Manatee Discovery Anna Maria Island
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
If you've ever wanted to witness the wonder of manatees in their natural habitat, our Manatee Discovery Tour is the perfect choice for you. What sets our activity apart is the opportunity to embark on a kayaking journey specifically designed to encounter these magnificent creatures. Led by our experienced naturalists, our small group guided tours last for 1.5 hours and take place in the AMI/Bradenton area, where manatees are commonly spotted. As you explore the serene waters, keep your eyes peeled for not only manatees, but also dolphins, ospreys, and other local wildlife that may make an appearance. It's an extraordinary experience, so come join us and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travelers should bring their own water and snacks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
If you've ever dreamed of spotting a manatee in its natural habitat, you're in luck! Our Manatee Discovery Tour offers a unique kayaking experience that allows you to witness these majestic creatures up close. Led by our experienced naturalists, these small group guided eco-tours last for 2 hours and take place in the beautiful AMI/Bradenton area, where manatees are frequently seen. As you paddle along, keep an eye out for dolphins, ospreys, and other fascinating local wildlife that may cross your path. It's an adventure you won't want to miss! Please note that we use tandem kayaks. If there is a solo customer or odd numbered group we will set up one single kayak to accommodate. We use tandem kayaks to reduce our footprint in the manatees environment making sure we do our best to not disturb them. Please call with any questions or requests.
What‘s Included
Paddles
Life jackets
Kayaks
Dry bags
Options
Manatee Discovery Anna Maria Island
Reviews
326 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience
deiedrac,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time on our 2-hour kayak trip! Our guide, Kenzie, was absolutely fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to be around. He shared great information throughout the tour and made the whole experience fun and relaxing. The scenery was beautiful, the pace was perfect, and we felt well taken care of the entire time. Highly recommend this trip, especially with Kenzie as your guide! 🌊🛶✨
It was a wonderful experience, the guide was very knowledgeable and very helpful. He even saved a pelican on our trip!
blaines668,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.0010/10 experience 10/10 communication 10/10 guided experience 100% would recommend Very transparent about possibilities of not seeing any manatee due to weather, even offered a refund. Still recommend the trip saw dolphins and plenty of other wildlife.
Nice tour
Jenny M,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We kayaked and spotted a dolphin, and a stingray. Our guide Ben was wonderful! Nice family excursion! Good for all ages.
Good time!
nicksG86SY,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We didn’t get to see any manatees due to the high winds and small craft advisory in the Gulf but we had a great time in the mangroves. Saw lots of different species of birds and even some jumping mullet fish and a spider crab. Kinsey was a great guide. We’d do it again and definitely recommend it!
Best Excursion on Anna Maria! We had an amazing time with our guides Ben and Jonah.
tommytune603,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ben and Jonah were amazing! Fun and made sure we saw as much as possible! We saw manatees, dolphins and so much sea life on the sand bar! 10 out of 10 by far! Highly recommend!!
Really a lot of fun but...
lauri B,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Really a lot of fun but would recommend you don’t mention the manatee in the Description since you really don’t see them. Build it up more on the sand bar, other ocean life and seeing dolphins. It was a lot of fun.
The guys are great and...
Tanaine S,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guys are great and knowledgable. We learned a lot about the ocean species ! They took us to a place to find sand dollars and we seen crabs also. We seen dolphins that swim right by us!
Fun and informative excursion
shannonkR5272RP,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kinsey was a fun and knowledgeable guide. Great experience. Was great to share a florida gem with someone who had never visited the area
Kayaked to Beer Can Island saw dolphins and a manatee. Had an amazing time.
N4407QOgladysc,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kinsey went above and beyond!!! If you are remotely considering this tour, I promise you it is well worth it!!! Thanks Kinsey!!!
Must do
X520VWheidig,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ben was awesome! We had a lot of fun. We saw a ton of dolphins super close to us. We even had the rare chance of seeing them jumping out of the water as if they were showing off tricks to us. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience to see such a thing! We did not see any manatees on this trip but we knew that’s the risk you take on these trips. Ben made sure that we still had a good time. Since we didn’t see manatees, Ben recommended a spot to see them on the island. We went the next day and saw 3 of them. Thanks Ben! We would recommend Ben and this trip to anyone
From US$55.00
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Operated by Florida Blue Adventures