O has been around for years and is conveniently located off Anna Maria Island (right over the Cortez Road Bridge). They request boating licenses from people who want to play captain, as well as government IDs for all passengers.

Boat rentals include pontoon and ‘tritoon boats,’ jet skis, and large center console rentals to cruise around Anna Maria Island and Sarasota Bay for snorkeling, sandbar hopping, or fishing — whatever floats your boat. Keep in mind that fishing and diving equipment are also available for rent at H2O.

As for drinks? Feel free to bring along a few beers, but H2O reserves the right to check your cooler for any hard liquor, as that’s not permitted onboard. Similarly, make sure to hold your alcohol well because you won’t be permitted to sail if you appear intoxicated.


2. Bradenton Beach Marina

Photo Credit: Amy Jones-Broker

This marina is fully equipped with jet ski rentals and boat rentals, along with coolers, snacks, and drinks available for purchase. Unline H2O, Bradenton Beach Marina also offers Hurricane Deck Bowrider rentals, which are more casual and move faster than the larger, covered pontoon boats (though they also offer those rentals). Captains are available for your rental at around $50/hour, and boat rides are between 4 to 8 hours.

Rentals start at $300 to $425 per hour at the time of publication, depending on the type of boat you choose.

And if you’re traveling to Anna Maria Island on your own boat? No worries — this marina offers dockage and storage, as well as valet services, to keep your experience seamless.


3. Cortez Watersports

Photo Credit: Ondrej Dolejsi

If your kiddos are itching to see dolphins, Cortez won’t disappoint with their 100% dolphin sighting guarantee! This third-generation boat rental company knows their stuff, offering a wide range of boat rental and tour options. Tours help you get more background about the area’s history, as well as a guide on the best spots to catch sightings of dolphins and manatees.

Cortez Watersports offers large pontoon boat rentals that seat up to 16 people, complete with music hookups for you to play your own tunes on blast. If your heart is set on fishing, you can also rent dedicated fishing charters (up to 4 people) to catch:

  • Snook
  • Flounder
  • Seatrout
  • Redfish


4. Twisted Anchor Boats

Photo Credit: Holly Kallestad

Twisted Anchor Boats is a family-run shop that’s been around for 25 years. They don’t have as wide of a selection of boats as other outlets, but they tend to be slightly more affordable if you manage to snag a booking. You can pick from three different pontoon boats and drive with a valid boating license, but the company only permits people who are at least 30 years old to drive. Choose from half-day rentals or full-day rentals — they even offer flat rates for multi-day rentals.

They also request all personal details before boarding, as well as information about where you want to sail. Places like Jewfish Key Sandbar and various Dock-and-Dine restaurants are permitted for all groups.

However, some locations – south of Longboat Key, Egmont Key, and some of the Gulf Waters – tend to have choppy waters en route. If you want to sail to these locations, you’ll need prior approval depending on the weather and your boat drivers’ experience.


5. Fun Boat Tours

Photo Credit: Dr. Lana

If you don’t feel like riding the boat yourself, Fun Boat Tours gives you all the enjoyment of a boat ride without the responsibility. You can enjoy tours at all hours of the day, including:

  • Dolphins and Donut Tour: Morning boat ride focused on dolphin and bird sightings, with coffee and donuts included.
  • Dolphins and Drinks: Departing after lunchtime, this tour offers free drinks on the Gulf to catch wildlife sightings.
  • Sunset Cruise: Evening boat tour on the Gulf with stunning sunset views that make for delightful photo memories.

The above tour options are affordable, at under $50 per person. But Fun Boat Tours also offers private boat experiences with catering services, allowing you to bring 6-8 people on a totally customized cruise.


Where to Take Your Boat Rental

All booked and ready to set sail? Here are some spots to check out on your Anna Maria Island Boat Rental.

Sandbars

Downtown Anna Maria Island has plenty of restaurants and bars, but boat days call for more nature appreciation. Sandbars are ridges of sand surrounded by water, aquatic plant life, and sometimes other native wildlife. Our favorites include the Jewfish Key Sandbar and Sand Dollar Sandbar.

Dock Restaurants

Pull up by boat at a variety of restaurants around Anna Maria Island. Our personal favorite? Dry Dock Waterfront Grill for blackened grouper tacos, yum!


Cruise Around Anna Maria Island on Your Next Vacation!

Manatees, champagne, snorkeling — what else could you ask for on your Anna Maria Island vacation? Boat rentals are a great way to pass the time and soak up some much-needed sun and relaxation on your getaway.

And once you’ve had your fill of saltwater splashes, you’ll want a comfortable home to retreat to. We’ve got you covered here at Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals. Craving beach hangs without the crowds? Book your Anna Maria Island vacation today!

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