About Manatee River Boat Rentals & Water Sports

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We provide a variety of boat rental options ranging from 2 to 12 hours, perfect for exploring the beautiful waters around Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Lakewood Ranch. Our experienced team of boaters is here to offer guidance on the best spots to visit, ensuring you can enjoy your ideal day on the water, whether that's cruising, fishing, or engaging in exciting water sports. Discover the best of Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Lakewood Ranch boat rentals and enjoy a memorable boat rental experience.

We currently offer a 2025 Bentley 23' Fish n Crusie tritoon boat as part of our Bradenton boat rentals, complete with various boat rental options and add-ons. Our fleet is regularly maintained to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all who enjoy Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Lakewood Ranch boat rental services.

Egmont Key is an undeveloped island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, Florida, known for its rich history and role as a nature preserve. It is managed cooperatively as the Egmont Key State Park and National Wildlife Refuge and is accessible only by boat. Key Features and Activities

• History: The island has a significant past, serving as a detention camp for Seminole Indians at the end of the Third Seminole War (referred to as "The Dark Place" or "Our Alcatraz" by some tribal members), a Union Navy base during the Civil War, and the site of Fort Dade, a Spanish-American War-era military community with over 300 residents. Visitors can explore the ruins of the fort and walk along the old brick roads.
• Nature and Wildlife: A large portion of the island is a dedicated bird sanctuary, providing critical habitat for numerous nesting and migratory species. It is also home to a large population of gopher tortoises and is a nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles. The southern end of the island is closed to public access to protect these habitats.
• Activities: Popular activities include shelling, swimming, fishing (in designated areas), hiking the nature trails, and snorkeling around the submerged ruins of the fort. The historic 1858 lighthouse is still an active navigational aid. 

Important Visitor Information
Egmont Key is a remote and primitive destination; visitors must be entirely self-sufficient.
Access: Only accessible by boat. Ferries operate from Fort De Soto Park and the St. Pete Pier, or you can use a private boat or charter.
Amenities: There are no stores, no drinking water, and no permanent restrooms on the island. The ferry boats usually have restrooms and snacks available while docked, but the boat may leave during your visit.
What to Bring: It is crucial to pack plenty of water, food, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.
Prohibitions: Pets, alcohol, glass containers, kites, drones, and the collection of live shells are prohibited due to its status as a National Wildlife Refuge.
Due to ongoing erosion and recent hurricane damage, some structures and areas, particularly near the lighthouse, may be temporarily closed

The Manatee river is a 36-mile-long river in Manatee County, Florida, that flows west from its headwaters in the northeastern part of the county into the Gulf of Mexico at the southern edge of Tampa Bay. It is a significant water source for the area, with two reservoirs, Ward Lake and Lake Manatee Reservoir, impounding its waters. The river is known for its tea-colored water, diverse wildlife, and is a popular spot for recreation, including manatee viewing. Geography and watershed

• Location: The river is located in Manatee County, Florida, and its watershed covers approximately 360 square miles. 
• Watershed: The watershed is made up of two major river systems: the Manatee River and the Braden River. 
• Flow: It flows from the northeast corner of Manatee County westward to the Gulf of Mexico. 
• Reservoirs: The river's waters are impounded to create two reservoirs for potable water supply: Ward Lake (on the Braden River) and Lake Manatee Reservoir (on the Manatee River). 

Characteristics and wildlife

• Appearance: The river is known for its subdued, tea-colored water. 
• Designation: It has been designated as an "Outstanding Florida Water". 
• Wildlife: The river is home to diverse wildlife, including manatees, which are frequently seen in the river. Bull sharks have also been observed overwintering in the river. 

Recreation and points of interest

• Recreation: The river is a popular spot for recreation, including boating and fishing. 
• Viewing: Visitors can often see manatees in the river, particularly in coves along the river walls. 
• Trails: There are accessible trails along the river, such as those at the DeSoto Memorial and Riverview Pointe Preserve. 
• Kayaking: Kayaking is a popular activity, with access points like the one at Rye Preserve. The Manatee River is a 36-mile-long river in Manatee County, Florida, that flows west from its headwaters in the northeastern part of the county into the Gulf of Mexico at the southern edge of Tampa Bay. It is a significant water source for the area, with two reservoirs, Ward Lake and Lake Manatee Reservoir, impounding its waters. The river is known for its tea-colored water, diverse wildlife, and is a popular spot for recreation, including manatee viewing.
  Geography and watershed
  Location: The river is located in Manatee County, Florida, and its watershed covers approximately 360 square miles.
  Watershed: The watershed is made up of two major river systems: the Manatee River and the Braden River.
  Flow: It flows from the northeast corner of Manatee County westward to the Gulf of Mexico.
  Reservoirs: The river's waters are impounded to create two reservoirs for potable water supply: Ward Lake (on the Braden River) and Lake Manatee Reservoir (on the Manatee River).
  Characteristics and wildlife
  Appearance: The river is known for its subdued, tea-colored water.
  Designation: It has been designated as an "Outstanding Florida Water".
  Wildlife: The river is home to diverse wildlife, including manatees, which are frequently seen in the river. Bull sharks have also been observed overwintering in the river.
  Recreation and points of interest
  Recreation: The river is a popular spot for recreation, including boating and fishing.
  Viewing: Visitors can often see manatees in the river, particularly in coves along the river walls.
  Trails: There are accessible trails along the river, such as those at the DeSoto Memorial and Riverview Pointe Preserve.
  Kayaking: Kayaking is a popular activity, with access points like the one at Rye Preserve.