The weather offers one of the top reasons to visit Anna Maria Island during the fall. In September, October, and November, the region experiences cooler temperatures with average highs around the mid-80s and lows in the 60s. 

The fall presents the perfect opportunity to experience outdoor activities. it’s still warm enough to enjoy the beach, but also cool enough to hit nearby hiking trails and go bicycling. Rainfall averages about eight inches in September, but October and November’s chances drop drastically to two to three inches.

Autumn also tends to be the least crowded season, meaning more availability of Anna Maria Island beach accommodations and less of a wait at popular restaurants. Whether it’s an elegant bistro, cozy cafe or rustic, beachside Tiki bar, you’ll find a flavor that will soon be your favorite. Enjoy a catch-of-the-day while enjoying a cool breeze and listening to crashing waves. 

For anglers, you can’t beat fall fishing. Anna Maria Island offers a healthy fishery with fat redfish, snook, sea trout, cobia, and Spanish mackerel. With the cooler temperatures, you are sure to have a wonderful time on the water. Book a trip with a seasoned captain like those on AMI Charters.

Relax with Beach Yoga Flow from 8-9 a.m. on Sundays throughout the fall at Holmes Beach on 52nd Street. Cost is $15 for a drop-in class. Or call 941-896-5153 for info. Or join a Guided Relaxation Circle from 5 to 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7 at Holmes Beach. This is a donation-only event, with proceeds benefitting the Art League. Call 941-778-2099 for more info. 

See a production of “Rent” on stage Sept. 14 through Oct. 2 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in nearby Bradenton Beach. 

Enjoy live music, delicious food and arts and crafts at the 21st BayFest takes place from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 on Pine Avenue in the city of Anna Maria. There is even a car show. 

The best thing about fall at the beach, however, is catching sight of those breathtaking sunsets each night from the balcony or deck of your luxury property. Gulf Shore Retreat is a stunning four-bedroom, four-bath luxury home that has amazing views of the Gulf from the top floor, a private pool and a massive kitchen. And each bedroom on the main floor have access to their own private balcony. 

Resting Beach Place is a two-bedroom, two-bath condo with a balcony that looks out over the Gulf of Mexico. The unit is steps away from the beach and offers access to a tennis court, gazebo, pool and sauna. 

Sit and sip your favorite red while watching the spectacular show when the sun dips toward the horizon.

For some reason, being at the beach makes a person crave a thick, juicy burger. Don’t ask us why, we don’t make the rules. But when you’re hankering for a hamburger, you’re in luck. Anna Maria Island has a lineup of burger and beer joints that serve delicious versions of this All-American favorite. 

Ghost Street Kitchen Get adventurous with a Cali Cheeseburger, made with guacamole, a Blue Marauder with Cajun seasoning and blue cheese or “The Assassin,” topped with smoked gouda, jalapeño cream cheese, pepper jack cheese and bacon. All are half-pound patties of deliciousness and have the garden toppings of lettuce and tomatoes.

Harry’s Grill gets nods as the island’s favorite burger. The burgers are made with an Angus sirloin patty grilled perfectly, then placed on a ciabatta bun. Top it with your choice of cheese, bacon or even BBQ pulled pork. 

Slim’s Place builds its burgers with 8-ounce Angus beef patties, flamed-grilled. Slim’s gets creative with its toppings, as well, including pulled pork, six pieces of bacon strip and a version with crispy onion straws. 

Ginny & Jane E’s Cafe and Gift Store serves as a central gathering hub on Anna Maria Island, serving fresh-baked bakery items, coffee and a delicious lunch. The grilled, hand-pressed burger gets rave reviews. You can get a single patty or double patty and add cheddar, American or Swiss cheese. 

Duffy’s Tavern, Bar and Grill dubs itself “Hamburger Heaven.” Check out the menu for an idea as to why. The selection is mouth-watering delicious, from the brie & caramelized onion cheeseburger to the Tex burger with bacon and BBQ sauce to the fresh jalapeño cheeseburger. They also offer a choice of seven cheeses and an array of “extras.” They don’t serve fries, but Duffy’s offers sides of homemade potato salad, coleslaw, and chips. 

