6 Best Places to Paddle Board on Anna Maria Island, FL

Welcome to the paradise that is Anna Maria Island, Florida.

Imagine gliding across crystal clear waters with dolphins playfully escorting you.

Discover the best places to paddle board in Anna Maria Island as we take you on a sun-kissed adventure you’ll never forget.

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Anna Maria Island

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs stay above 59 °F right through the year, so there is no closed season. August is the warmest month, averaging 86 °F.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists one place within 16 miles that hires out boards, kayaks or canoes: Beach Bums. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.

Where to Paddle Board in Anna Maria Island

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Palma Sola Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍️ Access Point: Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, shallow waters, mild winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, manatees, shorebirds
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic mangroves, panoramic views of the bay
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, avoid disturbing manatee resting areas

Palma Sola Bay, located on the northwest side of Anna Maria Island, offers a calm and serene paddleboarding experience.

The shallow waters and beautiful surrounding mangroves allow for a peaceful escape, while the chance to spot dolphins and manatees keeps the adventure exciting.

#2 Holmes Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Public beach access points along Gulf Drive (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, gentle waves, afternoon winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: White sand beaches, sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of swimmers, respect beach regulations

Holmes Beach, on the west coast of Anna Maria Island, provides a pristine oceanfront paddleboarding spot.

The long stretches of white sandy beaches and gentle waves make it ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Enjoy the stunning sunset views as you glide across the water.

#3 Bimini Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍️ Access Point: City Park at the end of Palm Drive (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, light wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, manatees, fish, birds
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Waterfront homes, lush vegetation
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect private properties

Bimini Bay provides a tranquil and protected paddleboarding spot surrounded by beautiful waterfront homes and lush greenery.

Watch for playful dolphins and manatees as you explore the calm bay waters. Paddlers can relax and appreciate the quiet beauty of this hidden gem.

#4 Bean Point

Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Bean Point, Anna Maria, Florida (51142222479), Scaling by stand-up-paddling.org, CC BY-SA 2.0

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Bean Point Beach Access (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, moderate waves, breezy conditions
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, shorebirds
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Panoramic coastline views, Tampa Bay, Sunshine Skyway Bridge
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious in strong currents, respect wildlife

Bean Point, located at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, features a more secluded and picturesque environment. Its captivating panoramic views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge make it a stunning paddleboarding destination.

Enjoy the oceanfront wilderness and natural scenery as you navigate around this beautiful point.

#5 Coquina Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Coquina Beach Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, mild waves, afternoon breezes
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: White sand beaches, seagrass beds, sandbars
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local beach rules, be cautious of swimmers

Coquina Beach, on the southern end of Anna Maria Island, offers a serene oceanfront paddleboarding experience. The long stretches of white sand, turquoise water, and occasional sandbars make it ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Observe the abundant seagrass beds and keep an eye out for dolphins and turtles as you cruise through the calm waters.

#6 Bradenton Beach

Ebyabe, Bradenton Beach FL Regina site03, Scaling by stand-up-paddling.org, CC BY-SA 3.0

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Public beach access points along Gulf Drive (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, gentle waves, breezy conditions
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, shorebirds
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Pristine sugar-sand beach, stunning sunsets
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of swimmers, respect beach regulations

Located on the southern end of Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach is a popular oceanfront paddleboarding destination. The pristine sugar-sand beach and gentle waves make it perfect for all skill levels.

Watch the vibrant sunsets as you glide across the water, enjoying the beauty and tranquility of this idyllic spot.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case