Everglades City, Florida

Get Up And Go Kayaking offers unique guided clear kayak tours in Naples, Florida, providing an exceptional way to explore the region’s stunning waterways. Located at Wiggins Pass, this company specializes in transparent kayaks that allow paddlers of all experience levels to observe marine life and coastal landscapes from a distinctive perspective. Their knowledgeable local guides enhance the experience by sharing insights about the area’s flora, fauna, and natural history. With a commitment to small group sizes and personalized attention, the tours highlight the serene mangrove tunnels, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife that define this Gulf Coast destination. The Naples location features several tour options, including daytime eco tours, sunset and glow paddle experiences, and private VIP excursions tailored to individual preferences. Participants can expect to encounter dolphins, manatees, and a variety of shorebirds while enjoying scenic views of Barefoot Beach Preserve and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. The tours emphasize both adventure and education, with guides capturing photos and videos for guests to remember their journey. This combination of immersive nature exploration and expert storytelling makes the kayaking experience both memorable and informative for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Located in Goodland, Florida, Eco Endeavors offers expertly guided boat tours through the pristine Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge near Marco Island. With a focus on small group and private charters, the company provides an intimate and personalized experience navigating mangrove tunnels and shallow shoals aboard vessels inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard. Their knowledgeable local guides share insights about the region’s diverse wildlife, including wild dolphins, manatees, and shorebirds, while guests explore remote barrier islands and crystal-clear tide pools. The combination of secluded natural settings and flexible itineraries distinguishes these tours as a unique way to discover the coastal Everglades away from crowds. Eco Endeavors caters to all ages and interests with a variety of offerings such as dolphin and shelling tours, sunset cruises, private half-day adventures, and tubing excursions. Each tour emphasizes wildlife viewing, island hopping, and shell collecting, allowing guests to engage closely with the environment in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. Private charters accommodate up to 16 passengers, while smaller boats serve groups seeking more active experiences like tubing. Whether families, nature enthusiasts, or adventure seekers, visitors enjoy memorable outings that blend education, exploration, and the natural beauty of South Florida’s backwaters.

Located in Goodland, Florida, just south of Naples and Marco Island, this company specializes in guided shelling, dolphin, and fishing boat tours throughout Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. With years of experience and a USCG-licensed captain, the business offers unique access to secluded islands renowned for their pristine beaches and rare seashells, including the highly sought-after Junonia shell. Recognized by the Travel Channel and top resorts in the area, the tours stand out for their combination of expert knowledge, quality service, and the opportunity to explore untouched natural environments. The company’s commitment to education and entertainment makes it a favored choice for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Florida coastal adventure. The tours cater to families, nature enthusiasts, and fishing aficionados, providing a variety of experiences such as shell collecting, dolphin watching, and shore fishing with all necessary equipment supplied. Guests enjoy engaging commentary about local wildlife, island history, and marine ecosystems, delivered by Captain Evan, whose enthusiasm and expertise enhance the journey. The excursions are designed to be both exciting and educational, suitable for all ages including infants and dogs. Participants can expect to encounter playful dolphins close to the boat, discover rare shells on some of the best shelling beaches in the region, and create lasting memories amid the scenic beauty of Southwest Florida’s coastal waters.

Rising Tide Explorers is a biologist-owned and operated ecotour company based in Naples, Florida, specializing in guided kayak and boat tours throughout the unique estuaries of Southwest Florida. Founded in 2016 by local scientists and graduate students, it stands out as the only company in the region offering tours led exclusively by active local biologists with advanced degrees and research experience. This expertise ensures that guests receive an educational and authentic experience while exploring the mangrove tunnels, oyster reefs, mudflats, and protected bays of the Rookery Bay Reserve and surrounding areas. The company’s commitment to science and conservation is reflected in its partnership with the Friends of Rookery Bay, supporting ongoing research and stewardship efforts in the 110,000-acre reserve. The company offers a variety of eco-adventures, including family-friendly guided kayak tours through mangrove tunnels, boat cruises to bird rookery islands at sunset, and shelling excursions on remote barrier islands like Keewaydin Island. Each tour is led by knowledgeable biologist guides who share insights into local wildlife, ecology, and conservation, providing a hands-on learning experience for guests of all ages. Equipment is high-quality and well-maintained, and every kayak tour includes free HD photography to capture the adventure. Rising Tide Explorers caters to nature enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking an immersive and educational outdoor experience in Naples and Marco Island, combining adventure with a deep appreciation for Southwest Florida’s natural environment.

