Marco Island Private Island Paradise: Dolphin, Shelling & Birding Eco Boat Tour
Board a private 2.5-hour eco-boat from Goodland and slip into the Ten Thousand Islands for dolphin encounters, shorebird viewing, and pristine shelling on exposed sandbars. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts seeking an educational, low-effort wildlife experience.
The Experience
Before You Go
Time the tide
Low tide exposes the best shelling beaches; ask for a morning or mid-afternoon slot when sandbars are most accessible.
Motion-sickness prep
Take preventative medication at least 30 minutes before departure if you're prone to seasickness—morning trips tend to be calmer.
Respect live wildlife
Do not collect living shells or disturb birds and nesting areas; guides will point out what can and cannot be taken.
Bring a small soft cooler
Even though a cooler with ice is provided, pack snacks and drinks in a soft, leak-proof cooler for convenience on the boat.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •View the Cape Romano Dome House from a distance—its decaying geometry makes a striking photo subject.
- •Ask the captain to circle quieter mangrove fingers in Rookery Bay for close-up birding and tidal creek exploration.
Wildlife
- •Bottlenose dolphin
- •Roseate spoonbill
Conservation Note
This estuarine system is sensitive—seagrass beds and mangroves are vital nurseries; stick to guidance on shell collecting and avoid trampling vegetation to reduce impact.
The Ten Thousand Islands region was once home to the Calusa people, a skilled maritime culture; European contact and later development reshaped the coastline and its use.
Photographer's Notes
- • Bow of the boat facing the open Gulf for dolphin sequences
- • Low-tide sandbars for close-up shell and shoreline textures
- • Mangrove channels for intimate bird and water reflections
What to Bring
BinocularsEssential
Helps you spot distant dolphins, shorebirds, and subtle movement in mangrove channels.
Reef shoesEssential
Protects feet when walking on shell-strewn sandbars and slippery rocks.
Sunscreen & wide-brim hatEssential
The sun over open water is intense; broad protection reduces burn and glare.
Small dry bag
Keeps phone, camera, and car keys safe from spray during stops and onshore shelling.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and where does it depart?
The tour is 2.5 hours long and departs from private docks at 220 Goodland Dr on Marco Island with free parking across the street behind the white fence.
Are children allowed and are life vests provided?
Yes—families are welcome. Life vests are provided and required for children six and under; adults can request vests as well.
Can I take shells home?
You may collect empty, uninhabited shells, but removing live shells (with animals inside) is prohibited to protect the ecosystem; your guide will advise on legal and sustainable shelling.
What wildlife will we likely see?
Common sightings include bottlenose dolphins, herons, egrets, and shorebirds; occasional manatees and osprey are possible depending on season.
What if the weather turns bad?
Tours cancel for unsafe weather; full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure or if the operator cancels due to weather.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Access is limited by the dock and boat configuration. Contact the operator ahead of time to discuss mobility needs and accommodations.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2.5 hours
Location
Marco Island, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires short periods of standing and stepping on/off the boat
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