Everglades City, Florida

Celebration Park Adventures offers water-based rentals and activities including SUP paddle boards, paddle boat for 5, single and double kayaks, Crusin Tiki’s, Eco Endeavors, and Naples Cycle Boats at a lively waterfront food truck park with restaurants, full liquor bar, live music, and direct access to waterways leading to the Gulf of Mexico.

Manatee Sightseeing & Wildlife Adventures is a family-run, year-round eco-tour operation in Naples, FL, offering boat tours to see manatees, dolphins, alligators, birds, bull sharks, and other wildlife in the Everglades and 10,000 Islands. Started by Captain Barry and Carol with one boat, it has grown to 12 boats, providing small-group tours with high manatee sighting success (97% for 2025) using six-passenger boats.

Paddle Naples offers guided eco-tours, paddle boarding, kayaking, and rentals from Big Hickory Island in Bonita Springs, FL, exploring mangroves, Estero Bay Sanctuary, and Gulf of Mexico beaches. Tours feature clear kayaks and paddleboards for viewing marine life like dolphins, manatees, birds, and sea creatures, with beginner-friendly routes and complimentary photos.

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.

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.

Treasure Seekers Shell Tours, based in Goodland, Florida near Marco Island, offers an exceptional shelling and eco-tour experience in the pristine waters of Southwest Florida. Established in 2017 and operated by local experts, the company specializes in exploring the secluded barrier islands within the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Their knowledgeable crew includes licensed captains and certified Florida Master Naturalists who provide personalized guidance and share insights about the region’s wildlife and natural beauty. The fleet features contemporary 25-foot Sea Pro boats equipped with comfortable seating, slip-resistant decking, onboard restrooms, and refreshments, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey through shallow waters inaccessible to many other vessels. The company offers a variety of tours tailored to different interests, including dedicated shelling excursions, eco and shelling tours, sunset cruises, and fishing charters. Guests can choose between private tours for an intimate experience or group tours accommodating up to six people per boat. Each tour is designed to immerse visitors in the natural environment, with opportunities to discover rare shells such as the Scaphella Junonia, observe local wildlife, and enjoy stunning Gulf Coast sunsets. Whether seeking relaxation, adventure, or educational enrichment, Treasure Seekers provides a carefully curated experience that highlights the unique treasures of Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystem.

Cool Beans Cruises operates in Naples, Florida, offering a distinctive sailing experience aboard their 42-foot, 20-passenger catamaran and a luxury six-passenger pontoon. Specializing in intimate boat tours around Naples and Marco Island, the company provides access to some of Southwest Florida’s hidden coastal gems, including Keewaydin Island. Their fleet and expertise allow guests to enjoy a variety of excursions, from leisurely day sails to scenic sunset cruises, all set against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico. The combination of comfortable vessels and knowledgeable crew ensures a unique and memorable maritime adventure for visitors of all experience levels. The company’s offerings include champagne sunset cruises, day sails with dolphin sightings, and private charters tailored for couples, families, or small groups seeking a personalized outing. The luxury pontoon is ideal for exploring secluded beaches and enjoying shelling and wildlife viewing in a relaxed setting. Cool Beans Cruises also caters to special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and corporate events, providing customized sailing experiences that highlight the natural beauty of the region. Whether guests are looking for a romantic escape or a celebratory gathering, the company delivers a polished and engaging maritime experience in the Naples and Marco Island area.

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.

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.

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.