Cayo Costa shelling tour from Fort Myers: 6 hours with dolphins

Six hours on the water and sand, watching for dolphins on the way out

A 6-hour boat tour from Fort Myers to Cayo Costa State Park includes round-trip transport from Laishley Park Boat Ramp, two hours on the beach or sandbar for shelling and swimming, and a live English-speaking guide. The crossing takes 45 minutes each direction and often brings sightings of dolphins, sea turtles and manatees. Private transportation is included. Bring your own lunch and drinks.

The experience

The boat leaves Laishley Park Boat Ramp (or Eldred Marina in Rotonda if wind conditions shift the departure) and runs 45 minutes to Cayo Costa State Park. On the crossing, you watch for dolphins, sea turtles and manatees: sightings are common but not guaranteed. The boat carries cold water, and you can bring your own lunch and drinks in the cooler provided.

Once at Cayo Costa, you have two hours to shell, walk the beach or rest in the sun. The guide chooses between the beach and sandbar depending on the day's weather and conditions. Beach chairs, a sun umbrella and a Bluetooth speaker are on board, so you set up where you want and stay as active or relaxed as the moment suits.

The return crossing mirrors the outbound journey, with another 45 minutes of water time and another chance to spot marine life. Private transportation means the boat is yours for the group, and infants travel free on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Round-trip private boat transport from Fort Myers to Cayo Costa State Park.
• beach chairs, sun umbrella and Bluetooth speaker.
• cold water on board.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full 6 hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We will meet at Eldred's Marina. It is $8.00 to park. 6301 Boca Grande Causeway Rotonda or I can pick you up at Laishley Park Boat Ramp in Punta Gorda.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Saltwater Dreaming Charters

Is this one for you?The tour runs four hours total with 90 minutes of boat time and two hours on the beach, so it suits anyone comfortable with a moderate water crossing and open to a relaxed pace on the sand. Infants travel free on a parent's lap, making it accessible for families with young children.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the boat ride to Cayo Costa from Fort Myers?

The crossing takes 45 minutes each way from Laishley Park Boat Ramp, so you spend roughly 90 minutes on the water round-trip, with two hours on the beach or sandbar in between.

What wildlife might I see on the way to Cayo Costa?

Dolphins, sea turtles and manatees are often spotted during the crossing, though sightings are not guaranteed. The guide watches for them on both the outbound and return trips.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes, bring your lunch and drinks. A cooler is provided on board, and cold water is always available.

What's included to make the beach time comfortable?

Beach chairs, a sun umbrella and a Bluetooth speaker come on the boat so you can set up at Cayo Costa without bringing your own gear.

Where does the boat depart from?

The standard departure is Laishley Park Boat Ramp in Fort Myers. If wind conditions are unfavorable, the departure moves to Eldred Marina in Rotonda.