Marco Island

Canoe & kayak tours

On this 2-hour tour near Marco Island, explore the Ten Thousand Islands with a Florida Master Naturalist Guide. Enjoy the wild dolphin show before visiting an uninhabited barrier island beach to collect shells and other treasures. Depending on the season, expect to see manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, pelicans, alligators, rosette spoonbills, and numerous species of fish and shorebirds. Learn about the Everglades eco-systems, flora and fauna, rich heritage, and long history. The area's wildlife moves around so each tour is different. Many species are seasonal and inhabit different areas depending on environmental conditions. Be sure to bring your camera, binoculars, sunglasses, snacks, favorite drinks, a hat, and towels. Note: June through October, we suggest the morning experiences due to the weather.

Explore Marco Island's crystal clear waters on a guided tour in a SUP or kayak. Marvel at the fun-spirited manatees, see sea turtles and pelicans, and paddle through mangroves. Meet your guide and get an introduction to using a standup paddleboard. Practice on land before taking your practice into the water. If you prefer, join the tour in a kayak instead. After you're ready, paddle down the beautiful waterways of Marco Island. As you paddle, keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and live conch. Look up to see pelicans swooping into the water and pink spoonbills flapping as you travel through mangroves. Stop at some of the islands to see the beautiful scenery and hear about the history of the area.

Enjoy a private boat excursion through the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge. Expect to see wild dolphins that love to get close to the boat and to go home with bags of beautiful and exotic sea shells collected on out uninhabited barrier islands. Get bags to take home your shells and have access to a cooler full of ice on board. Experience these remote islands on a private tour which allows families and/or friends to leave the big tour boats behind for a more personal and exclusive experience at a similar price. This 2.5-hour tour is the perfect amount of time for families with kids, allowing guests to see mangrove tunnels, wild dolphins, birds, and manatees. Have plenty of time to explore the beaches of the outer barrier islands. Ice and water are provided, as well as life jackets for children.

Reach parts of the Ten Thousand Islands that boats just can't get to, on a guided jet ski tour. Search for dolphins and birds, and visit the pristine waters of Rookery Bay as you ride the waves on the back of a jet ski. Discover the rich wildlife and diverse ecosystems of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the everglades. Zip in and around the small uninhabited islands that make up the chain of islands known as the Ten Thousand Islands. Pass small islands overgrown with red mangroves and see the rich ecosystem the unique archipelago is famous for. See an array of wildlife in and around the water, including the elegant Great Blue Herons and Egrets in their natural habitat. Jet across the calm water, passing oyster flats, and small sandy beaches. Ride your jet ski to Rookery Bay National Reserve which stretches across 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands, and protected waters. Keep an eye on the water for playful dolphins in the larger bays. Local resident Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins use this area to hunt for their meals, play with each other or catch up on their sleep. They share the waters with manatees and w wide variety of other marine life.

Hop on a kayak or paddleboard and experience the magic of Florida's natural mangrove formations. Follow your guide through the intricate tunnels that make up this unique coastal forest and head toward Marco Island for the possibility to spot dolphins, manatees, and seabirds. Begin your journey in Naples with a short briefing and immerse yourself in the maze of tunnels on your way to the island. Enjoy a relaxed experience surrounded by the saltwater and freshwater species that call the mangroves home. Rest assured there are no alligators or dangerous animals around. Weave your kayak or paddleboard through and under the branches, always accompanied by your guide. Find hidden coves and stop at Marco Island to discover the beautiful untouched habitat.

Find beautiful shells on this boat trip from Marco Island. Weave through the forgotten islands of the 10,000 Islands, sail along the coast of Cape Romano, and laugh at the dolphin's antics. Meet your captain on Marco Island and begin your shelling excursion. Head out into the sea and keep an eye out for dolphins and fish swimming alongside your boat. Sail along the coast of Cape Romano, marveling at the white sand beaches and the crumbling Dome houses. Continue to the Ten Thousand Islands and learn how to spot unbroken shells from your guide. Stop at some of the most secluded islands to hunt for prized and beautiful shells. As you sail, enjoy bottled water and, if you wish, bring some drinks or food of your own to put in the cooler.

