Are the Waters of Anna Maria Island Safe For Swimming?
A visitor to our forum asked this question, "I'm thinking of taking the family to Anna Maria Island, and the plan is to rent a beachfront house right on Bean Point."
"We like to swim, is there anything we need to know about the area? I understand it's very quiet, which is fine. We just want to relax."
"Is the water nice there? Is it safe for swimming? Are the beaches clean? I've heard that riptides can be a problem."
Ok, we can answer those questions.
First off, learn more about rip currents and the dangers on Anna Maria Island.
Bean Point is a very nice area of Anna Maria Island. It is basically residential, and depending on where exactly you are, you may not have much beachfront. It also may not be the best place on the island to swim.
Bean Point is located on the extreme north end of Anna Maria Island, which means riptides are a risk.
Unless the weather is bad, or warning flags are posted, you can safely swim pretty much anywhere along the gulf front side of Anna Maria Island. Its best to avoid the north and south ends. If life guards are important to you, I think Manatee, Cortez and Coquina beaches have lifeguards.
If you do end up staying at Bean Point, its just a 10 minute walk to the south, on the Gulf side of the island along the beach, before you'll find a good place to swim. There is also a free trolley that runs Anna Maria north to south. I'm not sure of the schedule, but it's a fun way to get around the island to some of the best swimming beaches Anna Maria has to offer. Oh, and did I say its FREE!
On the other hand, if you have a car, you can drive off the island at the south end over to Cortez, which is a wonderful old fishing village. The Starfish Company is a wholesale and retail fish market with an out of the way, and quaint place for lunch. It's right on the waterfront, the food is good and its a fun place to eat.
It's pretty Old School, if you know what I mean. You go to the window to order, then sit at picnic tables overlooking the docks and Sarasota Bay to eat.
Another favorite is the Rod and Reel Pier, as is the Sand Bar and Beach Bistro. At the Sand Bar, you can sit on the deck with a drink and watch the sun go down over the Gulf.
Be sure to visit Snooty, at the South Florida Museum (downtown Bradenton), the oldest living manatee in captivity. It's a different place, the museum that is, but a favorite non the less.
The Ringling Museum (on the county line between Bradenton and Sarasota) is also worth a stop. It's a 1920's house built by John Ringling of Ringling, Barnum, and Bailey Circus, a small circus museum, and a large art museum.
The entire Anna Maria Island area is spectacular. You got Longboat Key, Siesta Key and Lido Key to the south, Bradenton and Sarasota across the water to the east, and all Florida has to offer beyond that!
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