Private Sunset Boat Tour: Naples Bay, Dolphins & Keewaydin Island

Watch dolphins and manatees from a 22-foot motorboat while the sun sets over the Gulf.

A private sunset boat tour of Naples Bay for up to five guests, departing from the marina and lasting roughly two hours. You'll watch for dolphins, manatees, ospreys and bald eagles while learning about the Everglades ecosystem, then stop at Keewaydin Island's secluded beach to swim, walk or collect seashells. The captain can also show you Port Royal's waterfront mansions if you'd like, and you choose whether to watch the sunset from the boat or the island.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset boat trip and island stop

• Observe dolphins and wildlife
• Learn about Everglades ecosystem
• Watch Florida sunset from water
• Stop at secluded island beach
• Walk, swim, or collect seashells

The experience

How much of the afternoon do you want to spend on the water? This tour runs about two hours and twenty minutes, which leaves most of your day free but gives you enough time to see wildlife, reach the island and watch the sun go down without rushing. The boat is a 22-foot open motorboat with cushioned seating for all five guests and a T-top for shade. You can request additional shade with a Bimini if you want it. A U.S.C.G. licensed captain and guide leads the whole trip, answering questions about the Everglades and the animals you're likely to see.

Dolphins are the draw most people come for. They're naturally drawn to the boat's wake and often jump and show off. You'll also watch for manatees, ospreys, bald eagles and wading birds while learning what conservation efforts are underway to protect the ecosystem. The captain will time the route so you're on the water when the sunset happens, and you can photograph it from the boat or from Keewaydin Island if you stop there. The island itself is secluded and usually has no other groups. You decide how long to stay, whether to swim or walk the beach, and whether to collect seashells. If you'd rather skip the island and stay on the boat the whole time, that's entirely your choice.

The tour includes life vests for all ages, bottled water and sodas, small snacks, and a cooler with ice if you want to bring your own drinks or food. You can stream your own music through the boat's Bluetooth radio. The captain can make a quick run back to the marina if anyone needs the restroom during the trip. If you want to see Port Royal's multimillion-dollar waterfront homes, the captain can work that into the route. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and wear flat, comfortable shoes, preferably non-slip.

What’s included

• Life vests for all ages and weights.
• bottled water and sodas.
• complimentary small snacks.
• a cooler with ice for your own food and drinks.
• ponchos in case of rain.
• cups and corkscrew for your own alcohol.
• use of marina bathrooms and quick access during the trip if needed.
• Bluetooth radio to stream your own music.
• landing and facility fees.
• all taxes and handling charges.
• a U.S.C.G. licensed captain and guide for the entire tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 15:15 and 16:30Last departure this season: 21 Dec

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Mangroveman Charters LLC

Is this one for you?Book this if your group is five or fewer and you want to steer the route yourself. Choose between a beach stop on Keewaydin Island or stay aboard the whole time, and focus on whatever calls to you that day.

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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 animals will I actually see on this boat tour?

Dolphins are the most common sighting and they're drawn to the boat's wake. You'll also watch for manatees, ospreys, bald eagles and different types of wading birds. The captain talks about the Everglades ecosystem and conservation efforts while you're out on the water.

Can I swim at Keewaydin Island or do I have to stay on the boat?

Swimming is possible during the island stop and it's entirely your choice. You can swim, walk the beach, collect seashells, or stay on the boat the whole time. The captain will follow whatever you prefer.

Is this tour just watching the sunset or do we do other things?

The sunset is the centerpiece, but the whole trip is built around wildlife viewing and learning about the local ecosystem. You'll watch for dolphins and other animals, learn about the Everglades, and have the option to stop at Keewaydin Island's beach or see Port Royal's mansions if you want to.

What's included in the price and what do I need to bring?

Life vests, water, sodas, snacks, a cooler with ice, ponchos if it rains, and use of marina restrooms are all included. Bring your own hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and flat shoes. You can bring your own alcohol and the boat provides cups and a corkscrew.

How long is this tour and when does it happen?

The tour runs about two hours and twenty minutes. It's timed to catch the sunset, so the departure time depends on when the sun sets that day. You'll meet the captain at the pavilion area next to the marina restrooms around your departure time.