A Day on the Water
Tours & Charters at Safe Harbor Pier 77
Safe Harbor Pier 77 is your gateway to a day on the water with some of the best Anna Maria Island boat tours. Located directly next to Compass Hotel, the marina puts you steps away from excursions to match your favorite activities, whether you're looking to snorkel, cast a line, or simply take in a gorgeous Gulf Coast sunset. Enjoy shared tour boats for a lively group outing or private charters for a more personalized experience, with a variety of tours and charters waiting for you at the pier.
Compare Your Options at a Glance
Not sure which Anna Maria Island boat tour is right for you? Compare your options by activity, desired experience, and time commitment to find the perfect fit for your day on the water.
| Tour | Length | Best For | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Maria Island Tour | 2 hours | Dolphin and manatee viewing, shelling, first-timers | Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions |
| Egmont Key Expedition | 4 hours | Snorkeling for shells and sand dollars | Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions |
| Egmont Key Tour | 3 hours | Snorkeling sunken ruins and viewing wildlife refuge and gopher tortoises | Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions |
| Backcountry Fishing | 4 or 6 hours | Anglers who want their catch cooked for dinner | Anna Maria Boat Company |
| Sunset Cruise | Varies | Couples, no fishing/snorkeling gear needed | Anna Maria Boat Company |
| Sightseeing Tour | 3 hours | Casual, low-effort island views | Anna Maria Boat Company |
| Private Charter Fishing | Varies | Groups wanting a dedicated boat and captain | Multiple charter operators |
Comparing Options from Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions
All three Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions trips depart on a Boston Whaler center console boat, so your choice comes down to the experience you're after. If you're easing into your first day on the island, the Anna Maria Island Tour provides a nice introduction to the area's aquatic life without a large time commitment. Snorkelers with more time can choose between two trips with different payoffs: the Egmont Key Tour, for exploring sunken ruins and watching for gopher tortoises at a wildlife refuge, or the slightly longer Egmont Key Expedition, for hunting shells and sand dollars.
Comparing Options from Anna Maria Boat Company
Anna Maria Boat Company offers two distinct Anna Maria Island boat tour experiences. Backcountry fishing trips make the most of a solid half-day of casting and reeling, and with a private charter, you can even have your catch cooked for dinner. For something more relaxed, choose from a three-hour group sightseeing tour or a private sunset cruise.
Shared Tour vs. Private Charter
The group tours from Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions and Anna Maria Boat Company run on set schedules with other guests aboard. They're the more affordable choice, and with knowledgeable guides who highlight all the wildlife, snorkeling spots, and sunset views Anna Maria Island boat tours are known for. A private charter is the alternative for groups who'd rather control the itinerary, trip length, and destination themselves. These tours are more costly, but do not operate on a fixed schedule and offer more privacy than group tours.
Book Your Boat Tour
Anna Maria Island's boat tours set sail from Safe Harbor Pier 77, just steps from your room at Compass Hotel. Save on your stay with special offers, then start planning your day on the water.