Seeing dolphins and manatees in the wild is a highlight of any trip to Anna Maria Island. Here's when and where you're most likely to spot them, and how to watch them responsibly.
Dolphins: any time of year
Bottlenose dolphins are a common sight around Anna Maria Island, Tampa Bay and Egmont Key, and you can see them in every season. They often feed along the sandbars and channels, and sometimes ride the wake behind the boat.
Manatees: near the beaches in warm weather, in warm-water refuges in winter
Manatees follow the water temperature. In warmer weather, they're often seen in the shallow water around Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Beer Can Island. When Tampa Bay cools down in winter, many manatees gather in warm-water refuges such as the TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, where hundreds can be seen on cold days.
Where to look by boat
Egmont Key: dolphins, sea turtles and rays around the island and its old fort ruins
Beer Can Island (Greer Island): shallow water and sandbars where manatees and dolphins are often seen
Passage Key and Jewfish Key: quiet islands and sandbars along the way
Longboat Key sandbars: clear, shallow water that's great for swimming and spotting wildlife
Tips for watching wildlife responsibly
Look, but don't touch, feed or chase dolphins or manatees. Harassing or feeding them is against federal law.
Give animals plenty of space and let them come to you.
Polarized sunglasses cut the glare and make it easier to spot animals under the surface.
See them on a private boat tour
Captain Ethan's private dolphin, manatee and sandbar boat tours leave from Anna Maria Island for up to 6 guests. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but Captain Ethan knows the local waters well. Call or text 941-580-2931 to book.
