Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway, Perico Island, Florida offers a rare combination of natural beauty, resort-style living, and desirable real estate opportunities. Located just east of Anna Maria Island (https://www.annamaria.com), Perico Island benefits from hurricane protection, shielded by nearby barrier islands, while still offering direct access to some of Florida’s most pristine beaches. Whether you’re searching for a primary residence, a seasonal retreat, or an investment property, the search for Perico Island, Florida homes for sale reveals a peaceful, convenient lifestyle.
Perico Island’s history dates back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting that Native American tribes once inhabited the region due to its rich estuaries and abundant marine life. The island’s name is believed to have originated from the Spanish word “perico,” meaning parrot, possibly referencing the colorful birds that once thrived in the area. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Perico Island was largely undeveloped and known for its fishing, farming, and natural beauty. Early settlers were drawn to the island for its fertile land, waterways, and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.
By the mid-20th century, as Bradenton and the nearby barrier islands began to grow in popularity, Perico Island slowly transitioned from a quiet agricultural and fishing outpost into a residential community. Preservation efforts later protected large portions of the island, such as the Perico Preserve, ensuring that its wetlands, mangroves, and wildlife habitats remained intact. Today, Perico Island strikes a balance between honoring its natural past and offering modern housing opportunities, making it a unique blend of history, conservation, and coastal living.
Perico Island offers a variety of residential communities that balance modern amenities, security, and natural beauty. Each neighborhood has its own character, but all share the advantages of hurricane protection from surrounding barrier islands and convenient access to the beaches of Anna Maria Island.
Harbour Isle – This luxury waterfront enclave combines resort-style living with walkable access to dining and entertainment. In addition to its gated security, private beach club, fitness center, kayak launch, and scenic trails, Harbour Isle features the on-site Compass Hotel and its tropical-themed Compass Bar & Chill (https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/compass-hotel-anna-maria-sound/dining/compass-bar-and-chill). Also within the community is Floriday’s Woodfire Grill & Bar (https://floridays.net), offering waterfront dining with Old Florida charm. Elevated construction and strong infrastructure provide hurricane resilience, while its proximity to One Particular Harbor Marina (https://www.ophmarina.com) makes it a premier choice for boaters.
Perico Bay Club – A gated community featuring condominiums and villas surrounded by lagoons and lush landscaping. Residents benefit from 24-hour security, multiple pools, tennis courts, and a clubhouse. Known for its safety, natural surroundings, and quick access to Anna Maria Island, Perico Bay Club offers a blend of relaxation and convenience.
Perico Island Condo – A gated condominium community offering excellent value and extensive amenities. Residents enjoy a heated community pool, covered BBQ area with tables and chairs, tennis and pickleball courts, and a clubhouse that features a fitness center, saunas, billiards, a library, kitchen, dance floor, meeting space, and game tables. Its location provides easy access to Bradenton, nearby marinas, and Anna Maria’s beaches.
Sanctuary – A gated neighborhood of 80 single-family homes with the same rich amenities as Perico Island Condo. Residents enjoy a heated community pool, covered BBQ area with tables and chairs, tennis and pickleball courts, and a clubhouse with a fitness center, saunas, billiards, library, kitchen, dance floor, meeting space, and game tables. Surrounded by natural preserves, Sanctuary blends upscale living, hurricane-conscious design, and resort-style recreation.
Together, these communities showcase the diversity of living options on Perico Island — from affordable condominiums to luxury waterfront homes — all within a protected coastal environment and just minutes from some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches.
Outdoor living is central to Perico Island’s appeal. Highlights include:
Perico Preserve
(https://www.mymanatee.org/connect/locations/location-details/perico-preserve) – A coastal nature preserve with trails and birding platforms.
Neal Preserve (https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/parks__recreation___natural_resources/parks__preserves___beaches/neal_preserve) – Features wetlands, historic mounds, and observation towers.
Robinson Preserve (https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/parks__recreation___natural_resources/parks__preserves___beaches/robinson_preserve) – Over 600 acres for kayaking, fishing, hiking, and biking.
One Particular Harbor Marina
(https://www.ophmarina.com) – A full-service marina with boat slips, fuel, and direct access to the Gulf and Intracoastal waterways.
With Anna Maria Island’s white-sand beaches only minutes away, residents enjoy the best of coastal recreation.
Living on Perico Island means being just minutes away from some of the best dining in the Bradenton and Anna Maria Island area. From casual waterfront spots to refined seafood restaurants, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy fresh flavors and Gulf Coast hospitality.
Compass Bar & Chill (https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/compass-hotel-anna-maria-sound/dining/compass-bar-and-chill) – Located at Margaritaville’s Compass Hotel, this relaxed spot offers tropical cocktails, fresh seafood, and marina views.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar (https://oysterbar.net) – A local favorite, this seafood restaurant is famous for oysters, grouper sandwiches, and family-friendly dining.
The Beach House Restaurant (https://beachhousedining.com) – Situated right on Bradenton Beach, this iconic restaurant combines sustainably sourced seafood with breathtaking sunset views.
Floriday’s Woodfire Grill & Bar (https://floridays.net) – A waterfront grill with wood-fired specialties, Floridays pairs hearty meals with a relaxed Old Florida atmosphere and Intracoastal views.