Need a break from the beach or looking for a different way to experience Anna Maria Island? We highly recommend Sean at Surferbus, located at Palmas Sola, for paddleboard and kayak rentals. Sean made everything easy by providing all the equipment we needed, along with a helpful map of Robinson Preserve. We spent a few hours paddling the bay and exploring the preserve, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The scenery was peaceful and beautiful, and we saw an incredible variety of wildlife, including schools of fish, numerous bird species, and even a fever of cownose rays gliding through the water. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, this is a fantastic way to get out on the water and experience Florida's natural beauty. Sean's friendly service and local knowledge made the adventure even better. If you're visiting Anna Maria Island, do yourself a favor and add this to your itinerary--you won't regret it! read more

From the owner Shawn D . Responding to my bad review My Sincere apologies It is truly my Embarrassment for what Transpired with the wife of Craig H With 24 years of successful experiences in this business I've never had anything like this and the only saving grace was her son had a great time Paddling the park and I hope maybe she just went momzilla becuse she loves her boy so much but Her bad behavior to me and the people at the park was unacceptable and I would scold her again today if needed "Shame on you lady" and in my Defense I never said anything like that about the Rangers They called me about the active altercation with the lady and I said I was sorry and to have her please call me so I can straighten it out and I try my best and I did not yell that just not me . P.S. thank you guys for responding in my defense :) read more

We have used Surfer Bus several times, for kayaking and for paddle boards. My husband and I had gone by ourselves but then we have also taken our daughters and their friends whenever they come into town to visit from college. Everyone is so friendly and it is such a beautiful area. The equipment is nice and staff is always ready to answer questions and offer guidance. In fact, my husband and I had gone paddle boarding and mentioned we would be bringing a small group in within the next few weeks and Shawn made sure to let us know that manatee mating season was approaching When we went out the next month at the end of our trip we sat our in the lagoon and suddenly we had 5 manatees surrounding our kayaks....it was a once in a lifetime experience!! We would highly recommend !Surfer Bus!! read more

My 8 year-old daughter and I always make the Surfer Bus one of our first stops when visiting Anna Maria Island. Shawn, the owner, is really laid-back, knowledgable, and makes even a first time kayaker feel confident and safe. He provides a map that shows the route through Robinson Preserve and designated landing areas. On the back of the map are pictures and descriptions of preserve wildlife: we love to see how many creatures we can spot. The "half day reservation window" is really affordable and convenient because you can have a great time kayaking (and SUP) without feeling rushed. Looking forward to our next voyage. Highly recommended! read more

I went to Bradenton FL on vacation with my friends for winter break and one of them had paddle boarded with the Surfer Bus last year! She said it was a MUST for us to do this year! She was right. The river is so relaxing and there is so much nice scenery! You get directions and a map before paddling out, as well as assurance that the river route is safe! My mom vacationed to Bradenton with her boyfriend a couple weeks later and after she saw my photos from paddle boarding she kept asking what the name of the place was so her and her boyfriend could go! Great experience :) definitely going back! read more

Many times over the last ten years I passed the Surferbus on my way to Anna Maria Island. Finally I stopped and talked to Shaun about renting a kayak. He explained the process--how he could not just rent without first having a reservation. I followed his instructions-- the website is straightforward and easy to use. For 2 years now I am a regular and really enjoy my 2-4 hour kayaking trips in Robinson Preserve. The layout keeps me from having to work too hard so I can enjoy the wildlife. I have never been disappointed and thoroughly enjoy the time on the water. Could not be better. read more

We had a great family trip. Took one tandem kayak and two stand-up paddleboards, recommended by the owner of the company. We had 2 adults and two kids, 10 and 16, and this set gave everybody a little break and a little more fun on the stand ups. Saw tons of fish, birds and two manatees; including one DIRECTLY under my stand up board. We would do this again with not question. One warning that I missed, you MUST reserve and pay online on the surferbus website before you show up. We got lucky and used our smartphone, but if they'd been all rented out.....anyway we had a great time. read more

