Let’s be honest: As much as we love boating (and we do love boating), of course not everyone owns their own craft or even wants to spend every day being in charge of where it’s going. With that in mind, we were thrilled to see a recent roundup from our local Bradenton Herald of eight local attractions that have won the Travelers’ Choice award from TripAdvisor. We’ve gathered a few of them below to add some variety to the end of your summer.
Full Boat Charters
Backed by over 30 years of local fishing experience, Captain Brook Wallace operates the MISS KENZIE, a 31-foot Pursuit open for boat tours, charters, and even kids’ fishing with free fishing licenses, Rates for a date out with Captain Brook vary depending on your species goal and the size of your party (up to 6), and you can contact Full Boat Charters directly at their website. With recent reviews highlighting a captain who is “extremely attentive,” family memories that “will last a lifetime,” and guiding guests to the “best fishing in the Sarasota/Bradenton area,” a day out with Captain Brook promises a lot more than just a good catch.
C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides
Do your interests include adventure, horseback riding, and long walks on the beach? You’re in luck. With over 500 five-star reviews, C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides hosts group rides along–and into–Palma Sola Bay. C Ponies writes, “95% of these horses are rescues,” and your guide will be more than happy to tell you about your horse’s story and how they came to be where they are now. After a quick lesson, you and your horse will set out along the bay and, if you’re feeling even more adventurous, you can hang tight to the reins while your horse swims right out from shore. For information and rates, visit C Ponies’ website.
CoastLine Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions
Speaking of getting in the water with local wildlife, another local award-winner is CoastLine Dolphin and Snorkeling Excursions, which advertises “local marine life,” “wild dolphins up close and personal” and the chance to explore “underwater ruins at Edgmont Key.” Not a seasoned diver? Not a problem! CoastLine provides life jackets and snorkeling gear, and with a CPR-certified captain aboard the vessel, you’ll be in good hands while you explore the local area from below the surface. CoastLine’s website has all the information you’ll need for booking a day not only on the water, but under it.
And of course, once you’ve had your fill of all the local hot spots for adventure, come on back to Riviera Dunes Marina to check out our slip availability, or maybe even take your own vessel out to watch the sunset on the Manatee River.