Located in Naples, Florida, this wildlife tour company specializes in immersive boat adventures through the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands. With over 22-foot covered deck boats designed for comfort and close wildlife encounters, the tours provide a unique opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, alligators, and a variety of birds in their natural habitats. The calm waters and expert captains ensure a safe and enjoyable experience suitable for all ages, including children and seniors. What sets this operation apart is its ability to bring guests within 10 feet of wildlife, often with dolphins playfully jumping in the boat’s wake, making it one of the few tours in Southwest Florida offering such intimate encounters. The company offers a range of tours tailored to different interests and time frames, including a three-hour Beach Eco-Tour featuring shelling on an uninhabited island, a romantic sunset cruise with wildlife viewing, and a 90-minute manatee sightseeing trip ideal for families. Additionally, kid-friendly fishing excursions provide catch-and-release fun in calm backwaters. Each tour departs from Port of the Islands Marina and includes opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as sea turtles and bull sharks. Guests can enjoy beach time, picnicking, and swimming during select tours, making the experience both educational and recreational for nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Located in the scenic region of Marco Island, Florida, this boat tour company offers unique excursions departing from multiple convenient locations including Marco Island, Isle of Capri, and Goodland. With extensive local knowledge and experience navigating the coastal waters, the business provides guests with an authentic and immersive way to explore the area's natural beauty. The tours are designed to showcase the diverse marine environment and picturesque landscapes, making each trip a memorable experience. Their access to various departure points allows for flexibility and ease of access for visitors staying in different parts of the region. The company specializes in guided boat tours that cater to a wide range of customers, from families to nature enthusiasts seeking to discover the local wildlife and waterways. Each tour is carefully planned to highlight key sights and provide informative commentary, ensuring an engaging and educational outing. The use of well-maintained vessels equipped for comfort and safety enhances the overall experience. Whether exploring the mangroves, spotting dolphins, or enjoying the tranquil waters, guests can expect a professional and enjoyable adventure tailored to their interests.

Loggerhead Marinas operates a network of 23 premier marina locations across Florida, the Carolinas, Kentucky, and Ohio, providing experienced and consistent service to boating enthusiasts. Each marina offers a unique blend of resort-style amenities and full-service benefits, including wet slips, dry storage, fuel docks, and service departments, accommodating vessels ranging from small boats to yachts up to 200 feet. The company emphasizes environmental stewardship through partnerships with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and adherence to Clean Marina and Blue Marina Designations, ensuring responsible marina management and ocean ecosystem conservation. With uniformed staff and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Loggerhead Marinas creates a welcoming atmosphere for both members and guests. Among its locations, Fish-Tale Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, stands out for its convenient access to the Gulf of Mexico and a wide range of water activities. This marina offers 95 wet slips and extensive dry stack storage, along with power boat rentals, dolphin cruises, sunset tours, and fishing charters, catering to families, anglers, and recreational boaters alike. Visitors can enjoy on-site amenities such as a restaurant, fuel dock, Wi-Fi, and pump-out services, making it an ideal destination for both day trips and extended stays. The marina’s proximity to pristine beaches and local entertainment enhances the overall experience, providing a complete boating lifestyle in a vibrant coastal setting.

Island Hopper Charters LLC is a boat charter service on the Mississippi Gulf Coast offering private charters, eco-tours, and island hopping adventures to barrier islands including Cat Island, Ship Island, and Horn Island. Trips include shelling, swimming, relaxing on beaches, dolphin watching, sunset cruises, and custom adventures starting at $150 per hour with a 2-hour minimum, captained by Captain Dan Wittmann from Pass Christian, MS.

