The bay side of Anna Maria Island — between the island and the mainland — is a network of shallow tidal flats, seagrass beds, and mangrove channels that support dense populations of West Indian manatees and bottlenose dolphins. Kayaking here is one of the island's most rewarding activities, and encounters with wildlife are nearly guaranteed in the right season (winter and early spring for manatees, year-round for dolphins).
Several outfitters on the island rent kayaks and offer guided tours through the mangrove channels. The guided option is worth it for a first visit: a good guide will know where the manatees are resting, how close you can approach without disturbing them (federal law requires a respectful distance), and how to navigate the sometimes-confusing tangle of channels. Solo paddlers can launch from various public access points along the bay side. Early morning is best for calm water and the most active wildlife.