Guest Hook Travel Guides Anna Maria Insider Guide | Page 5
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...
1
Explore the Beaches...
2
Horseback Riding (& Surfing) on the Beach...
3
Explore the Island by Bike...
4
The Fish Hole Adventure Mini-Golf...
5
The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory...
The first thing you must do when visiting Anna Maria Island is to—not
surprisingly—explore its recently re-nourished beaches. Seven miles of
powdery white sand stretch from Bean Point to Bradenton Beach, and
each mile brings a different setting, with varied aquatic life, waving sea
grasses, and a selection of beach-front restaurants offset by stretches
of calm, uncrowded shoreline. One constant, of course, is the glittering,
blue-green water capped in white foam.
Experience the dream of riding a horse on a picturesque beach. Then,
stay on horseback as your hoofed companion swims right into Palma
Sola Bay. That's right—you can ride a swimming horse! Learn how to
"horse surf" and "horse ski," which are pretty much exactly how they
sound: balance on your feet on the horse's broad back as it moves
through the water. You'll likely see a few dolphins swimming past during
your adventure, too.
On Anna Maria Island, you can explore almost anywhere by bicycle,
including on the sand beaches and on the roads, where the slow speed
limit and lack of traffic make cycling safe. Take time to enjoy wildlife
like squirrels, native birds like the Blue Heron, and if you're lucky, sea
mammals like dolphins or manatees. Terry recommends ABC Rentals,
which will pick up and deliver bikes right at the doorstep of your
accommodations.
The Fish Hole offers family-friendly entertainment with a nautical
theme. Going beyond traditional miniature golf, The Fish Hole has
waterfalls, lagoons, treacherous handicaps, and a bit of local history
and fishing education mixed in. Each of the 18 holes is named for a
different fish, like the Black Tip Shark and The Barracuda. Looking for
more adventure? Head to Smugglers Golf where you can play 18 holes
surrounded by live alligators!
Touch pools, working labs you can peek into, and fun interactive
exhibits will introduce you to the exciting research happening at Mote
Marine Laboratory. Here, there are 100 species of marine life to see
and learn about, plus several eco-tours including the renowned Sea
Life Encounter Cruise, Guided Kayak Tours, Nature Safari, and private
charters on board the Miss Explorer.