Posted on 8/3/2022

7 Best Sunset Cruises on Anna Maria Island

Looking for the perfect way to end a day on Florida's stunning Anna Maria Island? Why not take a sunset cruise to enjoy the Sunshine State's world-class sunsets and stunning views? Some of these tours also double as a dolphin tour, which is an especially fun added bonus. 

We've compiled this list of the best sunset cruises on Anna Maria Island to make the decision process a bit easier for you!


1. Sunset Cruise Anna Maria Island

Photo Credit: amidolphintours_ via Instagram

What to Expect: This cruise leaves from Waterline Marina in Holmes Beach. Spend 1.5 luxurious hours cruising around the Gulf of Mexico and along the coast of Anna Maria Island as the sun dips below the horizon and paints the sky with a lavish spread of pinks, oranges, and reds. Enjoy spectacular views, and perhaps make friends with a dolphin or two as they come to greet the boat. Private charters are also available for an additional price.

Company: Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours

Location: 5325 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: Adult tickets start at $50 per person for the public sunset cruise; For private cruises, prices start at $325 for a group of up to 12 people.

Helpful Tips: Tour operates rain or shine; there are no snacks or drinks provided, but you can bring your own! Alcoholic drinks are permitted as well. This tour carries up to 19 passengers.


2. Customizable Sunset Cruise

Photo Credit: in_our_huggle_home via Instagram

What to Expect: This cruise is organized by the captain, Captain Ed. Sail away from Anna Maria Island on a 30 foot Catalina yacht with Captain Ed at the helm. You'll take in the Sunshine Skyway and Tropicana Field on this sightseeing sunset cruise around Tampa Bay after a long day of snorkeling and fun in the sun on Anna Maria Island.

Company: Spice Sailing Charters

Location: 5325 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Duration: 2.5 hours or 4 hours

Price: $50 per person for the 2.5 hour sunset cruise; $75 per person for the 4 hour sunset cruise

Helpful Tips: You are welcome to bring a cooler with snacks and beverages on board, as none are provided during the cruise.


3. Sunset Boat Tour

Photo Credit: funboattourssiestakey via Instagram

What to Expect: They don't call this the Fun Boat for nothing! This is an interesting Anna Maria Island sunset cruise in that you'll even get the crew singing a bit of karaoke as you sail around Sarasota Bay on a pontoon style boat. In addition to the vocal stylings of your attentive crew members, they will also provide tremendous insight to the sights and scenes that surround you on your cruise. The boat departs from Keyes Marina on Marina Drive.

Company: Fun Boat

Location: 5501 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Price: $59.50 for adults; $32.50 for children under 10 years of age

Helpful Tips: Water, soda, coolers, and ice are provided on board.


4. Island Pearl Sunset Tour

Photo Credit: islandpearlexcursions via Instagram

What to Expect: This cheeky tour company is the only one who has a no-money-back guarantee of the sunset. Which makes sense, because, of course the sun will set every day! This cruise gives you the epic Gulf of Mexico sunsets that the area is famous for, combined with interesting facts from the crew members, comfortable seats, and a super-clean bathroom.

Company: Island Pearl Excursions

Location: 402 Church Ave, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Price: $40 for adults; $30 for children under 10 years of age

Helpful Tips: Pets are not permitted. Please contact the crew to discuss bringing refreshments.


5. Paradise Sunset Tour

Photo Credit: seedolphins via Instagram

What to Expect: The Paradise Sunset Tour is a fully narrated tour, where the crew members are passionate about educating their guests on the local marine wildlife and ecosystem. The tour departs from Bradenton Beach Marina and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. You'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and different bird species.

Company: Paradise Boat Tours

Location: 200 Bridge Street, Building A, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Price: $35 for adults; $25 for children under 12 years of age

Helpful Tips: Payment upon arrival; bring snacks, beverages, and alcoholic drinks if you'd like! If you need a boat with accessibility for the handicapped, Paradise Boat Tours has you covered.


6. Island Boat Sunset Tour

Photo Credit: Island Boat Tours & Adventures - Anna Maria Island , Florida via Facebook

What to Expect: Cruise around Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Sarasota Bay, and its surroundings on this 2 hour sunset cruise. Head out on a public or private sunset boat ride through some of Florida's most beautiful waters as you dolphin watch from the comfort of your seat on board. The boats that Island Boat Tours & Adventures use are significantly smaller than other sunset cruise tour operators in Anna Maria Island, as their boats only hold 6 people.

Company: Island Boat Tours & Adventures

Location: Coquina North Boat Ramp, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Duration: 2 Hours

Price: $250 for up to 6 passengers

Helpful Tips: Food, non-alcoholic, and alcoholic beverages are all welcome on board.


7. Captain Fin's Sunset Cruise

Photo Credit: captainfins.net

What to Expect: Head out on the waters of Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island with a company that's been doing this since 1975! Captain Fin's Sunset Cruise in Anna Maria Island is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Spend an evening relaxing as you soak in the multifaceted hues that Florida sunsets are renowned for as the waters gently lap at the boat.

Company: Captain Fin's

Location: 1325 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Duration: 2 Hours

Price: Contact Captain Fin

Helpful Tips: Bring your drink of choice! If you're looking for a breathtaking sunset cruise while in Florida, look no further than Anna Maria Island. With its gentle waves and stunning sunsets, the island is a prime spot for a romantic evening out on the water. The top-rated tour operators offer everything from intimate sailing charters to large catamaran cruises, so there's something for everyone. 

And if you need a place to stay, Anna Maria Beach Rentals has you covered with a variety of beachfront properties to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Book your sunset cruise today!