Anna Maria Island snorkeling: where the water is worth getting into
The beaches on Anna Maria Island are for swimming and shelling, so Anna Maria Island snorkeling means going out by boat to Egmont Key. The island sits at the mouth of Tampa Bay and can only be reached by boat. Both snorkel trips below spend about four hours in total, but neither one leaves from Anna Maria Island itself, so allow time for the drive to Gulfport or Madeira Beach.
The trips cost 89 USD and 92 USD per person, so a family of four pays 356 USD or 368 USD. Prices as of November 2026.
Our picks: snorkel trips to Egmont Key
Both trips run about four hours and land on Egmont Key, and neither leaves from Anna Maria Island. The Madeira Beach cruise adds historical commentary and snorkel gear.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of November 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Egmont Key snorkelling and dolphin cruise
- Boat trip with captain
- Snorkel gear
- History commentary
A four-hour boat trip to Egmont Key with historical commentary and a chance to watch dolphins. The departure is in Madeira Beach, not on Anna Maria Island.
Check availability →
Four-hour Egmont Key trip with snorkelling
- Guided island tour
- Beach time
- Snorkelling option
A boat trip that lands you on Egmont Key for beach time and a snorkel, with snorkel gear on request. It leaves from Gulfport, so allow time to drive there from Anna Maria Island.
Check availability →Snorkel trips to Egmont Key
Compare a snorkel and dolphin cruise from Madeira Beach with an island tour from Gulfport, with current availability.
What you snorkel at Egmont Key
This is not a coral reef. The cruise adds a chance to watch dolphins from the boat. Wild animals cannot be promised on any trip.
Two boat trips compared
The cruise from Madeira Beach leaves from the Boardwalk at Johns Pass in Madeira Beach. It costs 92 USD per person, runs four hours and includes a captain, historical commentary, snorkel gear and dolphin watching.
The island tour from Gulfport costs 89 USD per person and also runs four hours. It is a guided island tour with beach time, a snorkel stop and a dolphin watching option, and snorkel gear is available on request.
How much time you spend in the water
The four hours cover the boat ride, the island stop and the snorkeling.
When to go and what to bring
The water is most inviting from late spring to early autumn. Summer brings heat, humidity and afternoon thunderstorms, so plan around the weather. Stay close to the boat and use a flotation vest if you are not a confident swimmer.
There is no drinking water on the island, so bring water, food, sun protection and a towel. Alcohol and glass are not allowed ashore. Egmont Key State Park reopened on 12 August 2026 with all buildings still closed, and it has no entry fee. Confirm the departure town and time when you book, because the two boats start in different places.
If you would rather stay near the beaches, the kayak tour from Bradenton Beach is another way onto the water. For the history of the island, read our Egmont Key guide, and for a boat to yourself see the private tours.
Anna Maria Island snorkeling: questions
Can you snorkel from the beach on Anna Maria Island?
The beaches are better for swimming and shelling. The snorkel trips go out to Egmont Key, which is reached by boat.
Is there coral at Egmont Key?
No.
How much does snorkeling cost?
The Madeira Beach cruise is 92 USD per person and the Gulfport island tour is 89 USD, both for about four hours. Park entry at Egmont Key has no fee.
Do I need my own gear?
No. The Madeira Beach cruise includes snorkel gear, and on the Gulfport boat gear is available on request. You may bring your own.