Where to Spot Manatees In Anna Maria Island

If you’ve ever hoped to spot a manatee in the wild, Anna Maria Island is one of the most peaceful, beautiful places to try. These gentle sea creatures, sometimes called sea cows, move slowly through the warm waters around Florida’s Gulf Coast, surfacing for air and grazing on seagrass in shallow bays and coastal estuaries.

They’re quiet. They’re elusive. And if you know where to look, they just might glide right past you.

So... where can you see manatees near Anna Maria Island?

There’s no guaranteed spot, but there are a handful of places where manatee sightings are more common, especially during the cooler months. Some visitors report spotting them around Anna Maria City Pier or Bean Point. Others catch a glimpse while kayaking in Bimini Bay or walking along the marina in Holmes Beach.

But here’s the honest truth: unless you get lucky or know the exact conditions manatees prefer, you might spend your whole vacation looking and never see one.

That’s why a private boat tour is your best bet.

Manatees spend most of their time underwater. They surface to breathe every few minutes, but in areas with boat traffic, they often stay low and move cautiously. From shore, you might miss them altogether, especially if you’re not familiar with their behavior or don’t know what to look for.

They also prefer calm, quiet places with healthy vegetation. That usually means shallow bays, undeveloped coves, or inlets just off the coast. These aren’t places you can easily access on foot, and not all of them are safe or easy to reach by kayak if you’re unfamiliar with the tides.

One of the best ways to see manatees in their natural habitat is with a knowledgeable captain who knows the local waters and understands how to respectfully approach these protected animals. That’s exactly what we offer at Passage Key Dolphin Tours.

Our Anna Maria Island Dolphin and Manatee Tours are designed for small, private groups who want to see wildlife up close without the crowds. You’ll cruise past some of the manatees’ favorite hangouts, with plenty of time to slow down, observe, and enjoy the moment if one appears.

Our captains are always on the lookout, and they’re trained to spot signs of manatees nearby. They also know where to find other marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, and even rays.

Manatees are protected under state and federal law, which means you should never touch, feed, or chase them, even if they approach your boat. That’s one more reason to go with a tour guide. Our captains are trained in ethical wildlife viewing and will help you get close without disturbing these amazing creatures.

We believe that passive observation is not only the safest way to see manatees, but also the most meaningful. When you catch that first glimpse, a nose breaking the surface or a tail swaying just beneath the boat, it feels like nature is letting you in on a little secret.

Unlike larger tour boats, our private trips give you space to relax and enjoy wildlife without distractions. You’re not elbow-to-elbow with strangers or rushed through a scripted route. If a manatee surfaces beside the boat, we’ll pause and give you time to soak it in.

Our Two-Hour Dolphin & Manatee Adventure is a favorite for families, nature lovers, and anyone hoping for that once-in-a-lifetime moment. It’s private, peaceful, and fully customizable.

Want to mix in snorkeling or stop at a sandbar afterward? We can make that happen.