Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Anna Maria Island’s best dolphin spots, sandbars, sunset cruises and access to Gulf waters.
(941) 932-3700 - Text or Call
Anna Maria Island’s best dolphin spots, sandbars, sunset cruises and access to Gulf waters.
(941) 932-3700 - Text or Call
Manatee River Boat Rentals and Water Sports offers private, on-the-water experiences in Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, and surrounding Gulf Coast areas.
From private dolphin watching tours and sunset cruises to sandbar trips and boat rentals, every experience is designed for exploring the waters around Anna Maria Island and the greater Bradenton coastline.
✔ 100% Private (no shared groups)
✔ Designed for families, couples, and groups
✔ Led by experienced local captains
✔ Easy dockside pickup with fast Gulf access
Many guests searching for the best Anna Maria Island dolphin tours discover our experiences and often find that combining a dolphin tour with sandbar stops, island hopping, or a sunset cruise becomes the highlight of their stay on Anna Maria Island.
🐬 Dolphin Tours – See wild dolphins in their natural habitat on a private guided tour with experienced local captains.
👉 Explore Dolphin Tours
🌅 Sunset Cruises – Relax on calm Gulf waters and enjoy a private golden-hour cruise around Anna Maria Island.
👉 View Sunset Cruises
🏖️ Sandbar Tours – Visit Egmont Key, Jewfish Key, and hidden sandbars. Swim, float, and explore.
👉 See Sandbar Tours
🌊 Manatee Tours- See manatees in their natural habitat on a private guided tour with experienced local captains.
🚤 Boat Rentals (AMI & Bradenton)– Drive your own premium tritoon with easy handling and full safety orientation.
👉 View Boat Rentals
5.0 Rating (70+ Reviews)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Best dolphin tour in Anna Maria Island—dolphins everywhere.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Super easy boat rental and great service from start to finish.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Perfect sunset cruise for our family trip to Bradenton.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had a great day island hopping with Captain Jon! We saw dolphins, manatee and a sea turtle and we found lots of sand dollars while exploring the beaches.
Our private boat tours frequently visit Egmont Key, Passage Key, Jewfish Key, Bean Point, Longboat Pass, and other popular destinations around Anna Maria Island.
Historic island, lighthouse, snorkeling & wildlife
Learn More About Egmont Key Tours
Famous sandbar for shelling & swimming.
Explore Passage Key Sandbar Trips
Crystal clear shallow sandbar waters.
View Jewfish Key Sandbar Tours
Looking for a fully customized experience? Explore our Anna Maria Island Boat Charters for private island hopping, dolphin watching, and sightseeing adventures.
⭐ 5-Star rated local business
🚤 New, premium tritoon boats
📍 Easy dockside pickup
👨✈️ Experienced local captains
📞 Simple booking & fast communication
Customize your experience with optional add-ons designed for fun, relaxation, and convenience.
Popular options include:
Add-ons are available with all rentals and charters and can be selected during booking.
Anna Maria Island • Bradenton • Palmetto • Parrish • Lakewood Ranch • Ellenton
Our Palmetto boat rentals are perfect for families, couples, and groups wanting a fun, relaxing way to experience the water. Manatee River Boat Rentals picks up from the Riverside Boat Ramp in Palmetto directly next to Regatta Pointe Marina on our way to visit Anna Maria Island.
Located just minutes from Parrish, our Parrish boat rentals offer clean, comfortable pontoon boats that are easy for anyone to operate.
Looking for a fun and easy way to get on the water? Our Lakewood Ranch boat rentals offer the perfect escape for families and groups who want to enjoy Florida’s beautiful waterways without the hassle of owning a boat.
At Manatee River Water Sports, we operate as a fully legitimate and professionally run boat rental company. We partner with Buoy Boat Rental Coverage to provide optional protection that aligns with Florida’s livery (commercial boat rental) requirements and industry best practices.
Offering third-party rental coverage helps ensure:
This added layer of protection reinforces that you’re renting from a licensed, insured, and compliant Florida boat rental provider—not a private or peer-to-peer listing.
Florida law requires anyone born after Jan 1, 1988 to have a boating safety ID. We require boating experience, SUCCESSFUL COMPLETUIN of the FREE Florida Boaters Safety Course or USCG licensed Captain.
Yes, we offer experienced local captains for stress-free cruising around Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.
Yes, we deliver to waterfront Airbnbs, vacation homes, and docks in Bradenton and anywhere along the Manatee River or adjoining waterways.
Anna Maria Island, Egmont Key, Passage Key, Jewfish Key sandbars, Manatee River, Anna Maria Island, and surrounding waters.
Our boat rentals and captained charters depart along the Manatee River in Bradenton, Palmetto, or Anna Maria Island, with convenient access to the intercoastal waterway, Egmont Key, and other local sandbars.
Yes. Our pontoon and tritoon boat rentals are family-friendly and ideal for beginners with limited experience. We also offer captained charters for a stress-free experience in Bradenton.
BUOY is an optional damage protection program that helps cover accidental damage to the rental boat during your trip. It provides peace of mind for renters by limiting out-of-pocket expenses if something unexpected happens on the water.
No. BUOY insurance is optional, but highly recommended. Renters who decline BUOY coverage are fully responsible for any damage to the vessel during the rental period.
BUOY insurance typically covers:
Accidental damage to the boat hull
Minor collisions and docking incidents
Propeller damage (excluding negligence)
Scratches and cosmetic damage
Coverage applies only during your rental period.
Engine damage may be covered only if caused by a covered accident and not due to negligence, shallow water operation, or failure to follow captain instructions.
BUOY does not cover:
Gross negligence or reckless operation
Operating the boat while intoxicated
Violating local boating laws or no-wake zones
Running aground in restricted or marked shallow areas
Lost or stolen personal items
Towing or fuel costs
Engine damage WILL NOT be covered if caused due to negligence, shallow water operation, or failure to follow captain instructions.
Manatee River Boat Rentals and Water Sports
Phone: 941-932-3700
Email: manateeriverwatersports@gmail.com
Location: 353 Shore Dr, Ellenton, FL 34222
Boat Rentals, sunset cruises, sandbar tours, and dolphin tours on the Manatee River, and serving customers searching for boat rentals near me in Bradenton • Anna Maria Island • Palmetto • Parrish • Lakewood Ranch• Ellenton
Pickup location details provided after booking
Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
(Seasonal hours may vary)
Why Choose Us:
Family-owned • Clean, luxury tritoons • Easy on-the-water pickup • Safe & beginner-friendly • No hidden fees
Follow Us:
Facebook | Instagram | Google Profile
Bareboat Charter Disclaimer:
A bareboat charter (or "demise charter") is essentially a rental of the vessel only, similar to renting a car. The key elements and disclaimers are that the charterer must have full control and assume all responsibility. The person leasing the boat is responsible for operating it, including managing the crew, fuel, food, and insurance.
Copyright © 2026 Manatee River Boat Rentals and Water Sports - All Rights
Limited availability—Book now to lock in your perfect day on the water!
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.