Looking for the ultimate vacation destination? Anna Maria Island is the answer! You can find everything you’re looking for in a Florida getaway, but you can also avoid the crowds of bigger tourist cities like Tampa or Orlando. Come see the excitement of AMI, from the gorgeous white sand beaches to the fresh seafood around every corner, as well as the stunning wildlife and the rich history of the area. Whether you’re traveling with your sweetheart or the whole extended family, there’s something for everyone!
While you should definitely take time to relax during your getaway, sometimes you need an excuse for some adrenaline. Luckily, there are tons of fun attractions for thrill-seekers on Anna Maria Island. Best of all, they’re all conveniently located just minutes away from our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals. Here are three of our favorite attractions to help you satisfy your craving for a thrill.
C Ponies Beach Horseback Ride
What better way to get in the water than on horseback? C Ponies Beach Horseback Ride is the perfect way to get a unique perspective of the beach. C Ponies has been serving the Anna Maria Island area for years, with other locations in Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tampa Bay. The company was started by Carmen Hermann Hanson, who once had her own riding academy and has always been passionate about teaching horseback riding and training horses. After a non-horse related accident in 2012 left her unable to retrain horses, Hanson came up with a new idea to continue her passion, and C Ponies was born.
Each horseback ride uses either Drum or Gypsy Vanner horses, some of the rarest breeds. Their long flowing manes and tails are a sight to be seen, and their serenity and the water will keep you calm and relaxed as well. The vast majority of horses employed by C Ponies have been rehabilitated from terrible conditions, and the water is an invaluable tool in continuing the rehabilitation process. Hanson takes great care of her horses and always ensures their comfort. Horses have several days off each week, only work for a limited time per day, and are removed from the tours and retrained in another discipline if they don’t like to swim or aren’t in good enough health.
Each and every horse used at C Ponies have been rescued and rehabilitated by Hanson, and every ride helps rehabilitate another animal. Whether you are an experienced horseback rider or this will be your first time riding, there is an excursion option for you. On all of the excursions, you will have an experienced guide to help you with your horse and show you the most gorgeous nature of Anna Maria Island. You’ll have a comfortable time in the water without any jarring or hard impacts, and you’ll have the perfect view of incredible wildlife like manatees, stingrays, native fish, and even dolphins!
Excursions with C Ponies can last one to two hours and are great for visitors 10 years old and up. To book your ride, visit cponies.com or give them a call at (941) 773-5196.
Zegway by the Bay
Looking to learn more about Anna Maria Island but don’t want to do a standard walking tour? Zegway by the Bay is the perfect solution. This guided Segway tour will show you the biggest tourist attractions of the island, but you’ll also get to go down the hidden path that most visitors never get to see. With multiple adventures available during the day or at sunset, you can truly personalize your experience.
The most popular Segway tour is the Bean Point Adventure, where you’ll get to experience almost nine miles round-trip of the most breathtaking nature of AMI. You’ll get to learn about the island, see some of the area’s favorite hot spots, and maybe even spot a dolphin or turtle! Other options for tours include the Beaches Tour, a shorter 90-minute adventure, as well as the Historic Bridge Street Tour that takes you through the southern half of the island.
Additionally, Zegway by the Bay offers two sunset tours that are perfect for a romantic evening out. The Arts and Culture Tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and will let you learn about the area’s best painters, historians, and artisans. You could also go on the Guided Walking Meditation, an hour-long walk through Leffis Key Nature Preserve. This is the perfect way to relax at the end of a long day and tune into the energy of the island.
Zegway Tours are perfect for riders at least 14 years old and at least 100 pounds and your tour guide will show you how to operate the Segway, keeping you safe and confident. Zegway by the Bay is located at 3228 East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. To reserve your tour, visit their website at zegwaybythebay.com or call (941) 565-2082.
Snapper Addict Fishing Charters
Anna Maria Island is a popular vacation destination for fishermen, and booking a fishing charter can be the perfect way to make the most of your adventure. Snapper Addict Fishing Charters is one of the area’s best options and has received the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for three years in a row. Captain Layne Ostrander is an experienced fisherman who has a passion for bringing guests out onto the water. He will work with your group to customize your experience, giving you a personalized trip with memories that will last a lifetime.
Snapper Addict Fishing Charters uses the safest boats that always meet or exceed USCG standards. There’s plenty of room for everyone, and there’s even shaded seating and a cabin for those who aren’t actively fishing. While you’re on the water, you can find a variety of fish, from hogfish to barracuda to red grouper and Benito. There are even several restaurants in the area that will cook your catch!
Snapper Addict Fishing Charters provides your fishing license, equipment, tackle, and ice. You are welcome to bring food and drinks if you desire, as well as sunscreen and other sun protection, your camera, and a cooler if you plan to take home any fish. Each trip can accommodate up to six adults, and children and teenagers may come as well, as long as they are accompanied by an adult at all times.
Excursions start at $500 for 4 hours with two people included and can go up to $1,100 for an 8 hour trip with 6 people. You can find a full price breakdown depending on the number of people you have and the length of your excursion on their website at charterfishingbradenton.com. You’re also able to book your excursion directly online or call (941) 812-6364.
Any of these activities are perfect for the thrill-seeker in your group, and they’re all located just minutes from our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals. At the end of a long day, our rentals provide the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the fun of the day. Come explore everything AMI has to offer near our rentals, which are budget-friendly and can accommodate groups of any size. Contact us today for more information about all of our Anna Maria Island lodging options!