The verdict
Our pick
Naples Manatee & Everglades Boat Tour: Wildlife Sightings★ 4.69 (2,682) · 1h 30m
Best value
Naples Sunset Cruise: 2-Hour Catamaran & Dolphin Sightings★ 4.92 (109) · 2h
Top rated
Naples: 4-Hour Ten Thousand Islands Shelling Trip★ 5.00 (118) · 3h 15m
The 12 best-value of 32 options, side by side
✓ 2026-09-28Real price per person across the 32 options: US$ 46–US$ 180 (median US$ 99). With an extra fee to pay on site: 2 of 32. With 100+ reviews: 24 of 32.
Default order: real price per person — the group price divided by the seats it includes.
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Private experiences (5)
Private Shelling and Dolphin Tour: 10,000 Islands, FloridaA private shelling and dolphin tour through Florida's 10,000 Islands lets you watch wild dolphins up close and gather shells on secluded barrier islands, with a live guide explaining the mangrove ecosystem and local history. The 2.5-hour trip includes buckets, bags, bottled water and ice; you choose between daily or sunset departures.Is it for me?Book the daily excursion if you want the full afternoon to explore and collect without time pressure, or choose the sunset departure if you prefer to experience the islands in evening light and end your day on the water.
Marco Island: Private Shelling & Dolphin EcoTour by BoatYou’ll cruise from Marco Island through winding mangroves to Kice Island with an expert guide, spot dolphins up close, hunt for rare shells on quiet beaches, and share laughs with your small group along the way. Expect sandy feet, surprising finds—and moments that linger longer than you’d guess from just a half day out.
Marco Island Sunset Cruise: Private Boat Tour for Up to 6A private 2-hour sunset boat tour departing from Marco Island that takes up to 6 guests across the Gulf of Mexico to watch the sunset, explore a remote island for shelling, and spot wildlife. The captain and life jackets are included; you bring your own cooler with drinks and snacks. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Groups larger than 6 can be arranged by contacting customer service.Is it for me?Book this if you want a private boat for up to 6 people and time to explore a remote island for shelling before watching the sunset—the 2 to 2.5-hour window fits an evening without consuming your whole day.
Private Kayak Tour Big Hickory Pass: Mangroves & WildlifeYou’ll paddle through peaceful mangrove tunnels, spot dolphins or maybe a manatee, and unwind on a quiet beach loaded with shells—all guided by someone who knows every twist of Estero Bay.
Private Naples Bay sunset cruise: Port Royal and Gordon RiverA private 2.5-hour sunset boat tour on Naples Bay departs from Naples Bay Resort and cruises the canals and backwaters of Port Royal, then heads toward the Gulf of Mexico or the mouth of the Gordon River to watch the sunset. You get a live English-speaking guide, water and ice, and room to bring your own drinks and food; the boat holds a maximum of six passengers on a comfortable pontoon.Is it for me?Book this if you want a private boat where you control the itinerary—choose between a guided mansion tour or self-directed exploration, and decide whether to anchor for sunset or keep moving toward the Gulf.
Up to 2 hours (13)
Marco Island Wildlife & Shelling Tour from GoodlandA two-hour guided boat tour departing from Goodland Boat Park that takes you through the Ten Thousand Islands ecosystem and onto a private beach to search for tropical shells. The tour includes a local guide, bottled water, cooler with ice and shell bags; everyone ages one and up can join, and the boat is fully shaded. Arrive 30 minutes before departure to sign the electronic waiver.Is it for me?Families with young children and first-time visitors to Marco Island will find the two-hour length manageable and the shaded boat a real comfort—the guide keeps everyone engaged by explaining what you are seeing, so the cruise is not just sitting and looking.
Naples: 90-Minute Gulf Cruise & Port Royal MansionsYou board at Tin City, cruise the Gordon River and Gulf for ninety minutes while the captain narrates Naples history and points out Port Royal's exclusive waterfront estates. The boat lets you move freely for photos and views, and includes onboard restrooms and snack service. You return to Tin City with free parking already covered and the option to shop or eat before heading out, or cancel up to 2 hours before if plans change.Is it for me?A good fit if you want to see Port Royal's waterfront estates and Gulf wildlife without arranging your own boat or spending a full day on the water. The 90 minutes is long enough to reach the Gulf and back, short enough to fit between other plans or combine with shopping and dining at Tin City afterward.
Operate Your Own Catamaran: 10,000 Islands Self-Guided TourA catamaran tour of the 10,000 Islands where you operate your own 2-person boat through winding waterways while a guide leads the group and handles instruction. The tour runs 1.5 to 2.5 hours and includes a safety briefing, all USCG-required equipment, and a cooler with bottled water and ice. Wildlife and marine life sightings are likely at a closeness most boat tours don't offer.Is it for me?You're steering the boat yourself, not watching from a passenger seat, so this tour suits anyone who wants to be active on the water rather than passive. The guide leads and stays close, which works for first-time boaters as well as experienced ones—you get the control without the navigation responsibility.
