Anna Maria Island is a famous vacation spot thanks to its warm climate, stunning white beaches, calm blue waters, laid-back island vibe, and luxurious accommodations. People from the U.S., the UK, and other places flock here, often thrilled to discover the amazing wildlife that shares the island with them. Common sightings include sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, tortoises, and raccoons. The island is also a bird sanctuary, home to a diverse array of bird species.
You can spot bottlenose dolphins in both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. These playful creatures often swim near boats and jump into the air, entertaining anyone watching from the shore, sometimes as close as 20 feet away. The Gulf boasts one of Florida’s largest dolphin populations, thanks to its shallow waters rich in sea grass and fish. Recognizable by their long snouts and curved dorsal fins, bottlenose dolphins can swim up to 35 mph with their sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies.
West Indian Manatees, known as sea cows, feed on sea grass around the Gulf Coast beaches. Protected in Florida since 1892 and listed as an endangered species in 1967, the manatee population is estimated at around 3,000. These gentle giants can weigh up to a ton and eat over 100 pounds of vegetation daily. Despite their size, they’re sensitive to cold water. While you can see dolphins and manatees from the shore, boats, and piers, local chartered boats offer the best wildlife viewing experiences, creating lasting memories akin to watching the island’s stunning sunsets.
The gopher tortoise, another endangered species in Florida, is the only tortoise native to North America. They grow to about 10 inches in length, weighing around 13 kilos, and can live over 100 years. Known for their digging skills, their burrows, which can reach 40 feet long and 10 feet deep, provide shelter for numerous other wildlife species.
The island’s birdlife is noteworthy due to its sanctuary status. From the pier, you’ll see pelicans diving into the water for food. Anna Maria Island is also home to cranes, herons, wild parrots, sandpipers, hawks, vultures, seagulls, and beach nesters like Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, and Snowy Plovers. Endangered plovers might nest in the sand dunes, and terns might rest there while migrating.
In addition to the birds, you’ll encounter raccoons enjoying the Australian pine trees in residential areas. Occasionally, swimmers might run into jellyfish or stingrays. To avoid jellyfish, simply leave the water if you see one. For stingrays, shuffling your feet as you enter the water can keep them at bay. There are also occasional shark sightings, usually bull sharks, spotted off shore by fishermen.
You can enjoy Anna Maria Island’s wildlife through various activities like sightseeing, boating, sailing, scuba diving, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, jet-skiing, and snorkeling. The island offers top-notch accommodations with numerous vacation rental properties ranging from 1 to 7 bedrooms. Many are stunning beachfront rentals, conveniently located near local shops and restaurants. These rentals provide a comfortable, relaxed feeling, making your stay special while you enjoy the island’s natural beauty.