Fort Myers Beach: Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Refreshments

Watch for dolphins and manatees from a small-group catamaran

You board at Moss Marina and spend two to three hours on a catamaran moving through the back bay toward Mound Key, watching for dolphins, manatees, herons and other wildlife among the mangrove islands and shoreline homes. Refreshments are included, and the boat stays under 16 passengers so you're not fighting for a view or a quiet moment.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin and sightseeing tour

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

The experience

"You'll want to keep your eyes on the water right now," the captain said as the catamaran pulled away from Moss Marina, and suddenly the whole boat went quiet. That's the thing about a boat with only 16 people on it: everyone's actually looking, not just standing there with a phone out. The Tiki-themed catamaran is wide and steady, and it moves slow enough through the back bay waters that you can actually see what's happening. Within the first few minutes we spotted a manatee, just its back breaking the surface near the mangrove islands, and someone gasped. The water here is shallow and calm, nothing like the open ocean.

The route takes you toward Mound Key, the historical site that sits at the end of the bay, and along the way the shoreline fills with things: beautiful homes with docks, thick stands of mangroves, birds you don't see inland. A heron. Pelicans diving. The captain knows where to slow down and where to look, and he points things out without talking over the whole experience. You're watching for dolphins, and they do show up, though not on a schedule: the water decides that. The ride itself is part of it. You're moving through the landscape, not just standing in one spot waiting for wildlife to perform.

Soda and bottled water are included, which matters on the water because the sun is real out there and you can't just duck into a café. The tour runs about two to three hours depending on what you see and where the captain takes you. It's accessible: wheelchairs can board, and there's room for strollers if you're bringing small kids. The whole point is that it stays small. Sixteen people maximum means you're not crammed in, and you can actually hear the water and the birds instead of a crowd.

What’s included

Your tour includes passage on a spacious, Tiki-themed catamaran with a maximum of 16 passengers, soda and bottled water throughout the two to three hour journey through Fort Myers Beach back bay waters toward Mound Key, and the captain's knowledge of where dolphins, manatees, herons and other wildlife typically appear.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 12:00 and 14:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (under 18)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meet at the picnic tables next to A dock at Moss Marina. Please allow plenty of time to arrive at the Marina as traffic can be very heavy at that time.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by PELICAN BAY CHARTERS LLC

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to spot dolphins and manatees without fighting crowds or spending hours waiting in one spot. The small group size and slow pace through the bay are what make spotting wildlife actually possible instead of just hoped for.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

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.

Do you always see dolphins on this tour?

Dolphins are common in these waters, but sightings depend on the day and season. The captain knows where they typically appear and adjusts the route accordingly, but there's no guarantee.

How long is the tour?

Expect two to three hours on the water, depending on wildlife activity and where the captain takes the boat.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the catamaran and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Where do we depart from?

Moss Marina in Fort Myers Beach.