Marco Island Dolphin Sightseeing Tour from GoodlandA 2-hour dolphin sightseeing tour departing from Goodland Boat Park into the 10,000 Islands, with a local guide who teaches you about the mangrove maze and identifies shorebirds along the way. Bottled water and cooler with ice are included; everyone ages 0+ (minimum 20 lbs) can ride, and a life preserver is available for children. Arrive 30 minutes before departure and sign the electronic waiver on your voucher before boarding.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want dolphins guaranteed and a guide who knows the mangrove waterways—the captain's knowledge of where to find them and what lives in the islands is what makes the 2 hours count. Bring children ages 0+ (minimum 20 lbs) without worrying about life jackets or water, since both are provided.
Marco Island: 2-Hour Dolphin & Shelling Tour with NaturalistYou'll spend two hours on a naturalist-led boat tour through the Ten Thousand Islands, searching for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and wading birds, then land on a barrier island to collect shells and learn about coastal ecology. The guide is a Florida Master Naturalist, the captain and safety gear are included, and you get bags to keep your finds. Morning departures are recommended June through October.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see dolphins and wading birds without spending a full day on the water, and you'd rather have a naturalist explain what's happening than figure it out yourself — two hours is enough to feel like you've entered a different world without the commitment of a longer excursion.
Naples Sunset Cruise: Gulf of Mexico & Port Royal MansionsYou board the Double Sunshine at Tin City, cruise the Gordon River and Gulf of Mexico for 90 minutes while a captain narrates the history and points out dolphins, manatees and Port Royal's millionaire estates. The boat is wheelchair-accessible, parking is free, and you return to Tin City with time to shop or eat before heading out. Children under 15 need a guardian; minimum drinking age is 21.Is it for me?Book this if you want a structured evening on the water without arranging your own boat or timing—the fixed departure one hour before sunset is what lets you plan the rest of your night around it.
Rookery Bay: Kayak Mangrove Tour with Wildlife & PhotosYou’ll slip quietly through Rookery Bay’s mangrove tunnels by kayak with a local biologist as your guide, spotting birds and maybe dolphins while learning about this rare estuary. All skill levels are welcome—kids too—and you’ll get photos from your trip to remember those moments when everything felt still.
Ten Thousand Islands: Dolphin, Birding & Shelling Tour by BoatYou’ll glide through the Ten Thousand Islands by boat with a local naturalist guide, spotting dolphins and birds along winding mangrove channels before stopping to collect shells on an untouched barrier island beach. Expect laughter, maybe some surprises from curious wildlife, and moments where you just stand there taking it all in.
Marco Island cruise: Wildlife & history sightseeingThis two-hour sightseeing cruise departs Goodland and travels through the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge to Marco Island and back, with a Florida-certified master naturalist guide. The tour covers Marco Island's construction and mansions, the history of Goodland, wildlife habitat, and local stories—from the Calusa Indians to Cape Romano's Dome House to the saltwater cowboys and hermits who shaped the region. Cooler with ice and parking fees are included; bring your own food and drinks if you want them.Is it for me?Most Marco Island boat tours promise dolphins and shells and run the same narration every day. This one starts in Goodland with a guide who actually knows the islands—their history, their ecology, their people—so you get the place itself instead of a highlight reel.
Everglades: Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour with Ranger GuideYou’ll ride a pontoon boat into the tangled heart of the Everglades’ Ten Thousand Islands, guided by locals who know every bend and story. Expect close-up wildlife moments—maybe dolphins or egrets—and quiet stretches where all you hear is wind and water. The tour includes wheelchair access and an onboard restroom for comfort, so you can focus on those wild Florida moments that stay with you long after.
10,000 Islands: Shelling Boat Tour & Dolphin WatchingYou’ll board a small boat from Marco Island into the 10,000 Islands for real shelling on untouched beaches—with dolphins sometimes swimming alongside. A local naturalist captain guides you through hidden spots and points out wildlife like ospreys or spoonbills. Expect salty breezes, quiet moments, and maybe even laughter when dolphins get close enough to splash you.
Dolphin Cruises Naples, FL: Six-Guest Sunset SailYou’ll share sunset views over Naples Bay with good company and maybe spot dolphins or manatees alongside your boat. Expect simple charcuterie and white wine as you listen to local stories or just wrap up in a blanket and watch the sky change color. It’s relaxed, unhurried — a chance to feel Naples in a way that sticks with you after you leave.
Naples Sunset Cruise: Gulf views from Tin CityA 90-minute sunset cruise departing from Tin City Waterside Shops aboard the Edison Explorer takes you out to the Gulf of Mexico and back, with views of Keewaydin Island, Port Royal's exclusive homes, and southwest Florida wildlife including dolphins, manatees and birds. A professional captain provides historical narration throughout. The boat lets you move freely to find the best angles for photos and to settle wherever suits the moment.Is it for me?The captain narrates in English, so you'll follow the history and ecology of the route comfortably. Children under 16 need a guardian with them, and the minimum drinking age for alcohol purchases is 21.
