Traveling to Florida is always a good idea, and Anna Maria Island is no exception. Whether you need a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, there is always something to do. It’s the perfect destination for the entire family! Steeped in history and surrounded by spectacular views, plan your next trip or your return trip to Anna Maria Island. For those who like adventure, or those who want to read on the beach, there are things to do on AMI for every family member. Whatever you do, be sure to book an excursion on an AMI pirate cruise!
About Pirate Adventures of Cortez
Does someone in your family love everything about pirates? It doesn’t need to be just the kids; the whole family can get completely wrapped up in fun. Bradenton Beach is where you will find the Sea Gypsy and the start of a lifetime of memories.
All Aboard the vessel, me maties, and prepare for an adventure of pirate life like never before! Your child can be a pirate with costumes and false tattoos or a mermaid ready to explore the sea. Once prepared, you’ll board the Sea Gypsy to search for treasure. But remember, it’s a pirate ship, and nothing is as it seems. A message soon arrives in a bottle, warning you that the foulest of the foul, Pirate Pete, is near!
Your kids will study the map and plot their course in search of treasures and craft ways to avoid capture. Will they be victorious in finding the treasure? It will be all the sweeter for a battle well-won! The search for treasure will not be smooth sailing as battle breaks out and the fearless crew takes on cannon fire! Well, water cannons are all hands on deck to save the crew and the Sea Gypsy!
It’s a thrilling adventure for any child and parent alike. Celebrate a birthday, summer vacation, or relish in the sea life of a time gone by with pirates, battles, and treasures. It’s the ideal excursion for groups of kids needing to burn off some energy or the entire family who are excited about pirates, the sea, or anything nautical.
What To Bring
The first thing to know is the kids are going to get wet! Dress them in light clothing that can be wet and not weigh them down as they battle the enemy pirates. Sunscreen should also be included and applied before the little ones walk the plank. Of course, you will want to have it with you, as once they are wet, it will need to be reapplied.
Kids will be getting their faces painted, and they get official pirate tattoos, so short sleeves are recommended to show those off as long as possible. You also don’t want them in their best clothes, as the makeup or paint could run or cause stains.
Comfortable shoes that are suitable for pirate battles are essential. Soft canvas shoes or sandals might be best. There are larger groups on the battleship, so choose something that can be comfortable, won’t bog them down when they get wet, and can also protect their feet.
If you or your child are worried about getting wet on the ship, perhaps a light rain jacket or windbreaker might be appropriate. Or, you can go the other way and let them wear their swimming suits. If your child likes pirates and they have their costumes or props, by all means, bring them along!
Otherwise, bring your sense of fun and adventure. As long as you have dry clothes once you come off the boat, the rest should be covered. But if your kids are prone to sunburns, have sunscreen or a hat (preferably a pirate hat!).
Directions To The Marina
The Seafood Shack Marina in Cortez offers plenty, even when you’re not on a pirate cruise. Boat rentals, dolphin tours, paddle boat tours, jet ski rentals, and even a romantic tour to watch the sunset. The marina has been open since 1971 and is situated on the mainland’s North side of the Cortez Drawbridge.
Located on Manatee County, Florida coast, this marina is just a short drive away from our Anna Maria Island rentals. You can arrive by boat if that is how you travel, but if you are driving, it is still convenient to get to the marina. The trip only takes about 10 minutes.
You’ll start on AMI on Gulf Drive, making your way south until you can turn left onto Manatee Avenue. Then, turn right onto East Bay Drive, and after half a mile, continue onto FL-789 S/Gulf Drive N. After 1.5 miles or so, turn left onto State Highway 684, then after another half-mile, turn left again onto 127th Street W. You’ll see the marina on your left.
Of course, one of the beautiful aspects of Anna Maria Island is that you can drive around, but you don’t need a car to get from place to place. It’s the perfect area to walk around, rent a bike, or a boat.
Book Your Anna Maria Island Rental
You will find no shortage of Anna Maria Island rentals, vacation rentals, and condos, but they may not always meet your needs. Here at Florida Dreams, you can find everything you need and more.
Our Anna Maria Island rentals are perfect for groups of any size. If you plan a wedding or family reunion, you can put everyone up in comfort and luxury. You can choose the location near the beach, secluded homes away from the crowd, hotel-like suites, and condos. Pick one with a pool or something close to the water for an early morning swim.
Plan Your Stay
Whatever the reason you need to get away to Anna Maria Island, know there is plenty for you to do and see. If you want to fill your days with adventure or just read around the pool, there are accommodations for precisely what you need. Contact us today for more information or to book your AMI vacation rental. Book early to ensure you get everything you and your family need for the perfect Florida vacation!
You can find a romantic rental for your honeymoon or anniversary trip or opt for something to accommodate all the kids and grandkids. Some people prefer a condo rental, while others want the entire house. Your family might even enjoy our Anna Maria Island pet-friendly vacation rentals! You can also choose the city where you stay. Florida has many homes and condos to choose from, located in the cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach.
Our beautiful vacation rentals are always complete with gourmet kitchens, complimentary WiFi, spacious living areas, and more. Some rentals include additional amenities like pools, laundry facilities, and everything you need inside and outside for the beach, like towels, chairs, and more.
