Guest Hook Travel Guides Florida's Anna Maria Island | Page 5

5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1 Kayak in the Mangroves... 2 Sunsets ANYWHERE on the Beach... 3 Breakfast on the Island... 4 Ferry to Egmont Key... 5 Dolphin Cruise... It's easy to lose track of time in the tangled, tropical forest of Florida's mangroves with a kayak tour. As you cruise the shallow waters, you'll see young fish, sea stars and sea horses, urchins and other critters. Happy Paddler offers customizable kayak tours through this rich ecosystem at various times of the day, including sunset. Mix it up with a tour on a paddleboard with Fun and More Rentals, getting up-close-and-personal with sea turtles, manatees, and even dolphins. On the island, sunset is the day's main event. As any local will tell you, you have to see one for yourself to understand why. Though the views are spectacular from any beachfront vantage point, White Avenue (across from Cozy Cabanas) and Bean Point (a short walk from Cozy Cottage) are two great places to stake out. Bring a (concealed and plastic...shhh!) cup of wine or a cocktail, a small picnic, and the whole family. Each night brings a whole new show. All-you-can-eat pancakes are a treat on their own—but when you get to enjoy them on a picturesque beach at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, it doesn't get any better. Kids and parents with a sweet tooth will both enjoy creating their own doughnut concoctions at Anna Maria Donuts, a local, family-owned staple. For the island's best French toast, made with crème brûlée, head to Ginny's & Jane E's Island Bakery, Cafe and Store. Egmont Key, an island only accessible via boat, has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858 and fort ruins from the Spanish–American War. Hitch a ride to this secluded key on the Egmont Key Ferry. Once there, have a swim among the ruins and learn more about the island's rich history. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for diverse wildlife like shore birds, sea turtles, and the grumpylooking, burrowing gopher tortoise. You simply can't vacation on Anna Maria Island without taking advantage of an interactive dolphin cruise. Coastline Dolphin and Snorkeling Excursion offers cruises with several sandbar stops where kids can dig for sand dollars, forage for conch shells, and interact with sea urchins. Knowledgeable guides help cruise-goers easily spot schools of majestic dolphins­ you'll want to have your camera for this vacation moment. — To learn more, call Coastline Excursion at 941-201-8429.