The 15 Best Naples Florida Dolphin Watching Tours

1.Dolphin and Shelling Cruise for up to 12 people

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 980 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109Our pick

Cruise from Goodland, near Marco Island, into the Ten Thousand Islands with a guide such as Glenn, Jeff, or Michelle. Look for dolphins, manatees, birds, and mangroves, then stop at a boat-access-only barrier island for swimming and shelling. The 2.5-hour trip carries no more than 12 people and runs morning or afternoon.

“The dolphins swimming along side the boat was awesome. The captain was very friendly and knowledgeable and the time on the beach was all awesome !”

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2.Marco Island Dolphin Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 514 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out from Goodland Boating Park for about two hours among Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands. Your captain and guide, such as Colleen, Marco, Elliott, or Jessica, look for dolphins, explain local wildlife and island history, and point out native birds. The boat holds no more than 14 people.

“Absolutely amazing experience! Huge shout out to Kathleen who was so kind and even offered to pick us up due to an unexpected road closure that caused us to be late for the tour. She went above and beyond to help us- if every business had a Kathleen they would soar to success! And no words good enough to describe Elliott our boat captain and Sophie our guide. Elliott was incredible- he was an amazing navigator, knew where to find the dolphins and how to engage them - we saw so many and they were so playful! Exceeded expectations! And Sophie was such a knowledgeable guide- she shared such interesting…”

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3.Marco Island 2 hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 503 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

From Goodland, near Marco Island, you’ll spend two hours with a captain and naturalist guide searching for dolphins and birds before stopping at an uninhabited barrier island to collect shells. Guides such as Mike, Ed, Colt, Joe, and Ryan are known for explaining the area and wildlife. The group is limited to 17 people.

“Dolphins, shelling, learning, beautiful day, easy excursion! The dolphins followed us!! Say huge birds nests.”

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4.Avi’s Premium Dolphin Tour by Jet Ski

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 464 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet Avi’s Water Sports at Goodland Boat Park for a two-hour jet ski tour through the mangroves and waters near Marco Island. Each jet ski carries two people or up to 400 pounds. Look for dolphins and marine life while guides lead the way. Water, windbreakers, and Coast Guard approved life jackets are provided.

“Best guides !!! So fun. We toured and saw Dolphins. Fun anniversary trip weekend. Would definitely visit them again.”

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5.Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 337 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

From Goodland, take a private 2.5-hour boat trip into the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Captains such as Matt, Kasey, and Nick guide you to shell-covered islands, dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and osprey. Water, ice, bags, and buckets are included. Bring snacks, drinks, towels, and $10 for parking.

“Matt catered to what we wanted! Our granddaughters thought he was best!! The dolphins were their favorite.”

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6.2 Hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 247 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $109

Set out from Goodland Boat Park near Marco Island for a two-hour small-group cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Guides such as Ray, Ed, Kevin, Kate, and Joe point out dolphins, manatees, birds, and local plants before taking you to a quiet island for shells and sand dollars. Expect up to 17 people, captain-style seating, and an English-speaking crew.

“We absolutely loved this trip. Joe and Kim were excellent guides. We were so glad to get away from the high rise buildings and see some nature. We saw many dolphins and they happily chases our boat. A wonderful afternoon. And if you happen to go on a Sunday check out nearby Stan’s for live music.”

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7.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Naples with Florida History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 187 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Spend two hours paddling Naples waterways by kayak or stand-up paddleboard with a guide such as Jacob, Doug, Cameron, or Mike. You’ll get a short lesson, explore mangroves, learn about Florida history and wildlife, and watch for dolphins, manatees, birds, fish, and turtles. Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed.

“Jacob was a very good guide and informative! We saw dolphins, pelicans, an huge nest and a shipwreck!”

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8.Half Day Shelling Dolphin Eco Tour in 10 000 Island and Marco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $137

Join Sand Dollar Boat Tours for a three-hour, English-language eco trip from Goodland. Captain Megan, Paul, Jamie, Jeff, Joey, and others guide small groups through mangroves and dolphin habitat before helping you shell on Kice Island. Bottled water and a shell bag are included, but bring swim shoes and dress warmly.

