Wake of Wonder: A Private Dolphin & Manatee Charter on Anna Maria Island
$375 per charter | All ages welcome | All charters are private!
Morning comes soft to Anna Maria Island. The Gulf leans in with a hush, and pelicans idle like dockside sentries as your captain nudges a sleek 26-foot Regal OBX into the channel. The hull lifts, the bow tracks toward the Intracoastal Waterway, and the surface—glass one moment, corrugated the next—stirs like a living thing. A fin cuts the light. Then another. Bottlenose dolphins rise and roll in the wake, playful and deliberate, as if pacing the boat, daring it to keep up.
Trail Wisdom
Go Early for Glassy Water
Morning departures often offer calmer seas, softer light, and better visibility for spotting manatees in the shallows.
Use Lotion, Not Spray
Bring reef-friendly lotion sunscreen; spray makes decks slick and can damage boat finishes and nearby marine life.
Polarized Lenses Pay Off
Polarized sunglasses help you read the surface—watch for manatee ‘footprints’ and the flash of dolphin dorsal fins.
Pack Smart Snacks
Avoid crumbly chips like Cheetos or Doritos; opt for sealed, non-messy snacks that won’t blow around the deck.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Leffis Key Preserve boardwalk for post-cruise birding and bay views
- •Jewfish Key sandbar for clear-water wading on calm days
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphin, West Indian manatee
Conservation Note
Follow NOAA’s ‘Give Sea Turtles & Dolphins Space’ guidelines and Florida’s manatee slow zones. Never feed or pursue wildlife; use reef-safe sunscreen and pack out all trash.
Cortez, just across the bay, is one of Florida’s oldest working fishing villages, and the Intracoastal Waterway opened reliable inside passage routes along this coast in the mid-20th century.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Calm mornings, Clearer water
Challenges: Occasional windy fronts
Mild temps and gentle breezes make spring ideal for wildlife viewing and comfortable cruising.
summer
Best for: Warm water swims, Frequent manatee sightings in bays
Challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms, High heat and humidity
Plan morning trips to beat storms and heat; hydrate well and expect vibrant wildlife activity.
fall
Best for: Glass-off days after fronts, Migratory bird activity
Challenges: Unsettled weather from late-season systems
Air clears after fronts and waters can go mirror-calm; keep an eye on forecasts during storm season.
winter
Best for: Consistent dolphin activity, Low-crowd outings
Challenges: Cooler temps, Choppier water during cold fronts
Bring layers; manatees may be less frequent along open bays but dolphins remain active year-round.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts glare to spot fins and manatee footprints through the surface.
Reef-Safe Lotion SunscreenEssential
Protects skin and avoids aerosol overspray on the boat and water.
Water Shoes or Sandals
Handy for sandbar stops and stepping into shallow, shelly areas.
Lightweight Towel
Useful after a quick swim or to wipe salt spray off cameras and phones.
Common Questions
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No tour can guarantee wildlife, but dolphins are seen frequently year-round and manatee sightings are common in warmer months.
Can children join the charter?
Yes. All ages are welcome on this private trip, and life jackets are provided.
Is snorkeling always included?
Snorkeling gear is onboard and available when water clarity, current, and safety conditions allow.
May we bring alcohol or a cooler?
Adults may bring beer, wine, or champagne (no red wine). A cooler with ice is provided; small coolers for specialty drinks or snacks are fine.
What about motion sickness?
Bay waters are usually calm, but if you’re sensitive, take a non-drowsy remedy an hour before departure and choose a morning trip when conditions tend to be smoother.
Are there restrooms onboard?
Use the marina facilities before departure; small cruising boats of this size may have limited or no onboard restroom access.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses to spot fins in glare; reef-safe lotion sunscreen to protect skin and the water; lightweight towel for spray or a quick swim; water shoes for sandbar stops and easy boarding.
Did You Know
Sarasota Bay hosts the world’s longest-running study of wild dolphins through the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, and the Florida manatee is protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a morning slot for calmer seas; arrive 15 minutes early to park and use restrooms; avoid spray sunscreen and crumbly snacks; check the radar—summer storms often pop up after 2 p.m.
Local Flavor
Post-cruise, head to the historic fishing village of Cortez for fresh grouper sandwiches at Star Fish Company or dockside tacos at Tide Tables. On-island, grab a sunset margarita at Wicked Cantina or watch the pier scene at Bridge Street as the sun drops behind the Gulf.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Sarasota–Bradenton International (SRQ), ~14 miles. Departure area: Coquina/Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. Drive time: ~30–40 minutes from downtown Bradenton or SRQ depending on traffic. Cell service: Generally good, with occasional weak spots near mangroves. Permits: None required for guests; bring a photo ID and your booking confirmation.
Sustainability Note
Respect manatee slow-speed zones and maintain legal distances from wildlife. Choose lotion sunscreens, never feed animals, and keep all trash secured—these shallow estuaries are nursery habitats for countless species.
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