Fort Myers Beach: Sunset Dolphin Cruise & Sanibel Lighthouse Views

Summary

Evening dolphin cruise with drinks past Mound House and shrimp fleet

You’ll float past Fort Myers Beach landmarks with a cold drink in hand, spot dolphins or maybe even manatees if you’re lucky, catch glimpses of ancient Mound House history, and watch sunset colors melt behind the Sanibel Lighthouse—all with a local guide who keeps things lighthearted. It’s calm but never boring.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I booked the sunset dolphin cruise in Fort Myers Beach mostly hoping to see dolphins (who wouldn’t?), but it ended up being way more than that. The boat was smaller than I pictured, which made it feel kind of cozy. There was this salty breeze that stuck to my skin, and someone handed me a cold drink right away — honestly, that first sip just hit different with the sun still high and everyone sort of settling in. Our guide cracked a joke about Forrest Gump when we passed the shrimp boats (I guess everyone thinks of that movie), and even though I laughed, I had to admit I’d totally forgotten about Lt. Dan until then.

We drifted past the Mound House — our guide pointed it out, saying it’s been there for something like 2,000 years. That’s wild to think about, especially when you’re just floating by eating chips and watching pelicans dive for fish. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the slap of water on the hull and some distant gulls. It’s funny how peaceful things can get with a bunch of strangers who are all just looking out at the same view.

Right as we rounded Bowditch Point, someone spotted a dolphin fin — not gonna lie, I almost missed it because I was distracted by this weirdly pink cloud over the water. But then there were two dolphins swimming alongside us for a few minutes. It wasn’t some big show or anything; they just did their thing while we watched. The sun started dropping behind Sanibel Island, and suddenly the lighthouse came into view way off in the distance. The light was softer then, kind of gold around everyone’s faces. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset dolphin cruise and sightseeing

• Enjoy complimentary beverage onboard
• Cruise Fort Myers Beach back waters
• Pass by the Shrimp Boat Fleet
• View the historic Mound House
• Circle Bowditch Point for sunset
• See Sanibel Lighthouse at sunset

Top questions

Is this dolphin cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible for all guests.

Are drinks included on the Fort Myers Beach sunset cruise?

Yes, alcoholic beverages (21+), soda/pop, and bottled water are included.

Will we see dolphins every time?

Dolphin sightings are likely but not guaranteed—they’re wild animals.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

Can infants or small children join the cruise?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

How long does the cruise last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but covers sunset hours around Fort Myers Beach.

What landmarks will we see on this cruise?

You’ll pass by Mound House, Bowditch Point Park, shrimp boat fleet, and see Sanibel Lighthouse from afar.

What’s included

Your evening includes complimentary alcoholic drinks (for those 21+), soda or bottled water as you cruise past Fort Myers Beach landmarks like Mound House and Bowditch Point with views of dolphins and birds—all led by a local guide before returning after sunset.