“I Enjoyed the dolphin swimming in our wake and going to shell island with my friends. The time passed so quickly and was very pleasant.”

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9.Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Adventure Tour of Bonita Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 134 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Spend about two hours kayaking or paddleboarding from Bonita Springs through calm inlet and mangrove waters. Guides Eric, Doug, and Chase teach beginners, explain local wildlife and area history, and look for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and birds. Equipment and life vests are included, and the tour returns to its starting point.

“Eric our tour guide was amazing. Very patient with my sister in law and myself as this was our first time Kayaking. He is very informative and such a nice person.”

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10.Dolphin and Manatee Tour of Marco Island by Kayak or SUP

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 125 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Spend about two hours paddling Marco Island with a guide such as Cam, Michael, Doug, or Jacob. You’ll receive a short lesson, then search for dolphins, manatees, turtles, birds, conchs, and other wildlife. SUP is the default in some bookings, so request a kayak specifically if that is your preference.

“Cam was a great tour guide! We saw dolphins and sand dollars! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fun game excursion!”

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11.Manatee, Dolphin, and 10,000 Islands Eco Beach Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 89 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $129

From Port of the Islands Marina, a small boat carries you through the Faka Union Canal and Everglades to the 10,000 Islands. Captains such as Wes, John, Brian, and Ed share local ecology while you look for manatees, dolphins, alligators, birds, and bull sharks. You also get beach time for swimming, picnicking, and shelling.

“Captain John was great! He knows a lot about the local ecology and has enough dad jokes for all. We saw manatees, dolphins, alligators, and a ton of birds.”

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12.10,000 Islands Excursion Small-Group 3.5 hour Dolphin & Shelling Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $159

Spend 3.5 hours with a Florida Master Naturalist guide exploring the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge from Goodland. You’ll cruise mangrove waterways, look for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and birds, then land on an uninhabited barrier island for hands-on shelling. Captains including Joe, Joyce, Kevin, and Kate bring local knowledge to this small-group outing for up to 17 people.

“Captain Ed and first mate Kim gave our tour an informative and enjoyable ride. We saw everything they said we might. Beautiful birds, dolphins and even a couple manatees. Very enjoyable!”

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13.Half Day Private Shelling Dolphin EcoTour in 10 000 Island Marco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

This private three-hour boat tour from Goodland takes your group of up to six through the Ten Thousand Islands toward Kice Island, Dickmans, or Cape Romano. A local skipper helps you search for prized shells while you watch for dolphins, mangroves, and native birds. Captain Dave has been praised for his care and effort, though guides may vary.

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14.Best of Marco Island Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Join Florida Island Tours for a two-hour cruise from Goodland through the 10,000 Islands and around Marco Island. Captains John and Nate are praised for spotting dolphins and explaining local wildlife and history. The boat holds no more than six people, with a cooler, ice, and parking included. Bring your own food and drinks.

“Captain Nate made this boat trip the highlight of our stay in Marco. His experience, information and stories enlightened and entertained. Seeing the wild dolphin play in our boat wake is a treasured memory we’ll always remember.”

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15.10,000 Islands Boat Excursion – 3.5-Hour Dolphins & Shelling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $169

Set out from Goodland with a Florida Master Naturalist and Coast Guard licensed captain for 3.5 hours among mangroves, islands, and shallow coastal waters. Look for dolphins, manatees, ospreys, eagles, and wading birds, then stop at Cape Romano’s dome homes and a remote shelling beach. Captains may include Joe, Kevin, or Kate.

“It was just me and my husband on our last excursion of our honeymoon. Couldn’t have ended on a sweeter note. Captain Kate was awesome, tailored our outing to what we wanted to do and see. We saw playing dolphins, mama Osprey, jumping sting rays, and found awesome shells. And we learned a lot from Captain Kate. It was a fabulous afternoon on the water. Highly recommend.”

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