2 to 5 hours (11)
Dolphin and Shelling Cruise: Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife TourA 2.5-hour guided cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge takes up to 12 travelers through mangrove channels to spot dolphins, manatees and coastal birds, then lands on a secluded barrier island for shelling and exploration. Your captain provides live commentary on the area's wildlife, history and ecology. The tour includes bottled water and operates in most weather; dress for conditions and plan for moderate physical activity boarding and exploring the island.Is it for me?At 2.5 hours, this tour fits into a half-day without consuming your whole afternoon, leaving time for lunch or another activity in Marco Island. The small-group limit keeps the boat nimble through narrow mangrove channels and the island uncrowded, so you're not jostling for shells or competing for the captain's attention.
Naples Catamaran Sunset Cruise & Shelling with DrinksYou board the Cool Beans catamaran in Naples and sail into Rookery Bay with a small group, watching for dolphins and birds while the crew handles the sails. Drinks—beer, wine, soda, and champagne at sunset—come included. The 2-hour cruise ends as the sun drops; the day-sail option adds a swim and shelling stop. No need to arrange drinks or worry about the sailing; you just show up and watch the water change color.Is it for me?Book this if you want to be on the water at sunset without arranging drinks, managing a group, or worrying about the sailing—the crew handles all of it, and the champagne comes with the ticket.
Everglades: Small Group Motorboat Eco Tour & Island StopYou’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.
Naples: Keewaydin Island Eco Shelling Cruise & Wildlife TourYou’ll drift along Naples’ Gordon River spotting dolphins and birds before landing on Keewaydin Island for shell collecting or just soaking up the quiet beach vibe. With an easygoing local captain guiding you and time to wander barefoot in soft sand, this eco shelling cruise feels less like a tour and more like borrowing someone else’s favorite spot for an afternoon.
Everglades: Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour with Naturalist GuideYou’ll paddle through twisting mangrove tunnels in the Everglades with a naturalist guide who knows every bird and ripple. Expect quiet moments broken by bird calls, glimpses of wildlife like herons or even alligators, and time to just float beneath the green canopy—kayak gear and safety briefing included.
Marco Island: 2-Seat Cat Boat Tour & Mangrove TunnelsYou’ll drive your own two-seat cat boat along Marco Island’s wild waterways with a local guide leading the way. Cruise through quiet mangrove tunnels, spot dolphins or manatees up close, then speed across open water before stopping at a private island for shelling or swimming. Expect laughter, salty air, some surprises — and free photos to remember it all by.
Marco Island Shelling & Dolphin Tour: 10,000 Islands Small GroupYou’ll step onto remote Kice Island to hunt for shells with a local guide, watch wild dolphins glide by your boat, and drift through peaceful mangroves near Marco Island. Expect hands-on help finding rare shells, bottled water included, and plenty of time to soak up the quiet side of Florida’s 10,000 Islands. It’s more than just sightseeing—you’ll really feel present out there.
Keewaydin Island shelling cruise from Naples: 3 hours sailingA three-hour beach island shelling cruise from Naples aboard the Sweet Liberty, a 53-foot sailing catamaran that holds up to 44 passengers, takes you through Gordon River and Naples Bay to Keewaydin Island, a 7-mile barrier island where you spend an hour searching for shells on white sand and swimming. A Coast Guard licensed captain narrates the route, pointing out marine life and dolphin sightings. The cruise has been family-owned and operated since 1991.Is it for me?Choose this if you want a narrated cruise where the captain handles navigation and timing—you just show up, board, and spend your time shelling and spotting dolphins with your group.
Everglades & 10,000 Islands: Manatee, Dolphin & Beach Boat TourYou’ll spot manatees in quiet canals, watch dolphins play in open water, and walk barefoot on an untouched island beach—all with a local guide who knows every twist of these Everglades waterways. Expect close-up wildlife moments and time to slow down along Florida’s 10,000 Islands coast.
10,000 Islands: Dolphin & Shelling Boat Tour with NaturalistYou’ll ride a stable boat from Marco Island into the wild 10,000 Islands with a naturalist guide—spotting dolphins, learning about rare shells on untouched beaches, and feeling the quiet thrill of real Florida wilderness. Bring your curiosity (and maybe sunscreen)—this isn’t your usual crowded shelling trip.
10,000 Islands: Manatee & Dolphin Sunset Cruise Small GroupYou’ll glide from Port of the Islands into Florida’s wild heart—spotting manatees, dolphins playing in your wake, maybe even an alligator or two—with only five other travelers aboard. Let your local guide share stories as you watch sunset paint the 10,000 Islands gold. It’s quiet magic you’ll carry home long after.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book with free cancellation?
Yes: 28 of the 32 options offer free cancellation, so you can book now and confirm your plans later.
How long do these experiences last?
Most options last up to 2 hours. There are also shorter and longer formats to fit your itinerary.
Which one is the travelers' favorite?
Naples Manatee & Everglades Boat Tour: Wildlife Sightings is the travelers' favorite, rated 4.69 out of 5 across 2,682 reviews.
Are private options available?
Yes, 5 private experiences are available if you prefer a closed group.