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe The burgers are delicious, and that view is amazing.

Skinny’s is Old Florida through-and-through. The classic burgers are all goodness, cooked to order. Order an extra patty or two extra patties for The G3, triple burger with three cheeses. Of course you can add a side of fries, but we recommend the onion rings – best on the island. Get your Coke in a bottle or an ice-cold glass of root beer or beer. 

Or grill your own burger at your backyard oasis when you stay at a luxury property like Casa Amiga, Chasing Waves or Conch Out Beach House.

Every holiday is special on Anna Maria Island. With Labor Day just around the corner on Sept. 5, there is still time to celebrate beach season with a getaway. Stretch the holiday weekend into a week-long vacation to enjoy the last hurrah of summer.

Beach Day

There is no need to carry your gear to the beach. CabanUp delivers everything you need for a perfect day in the sun. It’s simple. Choose a day and place where you want to set up. CabanUp will have your set-up ready by 10 a.m. most days. Let them know what you need, whether lounges and chairs, umbrellas and tents, or tables and coolers. When you’re ready to get out of the sun, leave. CabanUp takes care of cleanup.

Cast a Line

Enjoy a local favorite at the Rod & Reel Pier, a restaurant directly on the Gulf of Mexico. This old Florida establishment serves breakfast. After you fill up on your favorites, you can fish right off the dock. You can also try your hand at surf fishing from any of the public beaches, rocks, and jetties. The beaches and rocks on the north side of the island are a favorite spot for fishermen.

Dine Out

Speaking of traditional beach fare, you want to enjoy local seafood while on vacation. Sandbar Seafood & Spirits serves classic seafood fare with beachside seating. Or try an upscale twist at The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar, where you can get tuna sashimi, Kung Pao calamari or grouper tacos. And that’s just for starters. 

Paddle

Beach Bums AMI offers a tour along the fringe of red mangroves into Anna Maria Sound, where guests often find dolphins feeding in the shallow waters. The excursion passes under the Key Royale Bridge and into Bimini Bay. Beach Bums also rents the kayaks, bicycles, and golf carts.

Shopping Spree

If shopping is a favorite activity, you’re in luck. Charming Pine Avenue has a collection of outdoor shops where you can walk from Tampa Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Bradenton Beach has historic Bridge Street with an array of boutiques.

For the Kids

Bayfront Park on Anna Maria Island’s north end is a great place to watch the dolphins swim while the kids enjoy the playground. There are also grills, picnic tables and pavilions. The Holmes Beach skate park has a half pipe and skate bowl. Of course, there is the public beach where you can build sandcastles, splash in the surf and play a game of volleyball.

Sweet Digs

Stay in comfort with a luxury home like the two-bedroom Salt Air East on Holmes Beach, the four-bedroom at 307 65 Street or the four-bedroom Mermaid’s Crossing. Our rentals are an easy walk or free trolley ride to the beach, shops, and restaurants.

Anna Maria Island is well-known as a laid-back beach destination just south of the Tampa Bay area where families can enjoy sun-kissed days and relaxing evenings full of fabulous food, great activities, and the best in accommodations. We’ve gathered some of the best things to do plus a couple of tips to help make your vacation in Anna Maria Island one for the books!

Beach Hopping

Some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches are located on Anna Maria Island. Take Coquina Beach for example. It’s 22 acres of public beach with piercing blue waters to juxtapose the sandy shores. You’ll find plenty of space to do your own thing and there are also restrooms, a café, picnic tables and a souvenir shop. Many vacationers enjoy swimming here, as well as snorkeling, while others may be happiest searching for the perfect seashell. 

Cortez Beach is close to Bridge Street so perhaps pairing some beach time with shopping is a good idea. Surfers love the waters at Cortez Beach where often the best waves on the island can be found. There are piers for fishing, and you always have sunbathing as an option. 

The name alone will bring you to visit Manatee Beach where families can find plenty to do or do nothing at all. This particular beach is wider and there are lifeguards typically on duty. Join in a game of beach volleyball, read a book, or build a sandcastle. Food is nearby at Anna Maria Island Beach Café, so no worries!

