Island-Hopping the Gulf: A Private Half-Day Escape Around Egmont, Passage, and Beer Can Islands
Sandbar-hopping, snorkeling, and slow Gulf breezes—customized for your crew.
Morning slides in on a soft Gulf breeze, the kind that lifts the flag at the marina and puts a sparkle on the flats. You step aboard a roomy tri-toon, coolers iced down, paddle boards strapped, and an oversized swim mat snuggled tight at the stern. The captain thumbs the throttle and Bradenton Beach loosens its grip. Ahead, the water opens into jade, then turquoise, then something brighter—an invitation painted in light. The Gulf does this here: it coaxes you out, then quietly raises the stakes. Pelicans patrol the channel like seasoned dockhands. A pair of dolphins sidle into the wake, daring you to lean over the rail. The day is yours to shape. That’s the promise of this private, customizable Bradenton Beach boat tour—four hours of island-hopping with no rigid itinerary and plenty of toys aboard to match your crew’s mood.
Trail Wisdom
Choose lotion, not spray
Use reef-safe lotion sunscreen rather than spray; sprays can slick the deck and are not allowed onboard.
Respect wildlife closures
Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge is closed to landing year-round—enjoy from the water and give nesting birds a wide berth.
Bring water shoes
Shallow sandbars and shell-strewn shallows are easier on the feet with sturdy water shoes.
Hydrate and shade up
Florida sun is strong; drink regularly and use hats, sunglasses, and UPF layers for mid-day protection.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The driftwood labyrinth at Beer Can Island’s north tip during low tide
- •Fort Dade’s brick roads and gun batteries tucked into Egmont Key’s interior
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Manatees (most common in warmer months)
Conservation Note
Avoid stepping on seagrass beds when wading, never collect live shells, and respect all bird-nesting closure signs—especially around Passage Key NWR.
Egmont Key’s lighthouse has operated since 1858, and Fort Dade’s Spanish–American War-era defenses left a grid of brick streets still visible today.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Clearer water, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Occasional windy fronts, Variable tides
Spring brings comfortable air temps and improving visibility. Mornings are typically calm; afternoons can see a breeze.
summer
Best for: Warmest water, Manatee and dolphin sightings
Challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms, High heat and humidity
Plan early starts to beat heat and pop-up storms. Water is bath-warm and ideal for long sandbar swims.
fall
Best for: Fewer crowds, Stable weather windows
Challenges: Late-season tropical systems, Shorter days
Autumn often means mellow seas and open sandbars. Keep an eye on storm forecasts during peak hurricane months.
winter
Best for: Crisp air, Clearer visibility on calm days
Challenges: Cooler water, Northerly winds creating chop
Pack an extra layer for the breeze. On calm days, water clarity can be excellent around Egmont Key.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Cuts surface glare so you can spot rays, fish, and shallow bars from the boat.
Reef-safe sunscreen (lotion)Essential
Protects your skin and the Gulf’s ecosystems; sprays aren’t allowed onboard.
Water shoes or sandals with heel strap
Makes shelling and sandbar entries more comfortable and secure.
Lightweight UPF shirt
Adds sun protection without overheating during midday runs between islands.
Common Questions
Where do we depart from?
Departure is from the Bradenton Beach/Anna Maria Island area; your exact dock location and meeting instructions are confirmed after booking.
Is this trip suitable for kids?
Yes—this private charter is family-friendly and customizable, with life jackets and floating mats; activities can be adjusted to ages and comfort levels.
Can we land on Passage Key?
No. Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge is closed to landing year-round to protect nesting birds. You can anchor nearby and enjoy the water from a respectful distance.
Is there a restroom on the boat?
Most tri-toon boats used for this tour do not have a marine head. Plan a restroom stop before departure; the captain can advise on nearby facilities.
What if the weather turns bad?
If inclement weather prevents safe travel, the tour will be rescheduled when possible; if not, you’ll receive a refund of the booking credit.
Can we bring alcohol or our own snacks?
Yes—beer, wine, or champagne and snacks are welcome. Please avoid messy snacks like Cheetos/Doritos and do not use spray sunscreen onboard.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses to spot marine life below the glare; reef-safe lotion sunscreen for strong Florida sun; water shoes for shell-strewn sandbars; a light UPF layer to stay cool and covered between swims.
Did You Know
Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1905 by President Theodore Roosevelt and is fully closed to public access to protect sensitive seabird nesting habitat.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a morning departure for calmer seas and cooler air; parking near popular docks fills quickly—arrive 20–30 minutes early; if you’re prone to motion sickness, take non-drowsy medication one hour before departure; weekdays see fewer boats at the sandbars than weekends.
Local Flavor
Post-boat, grab a grouper sandwich at Tide Tables in nearby Cortez, sunset cocktails at The Sandbar on Anna Maria Island, or a laid-back pier vibe at Rod & Reel. For a sweet cooldown, swing by Small Town Creamery on Gulf Drive.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Sarasota–Bradenton International (SRQ, ~30–40 min) and Tampa (TPA, ~1–1.5 hrs). Departure: Bradenton Beach/Anna Maria Island (exact dock confirmed after booking). Driving: 10–20 minutes from most AMI accommodations. Cell service: Generally good nearshore; may weaken around Egmont Key. Permits: No park pass needed for passengers; Passage Key is closed to landing; fishing licenses typically covered under the captain’s charter.
Sustainability Note
Seagrass meadows and nesting islands here are fragile. Use reef-safe sunscreen, never anchor on grass beds, keep 50 yards from dolphins and manatees, and pack out all trash. Passage Key NWR is closed to landing—observe from the water only.
Continue Reading
Throttle Into Lake Wateree: Jet Ski Rental Days That Fly
Carve coves, chase open-water straights, and let South Carolina’s Lake Wateree show you how a day on a jet ski can fly. Here’s the how, when, and where to make the most of a half- or full-day rental.
Camden, South Carolina
Lake Champlain, Your Way: A Private Day Cruise From Burlington
Settle into a 90-minute private yacht cruise on Lake Champlain, where you call the shots—BYOB, picnic on deck, and soak up Adirondack-to-Green Mountain views. It’s an easy, flexible way to see Burlington’s waterfront and the region’s quiet grandeur from the best seat in the house.
Burlington, Vermont