Fort Myers Beach: Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise Small Group

Summary

Watch dolphins glide by mangroves on fort myers beach with a handful of new friends

You’ll join a small group aboard a tiki-style catamaran cruising through Fort Myers Beach’s backwaters. Watch dolphins play near mangrove islands, spot manatees and colorful birds, and listen to local stories from your guide. Cold drinks are included as you relax into the slow rhythm of life on the water — it’s simple but leaves an impression.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen a dolphin up close?” our captain asked as we stepped onto the catamaran at Moss Marina. I just shrugged — honestly, not outside of TV. The boat was all bright colors and tiki trimmings, and there were only maybe a dozen of us, so it felt more like a group of neighbors piling in than some big tour thing. Someone’s kid pointed out an iguana sunbathing near the dock; their mom laughed and said she’d never get used to Florida wildlife.

The backwaters around Fort Myers Beach are quieter than I expected — just the slap of water against the hull and the occasional call from a heron perched in the mangroves. Our guide, Maria, kept an eye out for manatees (we spotted one! Just its nose poking up) and told us stories about Mound Key that made me wish I’d paid more attention in history class. She handed out cold sodas while we drifted past houses with porches right over the water. There was this salty breeze mixed with sunscreen and something sweet from someone’s drink — it kind of sticks with you.

I didn’t expect to get so excited every time someone shouted “dolphin!” but there’s something about seeing them weave through the wake that makes you feel like a kid again. One swam alongside us for a bit before disappearing behind an island thick with mangroves. We waved at some fishermen who barely looked up from their lines — guess this is just another Tuesday for them. The whole thing felt easy, like nobody was rushing anywhere. Even now I still think about how peaceful it was out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin and wildlife sightseeing tour

• Depart Moss Marina on catamaran
• Travel back bay waters of Fort Myers Beach
• View shoreline homes and mangrove islands
• Watch for dolphins, manatee, and birds
• Pass by Historical Mound Key

Top questions

How long is the Fort Myers Beach dolphin tour?

The duration isn’t specified, but most similar tours last 1-2 hours.

Is this dolphin cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are drinks included on this Fort Myers wildlife cruise?

Yes, soda/pop and bottled water are included for guests.

Can infants join the tour?

Infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap.

What wildlife might I see on this Fort Myers day trip?

You may see dolphins, manatees, iguanas, pelicans, and various bird species.

Where does the tour depart from?

The cruise departs from Moss Marina at Fort Myers Beach.

How many people will be on the boat?

The group size is limited to 16 passengers for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Moss Marina aboard a spacious tiki-themed catamaran with refreshments—soda or bottled water—served as you cruise through Fort Myers Beach’s scenic backwaters toward Mound Key alongside your local guide before returning to shore together.