Robinson Preserve is gorgeous to paddle board through! Lots of beautiful foliage and jumping fish to look at. The paddle boards themselves are very sturdy so they're wonderful for beginners and beyond. Sean is very friendly and happy to provide a quick lesson or refresher before you head out if you want it. I'd only say that for paddle boarding you probably want to avoid overly windy days unless you're more experienced because it can be a little difficult. But I can't say enough about this experience--you have to try it! read more

This is one of my favorite outdoor excursions in the area! Easy online registration. We are experienced kayakers but last year we wanted to try paddle boarding. Shawn was super helpful getting us going and pointed out a water trail to follow through Robinson Preserve. If you want to see many beautiful birds, go early in the morning. We are headed out again tomorrow morning! Can't wait to see Spoonbills, Egrets, Osprey and see some mullet jumping out of the water! read more

We have been visiting the same place on AMI for the last 12 years and many of those years consist of a kayak or paddleboard. This family owned company has been around as long as I can remember, seeing their bus at the side of the road is as iconic for AMI as Mickey is to Disney! The staff are friendly & easygoing and the area offered to paddle in is superb, full of wildlife and wonderful nooks to explore. A fantastic solo or family adventure always! Susan read more

You have to come and experience it for yourself! Get a paddle board or kayak and take a trip in the preserve. From the relaxation of just floating around, the beautiful views of nature and the wildlife that you will see, Surferbus gives you an experience that you'll never forget. Just unplug from the world and relax with one of their trips. You won't regret it! Great for families too cause they have tandem kayaks! I'll definitely go with them again! read more

We've rented kayaks from the Surfer Bus several times. Shawn is always friendly and very helpful. We were able to paddle through Robinson's Preserve in 21/2 to 3 hours and have enjoyed it every time. Robinson's Preserve is full of wildlife... birds, fish, crabs, etc. This activity is on the top of my to-do list when I'm in the Bradenton area. Come with sunscreen, water, and possibly some snacks and you'll be all set for a fun water adventure. read more

Wonderful kayak tour through Robinson Preserve. The kayaks were great with all the equipment needed (life vests and whistles) The Preserve is a great place to kayak with much wildlife to see. Shawn at the bus was very helpful. Signing up online worked without a hitch and the Kayaks were at waters' edge waiting for us when we arrived. A map was provided with suggestions on tour routes. A very satisfying experience. read more

I have gone through Shawn at surfer bus several times for kayaking the preserve. We travel from Michigan to vacation there and it is always a stop on our vacation. His knowledge of the water and creatures gave us great insight into new things we didn't know. He was more than helpful in making sure we experienced a great time, and we did! I would not go through anyone else, and his prices are unbeatable! read more

I love the Surferbus. The guy who runs it is very friendly. The kayaks are in good condition and having the map provided is a nice touch even though it is tough to get lost. The Robinson Preserve is such a peaceful place to kayak. I highly recommend going to Surferbus. I have rented from them at least 10 times over the last few years while vacationing here in Bradenton. read more

its great. its an outdoor place but they rent you good stuff to experience a real florida paddle. I really really like it here I wish we could move down here and I could be in the water every day! For kayaks this is the best around you can see the birds and stuff around the momgroves eating grabs and fish. Come here! Don't go to AMI outfitters bc the guy is so dang rude! read more

I have paddle boarded with Surfer Bus Multiple times and love it. He is super nice, the equipment is easy to use, and he is more then willing will to put your mind at ease if you are nervous about trying this. He gives great pointers. I would definitely recommend Surfer Bus to EVERYONE! I plan on signing up some more when the weather gets a little warmer. read more

AWESOME!! Beautiful! Peaceful waterways with numerous Ospreys, Egrets & Herons to greet you! Shawn was knowledgeable and friendly and made sure we knew our route through the Mangroves and out to the Bay. If you like s view,of the Skybridge & Tampa Bay, beach your kayaks & climb the Tower for extra exercise! We had a Blast and we shall be back! Thank you!! read more

We have rented kayaks at the surfers nw three years in a row and been very happy with the equipment and service. The convenience of renting online and hoping right into a waiting kayak is quite nice. The mangroves are always fun and you see a variety of wildlife and scenery. Look forward to our trip to AMI this year and another afternoon in the mangroves. read more