Sunset chasers often head to Bean Point at the northern end of the island for end-of-the-day relaxing and postcard-worthy sunset pictures. It’s less crowded at Bean Point, named for the island’s first resident, George Bean. There are no facilities here and most visitors walk or cycle over from Manatee Beach. 

Bradenton Beach, home to Beach House Restaurant, offers many reasons to score a visit from vacationers. In addition to the lovely beach, there are dining options and shopping in close proximity. This is an ideal beach for kayaks and paddle boards which can be rented nearby at Beach Bums. 

Watersports in Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island offers lots of ways to connect to the water, so naturally watersports are popular. Spend your days paddle boarding, jet skiing, fishing, sailing, parasailing, or taking a romantic sunset cruise. There are many places across the island that offer these services and also rent appropriate equipment. 

No matter your age, places like Happy Paddler can lead you on an awesome adventure kayaking the mangroves. Robinson Preserve is an excellent choice for a Mangrove Kayak Tour and your guide will be able to explain the mangrove history here as you wind through nooks and crannies offering a glimpse at old coastal Florida before development began in the 1950s. You’ll likely see ospreys, eagles, white pelicans, dolphins, and a whole bunch of other wildlife. Climb the observation tower for exceptional views or take a hike on any one of the many trails.

Anna Maria Island’s Kid-Friendly Fun 

What kid (big or small) doesn’t like mini golf? The Fish Hole is a miniature golf course with special attractions such as cool misters for hot summer days, a 3000-gallon pond filled with koi fish and native Florida plants! Bradenton Beach and Lakewood Ranch are the two locations, and coupons are available online at The Fish Hole.  

TreeUmph! Adventure Course offers fun for ages 7 and up with 10 football fields of challenging terrain and other fun! Spend your day playing in the trees, ziplining, climbing a rock wall or working your way through many more obstacles. 

Learn secrets of the sea revealed through touch pools, labs and interactive exhibits featuring the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. This site offers a look at more than 100 species of marine life including sharks, manatees and sea turtles. 

Visit Snooty, the oldest known manatee in the world, at the Parker Manatee Aquarium and learn more about this specially designed facility that holds almost 60,000 gallons of water and includes a medical pool for critical care and rehabilitation. Part of the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, visitors also have access to the Planetarium, the Mosaic Backyard Universe plus many temporary exhibits. 

Shopping 

For serious shoppers looking for the hottest spot to shop, you just might find it in Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island’s southernmost city. Check out Historic Bridge Street where a current-day fishing pier replaces the original wooden bridge that once represented sole access to the island. Bridge Street is shopper-friendly (walkable) with amazing water views from the pier and the beach. Shopping includes fine art galleries, local artisans, home décor, boutiques, jewelry, beach items and, of course, souvenirs. Aside from shopping, there are fantastic restaurants and entertainment. Use the free Island Trolley to be dropped off at “Anna Maria’s Hot Spot.”

Pine Avenue offers specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, unique art and souvenirs on a revitalized main street stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Historic City Pier. This area is also known for its “Green” construction. 

Don’t miss award-winning St. Armands Circle with more than 140 boutiques, specialty shops, restaurants, salons and spas along with an array of special events annually. While you’re there, visit Stroll the Circus Ring of Fame — a sidewalk of circus stars. There’s so much to see and do that one day may not be enough. 

If you are visiting the Mall at University Town Center and you are from over 50 miles away, be sure and grab a Passport to Shopping (available at the Customer Service desk on the Lower Level near Grand Court) to take advantage of discounts and special offers from dozens of retailers. Here you’ll find your favorite brand stores like Ann Taylor, Athleta, Anthropologie, Chico’s, Crate & Barrel, Free People, H&M and many more!

Useful Tips for Visitors

Use the free Island Trolley to safely navigate the seven-mile-long island. It runs daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and there’s a free app available to make keeping up with schedules and stops easy breezy. 

Don’t sleep on choosing your accommodations. You really need to book that first so you can secure the perfect vacation rental for your family. A good night’s rest is paramount to a good vacation. Find yours at Beach Retreats Vacation Rentals!

