Everglades: Small Group Motorboat Eco Tour & Island Stop

Summary

Chokoloskee Bay wildlife boat trip with island exploring pause

You’ll ride a small motorboat through Chokoloskee Bay with a local guide, spotting dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and birds along the way. Step onto an island to hunt for shells or maybe even Calusa relics before drifting back past historic Smallwood’s Store. Expect real Florida air in your lungs — plus snacks and bottled water to keep you going.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the light bounced off the water in Chokoloskee Bay — all silvery and restless, like it couldn’t sit still. We climbed into this low-slung motorboat with our guide, Tom (he grew up nearby, knew every bird by name). The engine coughed to life and we skimmed out past the old Smallwood’s Store, which looked like it could tell a hundred stories if you listened close enough. I caught a whiff of salt and something green — mangroves maybe? It’s hard to describe but it felt like Florida in my nose.

I didn’t expect to see so many animals so quickly. A bottlenose dolphin surfaced just off the bow, slick and fast, gone before I could even get my phone out. Tom pointed out a manatee’s nose breaking the surface — he said they’re shy but curious. We drifted through these shallow channels where five kinds of sea turtles live (I only spotted one, but hey). There were birds everywhere: pelicans gliding low, an egret standing so still I thought it was fake for a second. Someone in our group tried to name them all; Tom just grinned and handed around bottled water and snacks.

We stopped at this little island that barely looked big enough for us all to get off. The sand was soft but gritty underfoot, scattered with shells that looked like tiny sculptures. Tom told us about the Calusa people who lived here ages ago — apparently you can sometimes find relics if you look closely (I just found a weirdly shaped shell; he said it probably wasn’t ancient but who knows). There was this moment when everyone went quiet except for the wind and some gulls arguing overhead. I still think about that silence.

On the way back, rain threatened for a minute — Tom tossed us ponchos without missing a beat. It never really poured though, just left everything smelling sharper somehow. We passed Smallwood’s Store again and I wondered what it must’ve been like here before boats had motors at all… Anyway, we made it back sunburned and sandy and sort of peaceful in that way you only get after being outside for hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Everglades motorboat eco tour

• Pass by Historic Smallwood's Store
• Explore 10,000 Islands in Everglades
• See dolphins, turtles, manatees, and birds
• Stop on island to explore and find relics

Top questions

How long is the Everglades small group motorboat eco tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect several hours including stops around Chokoloskee Bay and an island walk.

What animals can you see on this Everglades boat tour?

You might spot bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sting rays, five species of sea turtles, fish, and various birds.

Is there an island stop included?

Yes, you’ll stop on an island to explore for shells or possible Calusa Indian relics.

Are snacks or drinks included on this Everglades eco tour?

Bottled water and snacks are provided during your trip.

Is insect repellent provided on the tour?

Yes, insect repellent is included as part of your day out on the water.

Can infants or small children join this Everglades boat trip?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Is this Everglades eco tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to information provided.

Are service animals allowed on this boat tour?

Service animals are allowed to join the tour with their owners.

What’s included

Your day includes riding in a small group motorboat with safety equipment provided by your guide; bottled water and snacks are handed out along the way; insect repellent keeps bugs away; ponchos are available if rain shows up; plus time exploring an island before returning by boat past historic Smallwood’s Store.