Spots to Explore By Boat

Boating provides an entirely new perspective to how truly special the Bradenton Area actually is. You’ll find lakes, estuaries, rivers, bays and the Gulf of Mexico, all offering distinct vistas of shorelines and sunsets. You can sail to one of the many marinas by yacht, hop on a sightseeing tour vessel, or charter a boat and chart your own coourse. Navigating the numerous, local waterways is the perfect way to experience the more authentic side of the region.

Intracoastal Waterway

The Intracoastal Waterway is part of the 3,000-mile inland waterway along the coastal regions of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, from Massachusetts to Texas. This extraordinary, navigable waterway allows boaters to stay within the safety of the barrier islands where the waters are typically shallow and smooth—especially in the Bradenton Area. Shielded by the Mainland, Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, this tranquil waterway is filled with grass flats, marshes and beaches. It is also the perfect way to spot spectacular wildlife, fish for prized gamefish, and enjoy the laid-back boating lifestyle.

Manatee River

The Manatee River is a popular waterway for boaters traveling from marinas to the Intracoastal Waterway or Gulf of Mexico, and for kayakers enjoying the smooth, brackish water upriver. Depending on the season, you might spot a manatee—an endangered marine mammal that the county and river is named after. You can even dock your boat at the Riverwalk and visit the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature to learn more about this beloved creature!

Ward Lake

Locals typically call this 255-acre body of water Bill Evers Reservoir, and it provides most of the potable water for the City of Bradenton. Found along the Braden River, Ward Lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, birding, and trolling for freshwater fish. You’ll also find Jiggs Landing here, a modern fishing outpost that doubles as a public boat launch and concession stand. The laid-back character of the lake is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon exploring the lake and all of the wildlife treasures within. After a day of sightseeing, be sure to check out the one-room, lakeside cabins that are available for rent!

Terra Ceia Bay

Terra Ceia Bay is actually an aquatic preserve comprised of wetlands, marshes and mangrove swamps, so you’re destined to spot spectacular sea life and birds while navigating the area by boat. This body of water is part of the Florida Forever project, which protects and restores the natural habitat of the area, including fisheries and the manatee feeding grounds. This preserve is one of the few remaining undeveloped shorelines, which will transport you back into time to experience the natural beauty that attracted Native Americans and settlers to the area. You’ll find inlet bays, tidal creeks and rivers that are home to a variety of wildlife, including seagrass, mangroves, flats, oyster bars and clam beds.

Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico is prized for its spectacular sunset views, sugar-like sandy beaches, and outstanding fishing, especially in the Bradenton Area. The turquoise water stretches as far as the eye can see into the western horizon, offering nearly endless boating, fishing and leisure options. Be sure to parallel the shoreline of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key for some unforgettable views of these lush barrier islands. If you’d like to find your own little slice of paradise, head toward Greer Island on the northern end of Longboat Key. Locals affectionately call this place ‘Beer Can Island’, but there are no cans to be found—only weathered driftwood and a splendidly secluded beach.