Dive deep into the tropical Floridian scenery with a scenic boat tour through numerous islands. Departing from Goodland, cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands and Marco Island, and discover the species that call this place home. See playful dolphins swimming in the wild. Board your boat in Goodland and allow your guide to teach you all about Marco Island, including its history, flora, and fauna. Identify a variety of birds as you sail, like the snowy egret, blue heron, and roseate spoonbill. Depending on the time of year, you may also spot manatees and sea turtles. Travel through the fascinating environment of Marco Island and the neighboring Ten Thousand Islands, surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear water. Spot the resident dolphins, who live in the region year-round, and learn about them from your guide. End your tour back at the starting point.

With this two-hour Marco Island Sightseeing and Shelling Tours you will experience one of the most popular adventures we are known for. Departing from Goodland Boat Park just East of Marco Island, enjoy a cruise through the 10,000 Islands, made up entirely of mangrove trees. These islands are home to a large variety of beautiful birds. Keep your eyes peeled on the water as this area is home to resident dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, rays, and sharks. After you cruise through the islands you will stop on a private beach in search of the most exotic sea shells that the Gulf Coast is famous for. This is a semi-private or private tour. Boats are very kid friendly, with comfortable seating and a ladder for easy boarding. The Gulf Coast of Florida has a lot to offer when it comes to hidden and not so hidden coastal treasure hunts. This guided boat tour will take you to a deserted beach where you will find beautiful shells that you will take home with you as a Marco Island souvenir. Among the most popular ones we can name the Banded Tulip, the Clam Shell, the Coquina Clam Shells, the Cowry Shell, the Florida Fighting Conch, the Lightning Whelk, the Lined Moon Snail Shell, the Murex Shell, the Oyster Shell, the Ribbed Cantharus Shell, the Scallop Shell, the Scotch Bonnet Shell, and the Turret Shell. Tell us what’s your favorite and we will find it during the tour!

Learn the fine art of shell collecting on the remote barrier island beaches of Florida’s 10,000 Islands, and escape the shelling hordes of Marco Island and Captiva. Make your own way to Goodland Boating Park to climb aboard a boat that will take you to remote beaches that have not been picked over by others. Few shell collectors know about - or can get to - the beaches of these islands, resulting in pristine shelling opportunities. Touring in small groups, you will be led by a shelling guide with decades of experience. Learn about the nuances of the tide, winds, and locations that affect shelling, and the life cycle and habitat of different species. Your guide even has the knack of finding the Gulf Coast's most prized shell treasure; the junonia! Note: June through October, we suggest the morning experiences due to the weather.

Embark on an extraordinary three-hour adventure along the renowned Turner River with our exclusive small group setting of just 1 guide to 8 guests, providing an optimal experience compared to larger groups of 12 to 15 people. Explore the incredibly diverse ecosystem of South Florida's most acclaimed river during this exhilarating kayak excursion. Journey through the magnificent mangrove forests and cypress trees, and encounter an abundance of local wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species. As you paddle through the Everglades grasses, our highly knowledgeable naturalist guide will delight you with fascinating facts and insights about the area's unique features. Prepare to be captivated as you glide past wading birds on the hunt, observe turtles basking in the sunlight, and marvel at the vibrant orchids and air plants. Navigate through enchanting mangrove tunnels and catch glimpses of our famous alligators leisurely soaking up the sun. Our top-of-the-line kayaks ensure a comfortable and smooth ride as you immerse yourself in the beauty of the Everglades and its diverse habitats. The Turner River is an unparalleled gem, boasting the distinction of being the only river in the area with both freshwater and brackish water ecosystems. Few companies hold the coveted permit to explore this unique environment, making it a truly exclusive experience. Led by our exceptionally knowledgeable naturalist guides, who are renowned for their expertise, you'll discover a wealth of intriguing facts and insights about the region. Whether you're a novice or experienced paddler, our guides will enhance your experience by pointing out fascinating details and sharing their unparalleled knowledge of the river.