Marco Island, Florida

Family-owned and operated since 1986 by the Stewart family on Sanibel Island, Adventures in Paradise offers affordable, fun-filled boat cruises and tours departing from Port Sanibel Marina, including dolphin watches, shelling and lunch excursions, backwater fishing, sea life encounters, sunset cruises, historical trolley tours, and private charters for groups of any size around Sanibel, Fort Myers, Captiva, and nearby barrier islands to experience local wildlife and nature.

South Seas Charters is the first and oldest boat charter operator in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, featuring the most experienced skipper with over 25 years in Tongan waters. They operate a 9-meter 400 hp USA-built catamaran with dual outboard engines for safe returns, offering island hopping, gamefishing, spearfishing, whalewatching, whaleswim, volcano, and deserted island trips.

Tiki Pub Fort Myers Beach offers unique tiki party boat cruises on spacious custom-designed open-air tiki boats with thatched roofs, featuring lively music, Tiki-Oke karaoke, dancing, games, abundant wildlife viewing, and BYOB beverages for tropical fun in the bays and waters of Fort Myers Beach. Experiences include dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, beach parties with volleyball, banana boat rides, jet skis, and visits to sandbars, led by USCG licensed captains and Tiki Pub Entertainers, with full bathrooms onboard.

Salty Sam's Marina is a full-service, deep-water marina on Fort Myers Beach, offering power boat and kayak rentals, charter boats for fishing or sightseeing, boat services and repairs, wet and dry storage, transient slips, detailing, waterfront dining, pirate cruises, dolphin and sunset cruises, gift shops, and an ice cream shop. Voted best marina since 2004, it is a family-owned waterfront destination since 1999 located in Matanzas Bay with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay.

Sight Sea-R Cruises operates in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, offering a unique way to explore the local waterways aboard a spacious, open-air 50-foot catamaran. With experienced captains and a certified Master Naturalist providing narration, the company specializes in eco-friendly tours that highlight the region’s abundant marine wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and various bird species. The vessel is equipped with shaded seating, a full bar, restroom facilities, and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all guests. This combination of knowledgeable staff, well-maintained equipment, and scenic routes makes the experience distinctive for visitors seeking both relaxation and education on the Gulf Coast. The cruise offerings include dolphin and wildlife tours, sunset cruises, shelling and eco tours, and special event cruises such as holiday light viewings and fireworks celebrations. These excursions cater to a broad audience, from families and nature enthusiasts to adults-only groups, providing engaging and memorable experiences on the water. Passengers can enjoy beverages served by an onboard bartender while observing wildlife or taking in stunning coastal views. The tours typically range from one and a half to three hours, allowing ample time to appreciate the natural beauty and wildlife of the Fort Myers Beach area in a comfortable and inviting setting.

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.

Cruisin' Tikis Fort Myers is a family-owned charter business offering BYOB floating tiki bar cruises on the waterways of Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island, St. James City, and Cape Coral. Founded by locals Nick and Stacy in mid-December 2021, each handcrafted USCG-compliant boat seats up to 6 guests (excluding captain), features a cooler with ice, Bluetooth sound system, 360-degree views, and operates 90-minute, 2-hour, or 3-hour cruises seven days a week for sightseeing, sandbar visits, marine life viewing, sunset cruises, and events like birthdays or proposals.

Gulf Coast Kayak is a full-service kayak tour agency in Cape Coral, Florida, offering guided kayak tours for all skill levels, island kayaking adventures, sea kayaking, dolphin watching, manatee spotting, mangrove tunnel explorations, eco-tours, kayak and paddleboard rentals (single, tandem, weekly), guided kayak fishing trips, lessons, events, sales, and e-bike rentals with multi-day delivery.

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.