Bradenton Sightseeing Tours: 6 Adventures the Family Will Love
Bradenton, Florida, sits south of Tampa on Manatee River. The area showcases an Old Florida feel, and many visitors enjoy experiencing this vibe through outdoor adventures. While boating ranks among the most popular options, sightseeing options offer different activities such as ghost tours, horseback riding and ziplining. Get ready to enjoy some fresh air on these Bradenton sightseeing tours.
Top 6 Bradenton Sightseeing Tours for Families
BeachHorses
For over 10 years, The Real Beachhorses has offered horse rides on Bradenton beaches. This tour occurs both on the beach and in the water, with a professional instructor available at all times. In addition to riding, visitors have the opportunity to horse-surf and horse-ski, both of which have been featured on media outlets including National Geographic.
Nervous? Don’t worry. Guests choose their activity level, and guides help every step of the way. The Real BeachHorses ranks among the only horseback riding in Florida that has swimming horses.
Bradenton Ghost Tours
Paranormal Society of Bradenton, Florida, offers two different ghost tours in the Tampa Bay area. The Bradenton Beach Ghost Tour highlights the area’s haunted history, where guests learn about shipwrecks, mysterious sightings and local stories. Those who tour downtown Bradenton enjoy 90 minutes of history and sites. This tour stops at Main Street, Manatee County Courthouse and the former Manatee Players Theater.
Each Bradenton ghost tour occurs Tuesday through Saturday night, usually around 8 p.m. Both are fact-based and hosted by local guides who claim visitors have witnessed paranormal experiences during the tour. Bring a camera and book early because these tours regularly sell out.
Five O’Clock Charlie Boat Tours
Skip big boat tours and book intimate Bradenton sightseeing tours with Five O’Clock Charlie Boat Tours. The charter company offers private tours of Manatee County’s coastline for groups six and fewer.
Five O’Clock Charlie Boat Tours has over 10 different tours, ranging in time, experience and cost. Short tours last two hours during the day or sunset. Three- to four-hour tours may include snorkeling and fishing, providing guests a chance to try new activities. Most explore Manatee River and Egmont State Aquatic Park.
Surferbus
Interested in self-guided Bradenton sightseeing tours? Look for the iconic bus located at Manatee State Park’s entrance. Surferbus rents kayaks to singles and groups perfect for spending time in the water.
Choose from single and double kayaks, and Surferbus provides life vests and instruction. Owned by a local resident, Surferbus gives visitors a fun activity that connects them with nature and wildlife.
Top Gun Flyboards
Top Gun Flyboards offers a more extreme adventure as families dive into the water and fly high above it. Flyboarding — which equips visitors with a harness and footgear powered by a jet ski — allows users to jump in and out of the water, spin, twist and spray water.
Short and all-day flights are available, ranging from 30 minutes to eight hours. For safety purposes, only guests 13 and older are permitted, and kids 13 to 17 must have parental consent.
TreeUmph! Adventure Course
Spend a day outdoors with family and friends on this adventure ziplining and climbing course. TreeUmph! Adventure Course allows everyone to zip, climb, swing and soar in a safe environment.
Adults should accompany those under 16, however TreeUmph! will also provide a private guide as requested with two week’s notice. Tickets offer access to several courses including TriUmph Zipline. Special discounts are available to seniors, college students, children, or purchase an annual pass.
Pick a tour, then find a Bradenton Beach vacation rental for the family.
When it’s time for a break, dig into the top Bradenton restaurants for hungry travelers.