When planning travel, many vacationers look for dog-friendly destinations so their furry friends can make the trip along with them. Anna Maria Island offers a fair share of accommodations and other amenities for pet lovers such as restaurants with outdoor patios, beaches, and a dog park.  

Beaches and Parks 

Anna Maria Island does not allow pets on the Gulf side beach, but beaches on the Manatee Avenue causeway are open to your furry friends. 

Holmes Beach has Central Park with a nice space for your dog to run around and play. Look for Central Park on Flotilla Drive where you are sure to visit often during your stay. There are benches for owners to sit on and an adjacent skate park for the kiddos to enjoy while there. 

Nearby Bradenton offers GT Bray Park with a dog park for Fido’s enjoyment. The park has a dirt covering and shaded areas for the dogs to play in, a playground for the children plus pavilions and picnic tables. Bring lunch and stay a while!

Restaurants and Dining

If you’re headed to Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café and Gift Store in the historic district, note that there is typically fresh water out for your pet. 

Harry’s Grill is a great neighborhood burger and craft beer spot. Bonus points for live music to accompany your meal and pets are welcome on the outdoor patio. Be sure and check out the Hallelujah Brunch on Sundays from 10-11:30 a.m.

For wonderful island steaks and seafood, head to The Waterfront Restaurant and Craft Bar where local, natural flavors are cornerstones to their classic meals. Menus are online including daily specials and rest assured your pet is welcome in the outdoor seating by the beach.

Bring the whole gang (including the family pet) to City Pier Grill and Bait Shop on the Anna Maria City Pier for fresh comfort foods (think Homemade Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Blackened Fish Tacos, Burgers, etc.), ice cream, beer, and wine. Enjoy the views and do a little fishing—catch and release style, of course!

If you’re looking to take your pet with you on a beach vacation, Anna Maria Island is a fantastic choice. By making a few simple phone calls in advance, you can ensure a vacation to remember including your favorite four-legged buddy.

All trips to Anna Maria Island are fabulous, especially when you begin with lodging that meets your specific needs, even pet-friendly rentals! Find your match today at Beach Retreats Vacation Rentals.

There’s no doubt that your stay on Anna Maria Island will quickly have you searching for some local spots for Happy Hour. We’ve compiled a list to take the guesswork out of it and allow you to feel right at home in our beachside community. 

Beach House Waterfront Restaurant

200 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach
(941) 779-2222

Happy Hour Monday-Friday 2-4 p.m.

Beach House offers half-price drinks and appetizers at the bar during Happy Hour. Their outdoor climate-friendly deck is also a fabulous place for beautiful evening views, so keep that in mind when chasing sunsets.

Bridge Street Bistro 

111 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach
(941) 782-1122
Happy Hour Daily 1-4 p.m.

The impressive Happy Hour menu includes Bar Bites starting at $5 along with Beer, Wine and Spirits starting at $3. Happy Hour pricing is good only at the bar and on the balcony where you’ll also enjoy beautiful Gulf of Mexico views. Bridge Street Bistro is located inside of Island Time Bar & Grill. 

Anna Maria Oyster Bar 

200 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
Other locations at Landslide, Cortez, and Ellenton
(941) 778-AMOB

Happy Hour Daily 3-6 p.m.

By land or sea, visit the Oyster Bar at the Historic Bridge Street Pier with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Enjoy $3 House Margaritas, Well Drinks for $4, House Wines for $5 and premium beverages for $6 (see website for more details). 

Harry’s Grill and Bistro

9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria
(941) 567-5999

Harry Hour Monday-Friday 3-5 p.m.

You just can’t beat great food and drinks, family fun (cornhole and live music) and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Happy Hour offers $1 off all draft beer sizes 16 and 24 oz as well as house wines. And, if your name is Harry or Harrietta and you can prove it, you get one free draft beer of your choice. 

The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar

111 South Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria
(941) 778-1515

Happy Hour Daily 4:30-6:30 p.m.

If you’re looking for Old Florida style dining and ambiance, the Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar is your place with discounted wine pours daily. 

