Snorkeling, Sightseeing, Fishing & Scuba on Anna Maria Island
Explore Florida's Gulf Coast with Scuba Ethan. We run private Egmont Key snorkeling tours, dolphin and manatee sightseeing cruises, inshore and deep sea fishing trips, and PADI scuba diving courses from Anna Maria Island and Bradenton.
Egmont Key Snorkeling Tours from Anna Maria Island
Private tours for up to 6 guests
Egmont Key sits just north of Anna Maria Island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, and it's one of the best snorkeling spots on Florida's Gulf Coast. On a private tour you'll snorkel clear, shallow water around the sunken ruins of Fort Dade, look for sand dollars and colorful fish, and watch for gopher tortoises, ospreys and bald eagles on the island. With its historic fort and 1858 lighthouse, Egmont Key is as much a history trip as a snorkeling trip, and it's easy for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
Dolphin & Manatee Sightseeing Tours on Anna Maria Island
Private wildlife & sandbar-hopping tours
Watch for dolphins, manatees and sea turtles as you cruise Tampa Bay and the Gulf, then step off the boat to explore nearby islands and sandbars like Beer Can Island, Passage Key, Jewfish Key, Egmont Key and Longboat Key. Every tour is fully private, so it's just your family and friends on board.
Family & Beginner Inshore Fishing Trips
Calm bays, grass flats & mangroves
Snook • Redfish • Trout • Sharks • Permit • Tarpon
Gulf Reef & Wreck Fishing Trips
Offshore reefs, ledges & wrecks
Grouper • Snapper • Tuna • Mahi • Wahoo • Cobia • Permit • Amberjack • Sharks
PADI Scuba Certification on Anna Maria Island
Open Water, Advanced & Rescue Diver
Get certified with just 2 days of in-water training
Getting PADI certified in Open Water, Advanced Open Water or Rescue Diver is as easy as 1-2-3:
1. Buy your PADI eLearning online and complete it at home, at your own pace.
2. Once your eLearning is done, call or text to schedule your 2 days of in-water training.
3. Complete your training with Captain Ethan, a PADI IDC Staff Instructor and Master Scuba Diver Trainer, and you're certified.
PADI Discover Scuba Diving on Anna Maria Island
Try scuba diving with no certification needed
Discover Scuba Diving is one of our most popular adventures.
Your instructor, Captain Ethan Brannock, is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, PADI IDC Staff Instructor and Emergency First Responder Instructor.
It's easy enough for kids 10 and up, so the whole family can try it together. We'll meet you at your hotel or at a local beach on Anna Maria Island, and dives stay in a comfortable 10 to 15 feet of water.
Please note: we don't offer guided boat dives.
Anna Maria Island Pickup Location
Kingfish Boat Ramp – Holmes Beach, Florida
All Scuba Ethan snorkeling tours and fishing charters depart from the Kingfish Boat Ramp located at:
752 Manatee Avenue
Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Kingfish Boat Ramp is a well-maintained public boat launch in Holmes Beach, conveniently located near the northern bridge on Anna Maria Island. This central pickup location provides quick access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico for snorkeling tours, dolphin and manatee cruises, and inshore or offshore fishing charters.
Guests may drive their car or golf cart directly to the ramp for easy boarding. Parking is available on both the east and west sides of the boat ramp, just past the trailer parking areas.
Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding for your Anna Maria Island adventure.
About Captain Ethan Brannock
Native Florida Fishing & Scuba Guide | Anna Maria Island & Bradenton
Captain Ethan Brannock, known locally as “Scuba Ethan,” earned his nickname growing up diving and spearfishing along Florida’s Gulf Coast. A native Floridian raised in the Anna Maria Island and Bradenton area, Ethan has spent over 30 years fishing and exploring the waters of Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys, and Crystal River.
Fishing and scuba diving have always been his true passions. From shallow inshore flats to offshore reefs and wrecks, Captain Ethan has developed deep knowledge of Florida’s diverse marine ecosystems and seasonal fish patterns. He skillfully targets snook, redfish, trout, tarpon, snapper, grouper, and other Gulf Coast species using proven techniques tailored to each environment.
While live bait is often his preferred method for maximizing client success, Ethan also incorporates cut bait and artificial lures when conditions call for it. He understands that fishing is both art and science — each species requires specific tactics, timing, and presentation to produce consistent results.
Over decades on the water, Captain Ethan has discovered productive fishing grounds and hidden local spots throughout Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, and surrounding Gulf waters. He takes pride in sharing these areas and techniques with guests, giving every client the opportunity to fish like a true local.
When you book with Captain Ethan, you’re not just booking a trip — you’re gaining the experience, local knowledge, and passion of a lifelong Florida waterman dedicated to creating unforgettable adventures.
Always a great time when Captain Ethan has a chance to drop a line!
5-Star Reviews on Google
—Katie M.
Our adventure to Egmont Key was one of my family's favorite parts of vacation. Captain Ethan was personable, professional, and knowledgable about the area, and the price was very reasonable. He was also flexible and accommodated my family's diverse interests: some were able to explore the island while others snorkeled. My family and I are already planning a deep sea fishing trip with him for our next visit to the area.
Thanks, Captain Ethan!
—Eric G.
Went out with the family for a two hour afternoon sightseeing tour with Captain Ethan. Was an excellent experience all around. Boat was in impeccable condition and he was very safety and comfort conscious, which was our utmost concern having a 7 month old on the trip. He was able to find a pod of dolphins for us to watch for several minutes, which was great fun. Highly recommend his operation for sightseeing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, etc... and look forward to going out with him again when we return to AMI.
—Rick S.
Ethan took 6 of us out for some near shore fishing. We hauled in lots of snook and trout and had a great time. Ethan was very knowledgeable and very friendly. We all commented that this was the best fishing trip that we have gone on.
Thanks Ethan it was great!
Book Your Trip of a Lifetime: 941-580-2931
Call or text to book and talk with Captain Ethan directly.