Waterfront Living
Waterfront & Island Communities
Southwest Florida’s waterfront lifestyle goes well beyond the beach, barrier islands with Gulf-to-bay lots, deep-water canals with direct Gulf access, full-service marinas on the Intracoastal, and river communities with private docks and boat ramps. Below are the standout waterfront and island communities I help buyers into.
Waterfront means different things to different buyers, a yacht slip, a kayak launch, or just waking up to water views. I’ll walk you through the differences in access, HOA rules on boats and docks, flood zones, and insurance before you commit. Tap any community to learn more.
Sarasota
Bird Key
An exclusive man-made island of approximately 500 homes in Sarasota Bay, connected by the Ringling Causeway, single-family estates and waterfront homes anchored by the Bird Key Yacht Club with its 42-slip marina and fine dining.
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Harbor Acres
One of Sarasota's most prestigious waterfront neighborhoods, estate homes on deep-water canals offering direct Gulf access, south of downtown with no HOA and generous lot sizes.
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The Landings
A gated bayfront community of over 700 homes, single-family, villas, and condos with resort amenities, private bay beach, two pools, tennis, and a private marina, all on Sarasota Bay south of downtown.
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Longboat Key
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Lido Key
A Gulf-front barrier island just off downtown Sarasota, condos, single-family homes, and St. Armands Circle's designer shopping and dining. Connected to the mainland by the Ringling Causeway with quick access to downtown.
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Casey Key
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Siesta Key Village
The walkable heart of Siesta Key, a lively village of shops, restaurants, and bars steps from the #1-ranked quartz-crystal beach. A mix of single-family homes, condos, and vacation rentals in the island's most convenient location.
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Bradenton
Waterlefe
The only community in this set with its own marina. Waterlefe sits on the Manatee River east of I-75, 471 houses on the county roll built between 2000 and 2005, and the golf course runs 172 acres with five holes that touch the river. The Marina Club keeps 59 slips on the Manatee itself, sized 20 to 29 feet, with direct Gulf access, so a boat can be in open water the same morning. The River Club clubhouse is the social center, with fine dining over the water, a pro shop and a grill room. Beyond that: a saltwater resort pool, a Tiki Bar, a fitness center, pickleball, walking trails and a playground, plus an aquatic driving range with targets set out in the water. Twenty-seven percent of homes are waterfront and ninety percent have a private pool, the highest combination of the two anywhere in Bradenton.
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River Place
A gated community of approximately 270 single-family homes on the Braden River, built between 2002 and 2005. Some homes are directly on the riverbank or canals with private docks. Clubhouse with gathering area, game and media rooms, fitness center, lakeside pool, and nature trails.
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Parrish
The Islands on the Manatee River
Now BuildingAn exclusive gated waterfront community of 178 luxury homesites across 225 acres of islands along the Manatee River. Private docks, a Bring Your Own Builder program, and the Spanish Colonial-inspired River Lodge.
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River Wilderness
A gated golf and country club community of approximately 800 homes on 1,500 acres along the Manatee River. An 18-hole Ted McAnlis-designed course, 27,000 sq ft clubhouse, Har-Tru tennis courts, and private boat ramp.
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River’s Reach
A gated Neal Communities neighborhood of single-family homes from 1,744 to 4,000 sq ft along the Manatee River. A resort-style pool, fitness center, volleyball court, and kayak launch serve the community.
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Palmetto
Riviera Dunes
A gated waterfront community on the Manatee River, centered on a full-service marina with 219 wet slips (35-110 ft) in an 88-acre protected harbor averaging 18 ft depth, often called "hurricane protected." Multiple residential neighborhoods include Bel Mare and The Palms (condos) and The Hammocks (townhomes), plus custom single-family homes. Dockside Social Bar and Grill is on-site. Direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf of Mexico.
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Laguna at Riviera Dunes
Four mid-rise buildings housing 160 condominiums on the Manatee River within the Riviera Dunes community. Units range from 1,700 to over 4,000 sq ft, from two-bedroom suites to two-story penthouses. 24-hour guard-gated with panoramic river and marina views. Amenities include two heated pools, BBQ grills, tennis courts, clubhouse, fitness center, and two electric-vehicle charging stations.
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This is a curated selection, there are more options across the region. Tell me what you’re after and I’ll match you to the right community.
Waterfront & Island Communities FAQ
What are the best waterfront communities in Sarasota?+
Bird Key is the most exclusive, an island in Sarasota Bay with a yacht club and 42-slip marina. Harbor Acres offers deep-water canal lots with direct Gulf access. The Landings is a gated bayfront community with a private marina and bay beach. For barrier island living, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Casey Key, and Siesta Key each have their own character and price range. I’ll help you match the right waterfront to your lifestyle and boating needs.
Can I dock a boat at my home in these communities?+
It depends on the community. Bird Key, Harbor Acres, and Casey Key have private docks at individual homes. Riviera Dunes has a 219-slip full-service marina. The Islands on the Manatee River and River Place offer private docks on the river. I always verify dock access, lift capacity, HOA rules, and water depth before we make an offer.
What should I know about flood insurance on waterfront properties?+
Most waterfront properties in Southwest Florida fall within FEMA flood zones AE or VE, which require flood insurance if you have a mortgage. Premiums vary widely based on elevation, construction type, and flood zone designation. I’ll pull the FEMA flood map for any property we look at so you know the full insurance picture before making an offer.
Let’s find your community
Tell me your investment range, lifestyle, and timeline, and I’ll match you to the right fit, with current pricing, availability, and an honest read on fees and value.
Or call or text (941) 350-0224.