Our Favorite Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours

Anna Maria Island (AMI) is a beautiful getaway near Tampa, Florida. Taking a break on Anna Maria Island has many benefits, such as relaxing in nature, island hopping around Sarasota Bay, and viewing wildlife like manatees or sea turtles. One of the best is getting up close and personal with some of the most majestic creatures in the world — dolphins!

These beautiful and friendly animals have long fascinated people, and there's no better way to enjoy their company than on one of the many dolphin tours available in the crystal clear waters of Anna Maria Island.

Whether you prefer to do sunset tours, snorkeling tours, private tours, kayaking tours, or boat tours, we've got you covered with our list of the best dolphin tours on Anna Maria Island.

Types of Dolphin Tours on Anna Maria Island

In general, there are three types of dolphin tours that you can enjoy:

• Boat tours

• Kayak tours/paddleboard tours

• Private tours and boat charters

Boat tours are a great option if you want to relax and take in the scenery while looking for dolphins and other sea creatures. Many boat tour operators also offer private charters, which can be a great option for groups or families.

Kayak tours are a great way to get up close and personal with dolphins while getting some exercise at the same time! Many kayak tour operators also offer stand-up paddleboard and snorkeling tours, which can be a great option for those who want to try something new.

Private tours are a great option if you want a more intimate sightseeing experience. Many private tour operators offer custom tours, so you can choose exactly what you want to see and do.

Photo Credit: amidolphintours_ via Instagram

• Website: https://www.amidolphintours.com/

• Address: 5325 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

• Phone: 941-281-3461

The aptly named Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours, also called the Salty Dolphin, offers dolphin-watching boat tours, private charters, and even sunset cruises. They guarantee you'll see dolphins on every tour, or your next one is free!

Their tour sets sail from Holmes Beach. If dolphins aren't all you're interested in, you can also take an excursion to Egmont — an area only accessible by boat — to see marine life like manatees, and seabirds. And, of course, more dolphins!

Captain Ben is popular with visitors as he has spent more than 45 years on the AMI waters with the dolphins. Many past visitors have nothing but high regard for his tours. In addition to cute dolphins, you can feast your eyes upon eagles, osprey, sea turtles, and manatees in their natural wild habitats.

For a fun alternative to private dolphin tours, rent a pontoon boat for up to 12 people for either a half or full day. A pontoon boat is great for groups because it offers plenty of space to move around and take in the scenery.

• Website: https://bradentonbeachmarina.com/dolphin-tours/

• Address: 402 Church Street North, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

• Phone: 941-281-3461

Enjoy a guided 1.5-hour tour with the  Bradenton Beach Marina and see dolphins in their natural habitat. The dolphin eco-tour is great for families and groups since it's a narrated tour that shares fun facts about the area and the dolphins.

You'll also get to learn about the history of the fishing village of Cortez from the on-board guide. This village is the oldest fishing village on Florida's west coast and a great place for fishing charters! Tours leave in the morning or afternoon.

• Website: https://mvminnow.com/services/dolphin-cruises/

• Address: 5325 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

• Phone: 844-264-3474

Visitors of all ages can book with M/V Minnow for afternoon tours that run from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Enjoy watching bottlenose dolphins, birds, stingrays, and more. In addition to an afternoon dolphin tour, you can also enjoy a romantic sunset cruise or Egmont Key trip. The boat leaves from Marina Drive in Holmes Beach and has a bathroom on board.

• Website: https://www.amiescapes.com/

• Address: 6398 Marina Way, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

• Phone: 941-518-4336

You can get up close with playful dolphins on this small group tour by AMI Escapes Boat Tours. Take advantage of snorkeling gear so you can experience the reefs and sea life in their natural habitat.

This tour is great for families with kids because the boat is smaller and more intimate. Your local guides have tons of experience with the area dolphins, so you can get useful knowledge as you look out for the local creatures.

• Website: https://encounterswithdolphins.com/

• Address: 25 Causeway Blvd Slip 23/24, Clearwater, FL 33767

• Phone: 727-466-0375

This tour by Encounters with Dolphins leaves from Clearwater Beach Marina. From Anna Maria Island, take the free trolley to Clearwater Beach and walk to the marina. The trip will take about an hour.

Enjoy the dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico and see other wildlife such as pelicans, ospreys, eagles, stingrays, and more. This narrated tour is 1.5 hours long and stops off on Compass Island. Kids will enjoy the shell hunt on the island! Snorkeling gear is provided as well.

• Website: https://www.coastlineexcursions.com/

• Address: 12312 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209

• Phone: 941-201-8429

This family-owned business hosts excursions on a Boston Whaler, making it the ideal vessel for your comfort and dry storage of personal items. All trips by Coastline Dolphin and Snorkeling Excursions also provide snorkeling gear to make your excursion complete!

Explore the islands, see turtles, and more. Kids often love this four-hour trip as there is plenty to see and do!

Whether you wish to snorkel, relax on a sunset cruise, or watch dolphins, Passage Key has options available. These tours last 2 to 6 hours as you enjoy the Tampa Bay waters. The Gulf of Mexico is only a short boat ride away and you may see a bald eagle!

You can go shelling or walking around Egmont Key on these private tours. Ask about adding a second boat if your group is as large as 12 people.

Where To Stay During Your Dolphin Tours

Our vacation rental homes are carefully selected to give you the best mix of comfort, privacy, and easy access to all the best things that Anna Maria Island offers. With great rental homes available in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, you'll have your choice of preferred location for your beach getaway.