Private Boat Tour Fort Myers Beach & Sanibel: Up to 12 People

Dolphins, manatee and mangrove islands in the Fort Myers backwaters

A private 26-foot catamaran tour for up to 12 passengers departing Getaway Marina in Fort Myers Beach, traveling through the backwaters and past Sanibel Lighthouse while searching for dolphins, manatee and native bird species. The boat carries free bottled water and has coolers for your own snacks. The captain and mate adjust the route based on water conditions and wildlife sightings. A live English-speaking guide leads the tour, which runs 90 minutes depending on conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour Fort Myers Beach

• Depart Getaway Marina
• Travel through Fort Myers Beach backwaters
• Look for dolphins and manatee
• View waterfront homes and mangrove islands
• Travel past Sanibel Lighthouse
• Continue dolphin and manatee watching

The experience

You board a 26-foot catamaran at Getaway Marina with a spacious partially shaded deck, cushioned seating and clear sightlines for spotting wildlife. The boat departs into the backwaters of Fort Myers Beach, where the captain and mate navigate toward dolphins and manatee while you watch for the different bird species that live among the mangrove islands and waterfront homes. If water conditions allow, the tour continues past the Sanibel Lighthouse, extending the range of what you might see.

The boat carries free bottled water for all passengers, and you can bring your own snacks or beverages to use the onboard coolers. At any point during the tour, let the captain or mate know if there's something that would make the experience better for your group. They work to accommodate requests. The 90-minute tour is built around wildlife spotting rather than a fixed itinerary, so what you see and where you travel depend on where the dolphins and manatee are that day.

What’s included

• Free bottled water for all passengers.
• use of onboard coolers for your own beverages and snacks.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• partially shaded deck with cushioned seating.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to18h before

GroupPrivate

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.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by PELICAN BAY CHARTERS LLC

Is this one for you?Book this tour if your group is up to 12 people and you want a private boat without splitting into smaller vessels. The 90-minute format fits a free afternoon or a morning slot before other plans, and the backwaters route works best when you have moderate fitness for boarding and sitting on a moving boat.

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Top questions

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.

What wildlife will I see on this Fort Myers boat tour?

Dolphins and manatee are the primary focus of the search, and you'll also see many native bird species and mangrove islands throughout the backwaters. The captain and mate look for these animals on every cruise, though sightings depend on water conditions and the time of year.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The private charter accommodates up to 12 passengers, making it one of the few boat charters in the area that can take groups larger than six people in a private booking.

Does the tour go to Sanibel Lighthouse?

The tour travels past Sanibel Lighthouse depending on water conditions. If conditions permit, you'll see the lighthouse as part of the route through the backwaters and beyond.

How long is the tour and when does it depart?

The tour runs 90 minutes from Getaway Marina. The exact departure time should be confirmed when you book, as schedules may vary by season.

What's included in the boat tour price?

Bottled water is provided for all passengers, and coolers are available if you bring your own snacks or beverages. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide and the use of the catamaran with its shaded seating and viewing deck.