bigboat28

How is the boating in this area? Any good snorkling areas? Is the water clear? Many restaurants to go to by boat? Many secluded islands to go to?

my00b16si

this is a great place to be on the water. water is very clear in 85-90% of the area. egmot key is a old war fort, still has its bunkers,jails lighthouse ect. awsome place to snorkle on the southwest tip. if you and you better half like to let loose there is a sand bar between a.m.i. and egmont called passage key. were all the friendlies get there sun so to say that is. further south is beer can island were alot of boats park together as far a food there are a few places, ami oyster bar is on the beach side, bradentonpier and the rod and reel pier, along with rottin raulphs is just around the north east tip, just a quick ride in the gulf or i.c.w. to sarasota there is a great place called the old salty dog. so i hope this helps alittle

-chris

540phil

Great island, I spend 2 weeks a year there, Plus as many weekends as I can. Great water, Nice ramp on the right just as you go onto the Island. There are 3 other good boat ramps
on the Island.

bigboat28

We are going for a week starting June 12. Do they charge for the boat ramp, and where are the other ones? Where are the good places to go boating to and places to snorkle?

tms1155

Best one is on south end on bay side. 2mins to gulf. there are 2 there within a few hundred yards of each other. The other one is in middle of the Island but really not a good one for more than 25 ft. Best place for snorkeling is egmont key just north of Anna marie Island. Ramps are all FREE! The other ramp is just over bridge on right side if your coming in on Manatee Ave (SR64)

bigboat28

Tms thanks for the info.

bigboat28

Any good restaurants to go by boat?

Linster

We went down forr a week a few years ago. Right around that island is some of the best water & sandy beaches. Channels are narrow through there so know where to go.

There is an island just north of anna marie in tampa bay that was an old prision. Now it is a coast guard station. Worth a day trip.

we rode down to poet charlotte for a day trip

You will have fun

bigboat28

Linister is the old prison on the North end of the key? Are the chanels marked well? The pics with the boats in it where is that taken?

Linster

Old Prision area, we are anchored facing tampa. Water is deep all around the island, Actually we lost our anchors twice do to the deep water. More Pictures

Get a water map and plan the trips, you will have fun. Great area. Go to the circle on Lido Key. Patricks down town is good. The Hyatt down down has a bar on the water that is good for happy hour. Must go to Siesta Key for the day