The Ugly Grouper

5704 Marina Drive, Anna Maria
(941) 778-4402

Ugly Hour Monday-Friday 2-5 p.m.

The Ugly Grouper, formerly the Barefoot Tiki, is a beer and wine bar offering weekday Ugly Hour specials. Plan your night out to include this popular place and you’ll also enjoy live music and fresh dinner selections. 

The Doctor’s Office

5312 Holmes Boulevard #B, Holmes Beach
(941) 213-9926

Open Sunday-Thursday 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 5-11 p.m.

While the Doctor’s Office does not offer a Happy Hour per se, we would be remiss not to include this craft cocktail bar also serving light bites and sharing plates in this round up. The setting is an old doctor’s office, of course, and the “prescription” drinks you choose could be just what the doctor ordered. To be sure you get an appointment, call ahead. Visit the website to get a glimpse of the out-of-the-ordinary food and drink options.

After a long day of exploring beaches, playing with water toys, or just hanging out, hit some of these suggestions for a relaxing evening with tasty libations. 

Book a beautiful place to call home base during your stay on Anna Maria Island. We have accommodations waiting for you here at Beach Retreats Vacation Rentals. And, please remember to drink responsibly. 

Anna Maria Island, a seven-mile barrier island located on the coast of Manatee County, Florida, is made up of three cities: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. And, when it comes to celebrating holidays, like the Fourth of July, it’s the perfect laid-back destination to celebrate in. 

Fun on the Fourth

The Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade is an annual event that always draws a crowd. It’s a seven-mile parade route starting south at Coquina Beach and traveling to North Anna Maria City Pier — yes, it covers the entire island! Bring a chair, wear your patriotic colors and plan to catch some beads!

Additionally, Anna Maria’s Sandbar Seafood and Spirits restaurant will offer a special “Sparkling Good Time” package on July 2 to celebrate Independence Day.  Dining with your toes in the sand has never been so good.

Furthermore, enjoy watching one of the best fireworks displays in Southwest Florida over Sarasota Bay on Independence Day! Organized by Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with Marina Jack and produced by Pyrotecnico, the fireworks are an annual event for Sarasota. Anna Maria Island, being just off the coast, offers a good view and no traffic driving back to your room. Choose a comfy spot on almost any beach and settle in for a wonderful celebration just after dusk. (Note: You can also view from Bayfront Park near Marina Jack in Sarasota.)

In addition, nearby Bradenton offers an All-American celebration of baseball and fireworks on July 3 as the minor-league Bradenton Marauders host visiting Tampa Tarpons. Bring the family for a game and plan to stay for post-game fireworks. 

Also, American Fanfare will be presented on July 4 at 4:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House. Celebrate America with the Choral Artists of Sarasota and the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble as they present favorites such as The National Anthem, God Bless the USA, Yankee Doodle, and other popular patriotic tunes in this 90-minute program (intermission included).

Enjoy a 4th of July Fireworks and Independence Day Buffet at Pier 22 Restaurant. The Bradenton waterfront eatery offers a salute to the red, white, and blue with fireworks over the Manatee River as well as an Independence Day buffet on the waterside terrace. Check-in is at 6:30 p.m., fireworks are at 9:30 p.m. and the buffet goes until 10 p.m.  

Of course, the perfect holiday trip to Anna Maria Island starts with accommodations that cater to your specific needs, even pet-friendly rentals! Find yours today at Beach Retreats Vacation Rentals.

Summer might seem like a lifetime away.

We’ve all been through so much these past 18 months, we want nothing more than to enjoy some time away with the ones we love.  If Covid has taught us anything it’s that “stuff” isn’t really important – it’s the feelings we get spending time with the people we love.  It’s making memories; watching sunsets, hugging grandkids and sharing laughs. It’s time to make those memories again!  Don’t miss out on the vacation home of your dreams – What’s on your wish list for the perfect home?  Our homes shine with state-of-the-art kitchens for the perfect family meal, sparkling pools and heated spas, outdoor cabanas with big screen TV’s for fun game day viewing, peaks of the Gulf of Mexico, nanny suites, and lots of extras!

