All aboard for the trip of a lifetime...

There are many ways to explore Anna Maria Island: on foot, by bike, hopping on and off the free trolley. But you have not really seen the island until you have seen it from the calm blue waters that surround it.

And despite the sea being such a big part of island life, it is surprising how many people come here and neglect to spend some time away from land.

So what could be better than taking to the water in your own private craft, with a personal skipper to take you wherever you want to go? Head out to the mangrove in Anna Maria Sound, land on your own stretch of sand with no one for company other than the oyster catchers running along the surf, or watch the sun dip below the waves as around you pelicans swoop for fish and dolphins glide by. You can do as much or as little as you want - well, you are on vacation!

If you think it sounds too good to be true, think again.Anna Maria Vacations has teamed up with one of the island's friendliest and most hospitable sea captains to offer you an exclusive deal on a private boat tour.

Join Captain Don Meilner for an early morning cruise to watch the birds, head out in search of dolphins or collect shells on remote shores unreachable by any other means.

Capt Don's 23-foot Beachcat is big enough for family groups but small enough for a couple to really appreciate the luxury of having a boat and skipper all to yourself. And, powered by a 115-hp Yamaha motor, it's fast enough to ensure you spend as much time as possible where you want to be.   

Cruises start at $15 per hour per person and custom half and full-day outings are available. The minimum trip is two hours, but you would not want to spend a minute less away from the real world, out on the calm waters and relaxing sea air. And you certainly won't want to return once your time is up.

Just call Capt Don right now to arrange your trip of a lifetime. From just a few hours on the water to a whole day of exploring this fascinating habitat, you will agree that you have not seen Anna Maria Island until you have seen it from the sea.

Capt Don is US Coast Guard licensed and can be reached on (941) 778 3875, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Don't follow the crowd, follow the sound of the sea and add a really special memory to your stay in paradise.