Kayaking near Anna Maria Island in 2026
The main place to paddle near the island is Robinson Preserve at 1704 99th Street NW in Bradenton. The preserve covers more than 600 acres of mangroves, trails and water, and it has a kayak launch near the entrance. It is open every day from sunrise to sunset. You can bring your own kayak, rent one on the mainland, or join a guided paddle tour.
Leffis Key Preserve is not an option for now, because it is closed after hurricane damage. Plan your paddle at Robinson Preserve instead, and read the rules for boats, safety gear and wildlife further down this page.
Our picks: kayak tours
The guided paddle from Bradenton Beach is a straightforward first tour with a briefing and local background. The manatee-area paddle suits the same bay waters, and the clear-kayak night tour is the one to take if you want something after dark.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Clear-kayak night tour with LED lights
- Clear kayak
- Life jacket and paddle
A short after-dark paddle in a see-through kayak starting at the Welcome to AMI sign. Be 15 minutes early for the safety talk, because late arrivals are not refunded.
Check availability →
Guided manatee-area kayak tour from Bradenton Beach
- Eco-tour guide
- Sit-on-top kayaks and gear
- Photos and videos by the guide
A two-hour guided paddle with a kayak briefing and talk about the local wildlife and history. Manatees are wild animals and cannot be promised.
Check availability →
Manatee-area kayak paddle from Bradenton Beach
- Kayaks and paddles
- Life jackets
- Dry bags
A two-hour paddle from the boat ramp in Bradenton Beach, with kayaks, paddles and life jackets provided. Manatees may be seen but cannot be promised.
Check availability →Kayak tours and paddling trips near Anna Maria Island
Guided kayak and paddle board trips through mangroves and calm water, with live prices and availability.
Where to paddle around Anna Maria Island
One preserve is open, one is closed, and the boat channel is not for sightseeing.
| Place | What it offers | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Robinson Preserve, Bradenton | Mangroves, kayak launch, more than 3 miles of internal routes | Open sunrise to sunset. Trails can close temporarily after storms, so check before you go. |
| Leffis Key Preserve | – | Closed after hurricane damage |
| Intracoastal Waterway | Boat channel | Human-powered craft may cross it directly, but not paddle along it for pleasure |
For most paddlers, Robinson Preserve is the place to start. A round trip of about 5 miles to Palma Sola Bay is possible from the launch, and you can stay on the shorter internal routes if you prefer. Water access is not guaranteed on every day, so check conditions before you set out. The Robinson Preserve page covers trails and the towers.
Kayak and paddle board rentals
Book ahead, especially on the day you want to go.
One rental business on Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton takes bookings online only, seven days a week. Reserve at least 1 day before, and call for same-day requests. Rental prices vary, so check the current price when you book. The county also rents storage tubes for kayaks at Robinson Preserve at $480 per year plus tax. That is an annual storage product for local paddlers and not a day rental.
If you would rather have a guide, the tour cards above show kayak trips with live availability. You can also read about dolphin tours by boat if you want to see the water without paddling.
Stand-up paddle boarding and safety gear
Outside swimming areas, a paddle board is a vessel.
A stand-up paddle board counts as a vessel when you use it outside swimming and surfing areas. That means the same basic gear rules apply as for a kayak.
Life jacket
Carry one wearable US Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person. Children under 6 must wear theirs.
Sound signal
Bring a whistle or another sound-producing device so you can signal for help.
Light at night
At night or in poor visibility, carry a white light.
Wind, current and weather change quickly on open water. Check the forecast on the weather page and stay on the paddling routes. Do not cross into closed or protected areas.
Paddling around manatees and wildlife
Give wild animals room and let them react first.
Manatees live in these waters. If a manatee reacts to you, back away to increase the distance. Do not circle the animals, paddle over resting manatees or come between a mother and her calf. Feeding manatees or offering them water is prohibited.
Dolphins also pass through these waters. NOAA recommends that vessels keep at least 50 yards (about 45.7 meters) away, and feeding is prohibited. A paddler can quickly get closer than intended, so watch the animals and keep your distance.
Kayaking on Anna Maria Island: frequently asked questions
Where can I kayak near Anna Maria Island?
Robinson Preserve in Bradenton is the main option. It has a kayak launch and more than 3 miles of internal paddling routes. Leffis Key Preserve is closed after hurricane damage.
Do I need to book a kayak rental?
Book online at least 1 day ahead if you can. Same-day requests may go by phone. Rules differ by provider, so check yours before you go.
Do kids need a life jacket?
Each person needs a wearable US Coast Guard approved life jacket on board, and children under 6 must wear it while on the water.
Can I paddle along the Intracoastal Waterway?
Only to cross it directly and without obstructing boats, when no other passable water exists or in an emergency. Do not use the boat channel for a pleasure paddle.
Is stand-up paddle boarding treated like kayaking?
Outside swimming and surfing areas a paddle board counts as a vessel, so the same equipment rules apply: life jacket, sound signal and a light at night.
How far can I paddle from Robinson Preserve?
The preserve has more than 3 miles of internal routes, and a round trip of about 5 miles to Palma Sola Bay is possible from the launch. Water access is not guaranteed every day, so check conditions before you set out.