Located in Marco Island, Florida, this company offers the original CraigCat tours through the Ten Thousand Islands, one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. Established in 2010, it is recognized as a pioneer in providing guided adventures where guests operate their own two-person CraigCat catamarans. These unique watercraft feature 30 horsepower outboard engines, allowing speeds up to 30 mph while offering a stable, safe, and comfortable ride. The side-by-side seating design facilitates easy conversation and a more intimate experience compared to other small watercraft. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who navigate the winding waterways, enhancing the adventure with their expertise. The business provides two tour options: a 1.5-hour cruise and a popular 2.5-hour tour that includes a stop at White Horse Key. Guests aged 18 and older can drive the CraigCats after a brief safety instruction, with boating safety certification required for those born after 1988. The tours appeal to a wide range of customers seeking excitement, tranquility, and close encounters with local wildlife, including dolphins and diverse marine life. Each CraigCat is equipped with a complimentary cooler stocked with bottled water and a dry box for personal belongings, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable outing through the scenic waterways of Southwest Florida.

Florida Island Tours operates out of Marco Island, Florida, offering expertly guided boat tours that showcase the natural beauty of Southwest Florida’s waterways. The company distinguishes itself through its team of U.S. Coast Guard certified master captains who are also University of Florida certified Master Naturalists, ensuring a safe, educational, and immersive experience. Their deep local knowledge allows them to navigate the challenging shallow waters, oyster bars, and sandbars of the Ten Thousand Islands and surrounding areas with ease. The fleet includes custom-built Carolina Skiffs designed for comfort and safety, accommodating both small groups and larger parties, making the tours suitable for families and groups seeking an authentic exploration of the region’s unique ecosystem. The tours feature a variety of options including dolphin watching, shelling excursions, eco-tours, sunset cruises, and private charters, all departing from Goodland near Marco Island. Guests can expect to encounter diverse wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and numerous bird species while visiting secluded barrier island beaches and protected wildlife refuges. Each tour is narrated by a certified naturalist guide who provides insightful commentary on the local ecology, history, and wildlife behavior. With a focus on personalized service, the company offers customizable private tours that cater to individual interests, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience on the water for visitors of all ages.

Located in Naples, Florida, this business specializes in guided kayak tours through the region’s distinctive mangrove tunnels and mud flats. With expertise provided by naturalist and biologist guides, the tours offer an educational experience focused on the local nature and history of Naples and Marco Island. The company stands out for its combination of expert knowledge and immersive exploration, allowing guests to engage deeply with the environment. Additionally, participants receive complimentary high-definition photos from their tours, enhancing the overall experience. The business offers a variety of services including kayak and paddleboard rentals available by the hour at two prime locations: Paddlecraft Park and Caxambas Park. These sites provide opportunities to explore mangrove ecosystems, observe wildlife such as dolphins, and enjoy world-class shelling. Rentals are available Monday through Saturday from early morning until mid-afternoon, with shorter hours on Sundays. The company caters to both casual paddlers and those seeking guided tours, with options for daily and weekly rentals that can be kept overnight at local residences. Reservations are required to ensure a smooth and personalized experience.

Located in Naples, Florida, this family-operated water tour company has been providing intimate wildlife and sightseeing experiences for over 30 years. Operating from the same location, the business specializes in small-group tours aboard a 25-foot boat that accommodates no more than six guests, ensuring a personalized and up-close encounter with the natural beauty of Naples. What sets these tours apart is the consistent opportunity to observe wild dolphins in their natural habitat, often coming within inches of the boat. The tours also explore the region’s mangrove forests, estuaries, and secluded island beaches, offering a unique perspective on the local ecosystem and waterfront homes. The company offers several distinct tours tailored to different interests and timeframes, including a two-hour adventure tour, a one-hour sightseeing tour, and a one-and-a-half-hour dolphin watching and shelling excursion. Guests can expect to see dolphins, cruise through Naples Bay, and visit quiet beaches ideal for shelling, swimming, and relaxation. The tours also feature views of luxury homes along Port Royal and Gordon Pass. With a focus on small groups and personalized service, the experience combines wildlife observation, scenic cruising, and beach activities, appealing to families, nature enthusiasts, and visitors seeking a memorable and tranquil outing on the water.