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PLACES TO VISIT

and so much more!

Whether you've looking to ride to fine dining, find a great place to shell, spot dolphins or manatees, snorkel, see a sensational sunset, celebrate a special occasion, or just spend quality time with family and friends on the water, here are some of our favorite spots to venture on Anna Maria Island & the surrounding areas.

Jewfish Key
Beer Can Island
Egmont Key

Jewfish Key is located just east of the Longboat Key bridge.  In lower tides there are many shallow sandbars on the west side of the Island. They  provide a perfect location to anchor the boat, shell collect, experience sea creatures, go fishing, snorkeling, creature viewing and spend the day swimming and picnicking. 

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Be sure to arrive early and bring a well stocked cooler as prime spaces fill up quickly.

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There is no access to the Jewfish Island itself as it houses private residences. ​

 


Coordinates
27.4417° N, 82.6793° W

Beer Can Island, officially named Greer Island, is located at the very northern part of Longboat Key just south of Bradenton Beach.   Rock jetties were recently assembled to help with beach erosion, along with clean up of the trees and stumps along the shoreline. Beer Can Island beach was unique because of the numerous dead, weathered tree stumps that lined the shoreline.  It created a natural backdrop for small private beaches and coves. The beach on the gulf side is now vastly enlarged due to  the re-nourishment efforts. It's a great place to picnic, shell collect, snorkel on the bay side, walk on the beach and fish. 

 Please do not anchor off on the Gulf side.  Only anchor off in the Bay or in the pass by the bridge due to the currents.

 

Coordinates

27.4392° N, 82.6899° W

Egmont Key state park is a secluded island at the mouth of Tampa Bay and has stunning natural beauty and a rich history. The lighthouse was built in 1898 & Fort Dade was built during the Spanish American war.  Along with viewing the historic sites, there are stunning beaches, snorkeling along the reunions and nature trails where you might see a turtle or two! 

Egmont Key at the South end is a designated nature preserve and home to various bird species; signs are posted. There are no access to bathrooms or drinking water. 

Please do not go North of Egmont or to the Skyway Bridge due to rough Tampa Bay waters.

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Coordinates

27.5920° N, 82.7628° W

JEWFISH KEY
EGMONT KEY
Passage Key.png
PassageKey

Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1905 by President Theodore Roosevelt to preserve nesting colonies of native wading and seabirds.  The 64-acres are part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge System. 

Please be forewarned this is a clothing optional area! And people are only allowed on the sandbars near the shore, not on the key itself.

                          Coordinates

              27.5567° N, 82.9432° W

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Sand dollar Sandbar

A view from on top of the Sand dollar Sandbar.  It is located near the mouth of Palma Sola Bay in the intercoastal waters between the Cortez and Manatee bridges.  Look for dolphins on your way in as they frequently congregate there!

Enjoy viewing this natural oasis but please be aware that the sand dollars are protected. They can only be removed if they are deceased.  If a live one is picked up, please quickly  & carefully release it back in the water on the flat side down as they can not right themselves. Also a great place to snorkel!

                          Coordinates 

               N 27 28.708' W082 40.883'

DOCK & DINE

Restaurants with dock access
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Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant is one of our favorite restaurants by boat. It is located just south of Longboat Key Pass and west of Jewfish Key. With plenty of dock space to tie up to, you can experience authentic Florida dining at its best. The food is amazing and an added bonus, enjoy the view on their private beach with your toes in the sand.  Doesn't get any better than that!   www.marvistadining.com

  • ICW Marker #39

  • Coordinates: 27.437993 N, -82.2681861 W

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The Shore Longboat Key: From your first sip of our signature cocktail to your last bite of our Key West shrimp and Scallop Risotto, the entire Shore experience is nothing short of a beach day makeover, with laughter, cool vibes, and delicious eats.

Courtesy of  www.dineshore.com

  • ICW Marker #39

  • Coordinates: 27.43566 N, 82.685178 W

Swordfish Grill Tiki Bar.jpg

The Swordfish Grill is located in the historic fishing village of Cortez in Sarasota Bay.  It offers fresh seafood and live entertainment and this picture shows the recent progress of their new Tiki bar to enhance your tropical dining experience. Can't get any better than arriving by boat and tying up to the large docking area while enjoying drinks, amazing food and listening to live music with a water view!

www.swordfishgrillcortez.com

  • ICW Marker #49

  • Coordinates: 27.741104 N, -82.754105 W

Other Eateries accessible by boat with dock access

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  • BRADENTON BEACH: Anna Maria Oyster Bar, The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar

  • CORTEZ: Swordfish Grill, Starfish Company, Tide Tables, Seafood Shack, Cortez Kitchen, Annie's

  • LONGBOAT KEY: The Shore, Marvista Dockside, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill-ICW Marker #6 South End of LBK**

  • HOLMES BEACH:  The Chateau at the Waterline Resort

  • ANNA MARIA ISLAND-Island Ocean Star-at Galati's Marina  

  • (Please DO NOT dock at The Rod & Reel Pier or The City Pier)

  • SARASOTA: The Old Salty Dog-near Mote Marine on City Island**

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**One way trip is 17+miles so plan on time and weather conditions.

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