If you’re visiting Anna Maria Island for the holiday season and will be here to ring in the new year, there are plenty of fun events and activities in the area to enjoy. Take advantage of the balmy island climate this time of year, and hop on a New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise.
A few New Year’s Eve cruises offer a spectacular view of local pyrotechnics at midnight, as well as a special menu for the occasion. It’s a way to usher in 2018 that you won’t soon forget.
Marina Jack Dinner and Dancing Cruise
Location: 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL
If you’re looking to dance the night away as you cruise around Sarasota Bay, watching the sky light up with fireworks as the clock strikes midnight, you’re in luck. Popular waterfront hub Marina Jack is hosting an elegant dinner and dancing cruise for New Year’s Eve – and you’re going to want to be on it.
This spot is one of the premier deep-water marinas and top dining destinations on the West Coast of Florida. The four-hour News Year’s Eve cruise boards at 8 p.m. for a really exciting and special night. There will be live music and dancing, along with party favors and, of course, a champagne toast at midnight.
For dinner, a delicious buffet will be served, with options like grilled asparagus, beef tenderloin, crab cakes, and more. Finish the night off with a holiday selection of desserts as you watch the midnight fireworks show reflected off the water. There is also a full bar on board.
The Celebration Cruise costs $160 per person, and reservations must be made ahead of time. Call Marina Jack at 941-955-9488 for more information or to book your seat on the New Year’s Eve cruise.
La Barge Tropical Sunset Cruise
Location: Marina Jack Plaza, Sarasota, FL
Although this cruise happens well before the sky darkens and fireworks are set off, it is a fun way to kick off your celebrations for the night. You’ll be in for a relaxing evening on La Barge’s floating Tropical Island, watching the sunset below the Gulf of Mexico.
A light fare menu will be served on board, and you can choose from tropical cocktails to get your New Year’s night started. Live Jimmy Buffett-style music is played on this sunset cruise, and you can often see dolphins playing in the waters. This is the perfect cruise if you’re looking to spot the famous “green flash” sunset.
Cruises depart at 5 p.m. and tickets are $30 per person. You’ll want to book this cruise ahead of time to make sure your spot is saved. Call them at (941)-366-6116 to reserve.
Sarasota Bay Explorers
Location: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
If you’d rather take a family-friendly wildlife New Year’s Eve cruise during the day, check out the Sarasota Bay Explorers.
Take a two-hour Sea Life Encounter Cruise through Sarasota and Roberts Bays. Seeing manatees, dolphins, and other wildlife in their natural habitat is a great way to spend the last day of 2017. This cruise is perfect for all ages.
You can also choose to charter a private boat cruise which can last anywhere from three to five hours. On this cruise, you can mix and match different activities offered by Sarasota Bay Explorers and make the trip your own.
Call the Sarasota Bay Explorers at 941-388-4200 for more information or to book a tour.
Welcome in the new year in style with an elegant cruise to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks. Or take sunset cruise or wildlife adventure cruise – fun for the whole family. All this is just a short drive from our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals. Call us today at (941)-778-4178 to get your New Year’s vacation started.
