We're planning our first-ever trip to the Sarasota/Tampa area March 6-14 - staying on Anna Maria Island. A couple of questions:

Will it probably be too cold to swim in the Gulf?

Can you see anything with a snorkel in that general area? We have our own equipment and I'm wondering whether it's worth taking with us.

Where are you coming from? Many in my family live up north & when they visit, they love to go to the beach. It's too cold for me. This might be a good site to start looking for info: http://annamarianetwork.com/ or http://www.sarasota.com/attractions.htm

Generally the weather is beautiful but you can get a cold spell from time to time.

Sounds like you are coming from outside the area so I'm sure you'll find it warmer. Most visitors do swim in March. You'll find absolutely beautiful beaches - fine talcum powder sand and a laid back feeling on Anna Maria Island. You can try snorkeling but I'm not aware of it's popularity as there's no coral areas to search - just lovely sand.

Yes, we're coming from The Frozen North - just south of the Adirondacks in upstate NY. But we do like our water warm and frequently travel to the Caribbean.

We once visited Pompano Beach in late March and were among the few people swimming. I've heard the Gulf may be a couple of degrees warmer, but this will be early March, so it may be a close call.

March can be iffy, but visitors do swim. It's funny: my in-laws used to come down from Cincinnati for the month of March and my mother-in-law always went swimming. Now that they live here she wouldn't dream of going swimming in the "winter"!

The Gulf temperature's not bad in March, even for us local birds. I think snowbirds will think it's fine. The key is whether or not you have sun, and if there's no wind. Those are ideal conditions at that time of year.

You can snorkel along the shoreline and see schools of tiny bait fish in the littoral zone. Everything drifting along the shore is actually moving along with the gulf stream current, heading south, so no telling what will end up where you are. If there are storms out in the Gulf, then sponges will wash ashore. Pieces of brain coral. You can find some nice sized shells, often whole sand dollars. Sea biscuits are a possibility.

If you're lucky (you sound like you'd like to SEE something) there could be an invasion of stingrays while you're there -- really! You can get up close and personal (stay away from the tail) and watch their blow hole breathe open and shut. Occasionally there are jelly fish in the water, tiny ones. Most marine creatures are seasonal -- check the newspapers when you're at Anna Maria to see what's going on. Or ask the lifeguard, or the hotel.

But definitely bring your mask and snorkel. Fins optional. It will be fun.