Consider putting the gift of travel under the tree this year!

Check out a few of the houses sure to check every box on your summer wish list:

https://beachretreatsfl.com/Slice-of-paradise/ This 4 bed house has ensuites bathrooms for every bedroom plus 2 half baths (one that’s right off the deck so no running through the house soaking wet!) New owners have gone all out with brand new furniture, a full interior and exterior paint and tons of extras! And can we talk about the backyard!?! The pool is an absolute showstopper.

https://beachretreatsfl.com/Surfside-Beach-House/Just a hop, skip and a jump into the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

This stunner has it all! Custom kitchen, stunning interior design, gas range with all the kitchen amenities you could ask for. This beauty is just a block from the Gulf of Mexico, west of Gulf Drive, nestled on a quiet street.  The 4 cruiser bikes will let you explore all of what Anna Maria Island has to offer!

Laid-back and natural, Anna Maria Island is just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Tampa but feels like a world away. A seven-mile strip of beautiful white-sand beaches lines the barrier island of Anna Maria Island between the turquoise Gulf of Mexico and peninsular Florida.

Along these 7 miles, 3 cities govern this little Island. It does seem crazy that 3 cities, all with different regulations, can work harmoniously together, but it works! In fact, it can be hard to tell where one neighborhood ends and the next one begins. Here is a guide to the unique cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton.

Anna Maria Island

The city of Anna Maria rests on the northern end of the island and consist of beautiful Pine Avenue with lots of wonderful shops, salons and fantastic little eateries. The City of Anna Maria is also home to the brand-new City Pier and the Rod and Reel Pier – both with stunning views and old Florida food.

Holmes Beach

In the middle of the island is Holmes Beach; This is where the main public beach, with beach parking and volleyball courts and the beach side café can be found.  This is also where the island’s only grocery store can be found.  Some of Holmes Beaches hidden gems are Skinny’s Burger joint and the West Coast Surf Shop.

Bradenton Beach

On the southern tip of AMI is Bradenton Beach. From beach to bay is only a few blocks wide.  You can wake up to the morning sunrise and watch the sunset all from your rooftop deck.  Bridge Street is a hustle bustle of bars, restaurants and shops.  This “up and coming” area is earning rave reviews from visitors who want a little more excitement than laying on the beach all day.

All of Anna Maria Island’s Gulf beaches are publicly open with multiple access points.  Anna Maria Island also offers a free trolley. Several trolleys loop the island from Coquina Beach on the southern tip in Bradenton Beach up to the City Pier in the City of Anna Maria on the northern end of the island on a daily basis. The trolleys also run on most holidays.  So sit back, relax and enjoy all that Anna Maria Island has to offer.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND AND SEA TURTLES:

The Island Turtle watch explains that five species of Sea Turtles swim and feed around Anna Maria Island. The most common nester on our shoreline is the Loggerhead. It has a reddish-brown shell and is named for its large head. Adults can weigh between 200 and 350 pounds and can reach 3 feet in length.

From May to October Sea Turtles, visiting summer guests and island residents share AMI and call this island home. These turtles are quite a site to see! Late in the evening the mother sea turtle will make her way onto the shore, dig a hole and lay her eggs. If you are walking the beach in the early morning you may be lucky enough to witness her making her way back to the Gulf of Mexico. If you don’t see her, you will definitely see her tracks heading back to the water.

HOW THEY NAVIGATE THEIR ENVIRONMENT:

Turtles use their natural instincts to find their nesting areas through the reflection of the moon and stars on the surface of the water. From May 1 – Oct 1 all lights on the beach and surrounding areas must be changed to red bulbs.

DOING YOUR PART:

You can do your part by removing all items from the beach at the end of the day (chairs, umbrellas and any trash) and being sure to fill in any holes dug on the beach. Baby sea turtles can fall into holes and die because they are unable to climb out.

They would be happy to have you join them while you’re visiting – just reach out to them!

AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR ECOSYSTEM:

Sea turtles clearly play an important role in our marine ecosystems. Each sea turtle species uniquely affects the diversity, habitat and functionality of its environment.