Sunset Eco Tour of Marco Island & the Ten Thousand Islands — Evening Wildlife Cruise and Beachcombing
Glide through mangrove mazes and surf-lapped islets as dolphins play in the last light. This 2.5-hour sunset cruise from Goodland offers wildlife sightings, a remote beach stop for shelling, and a guide who knows the Ten Thousand Islands intimately.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring a light jacket
Evenings cool quickly on the water—pack a windbreaker to stay comfortable after sunset.
Pack seasickness prevention
Take ginger or medication before boarding if you get motion sick; the Gulf is usually calm but chop can happen.
BYOB and a small cooler
Bring your favorite drink and a reusable cup—there’s a cooler with ice on board and a relaxed BYOB policy.
Respect beach ecology
Only collect empty shells, leave live animals alone, and stay on marked shore areas to protect nesting birds and dunes.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Paddle the shallow back channels near Goodland at low tide for quiet birdwatching
- •Tide-swept shell beds on the small barrier islands are best explored within an hour of low tide
Wildlife
- •Bottlenose dolphin
- •Wading birds (egrets, herons)
Conservation Note
Tours operate through the national wildlife refuge—guides follow rules to limit disturbance to nesting birds and manatees; take only photos and shells that are empty to protect habitats.
The Ten Thousand Islands area was central to the Calusa people and later became a seasonal fishing ground for Cuban and local fishermen; Goodland remains a small, character-rich gateway community.
Photographer's Notes
- • Bow of the boat for dolphin action
- • Shoreline at the beach stop for low-tide shellscapes
- • Seaward side of passing mangrove islands for silhouettes
What to Bring
Windbreaker or light jacketEssential
Stops the evening breeze once the sun sets and keeps you warm during the return trip.
Sunscreen and hatEssential
Sun reflects off the water; broad-spectrum SPF and a hat reduce sunburn risk.
Binoculars
Catches distant bird flocks and distant dolphin activity without disturbing wildlife.
Small camera with low-light capability
Captures dusk silhouettes and fast-moving dolphins when light is low.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The shared sunset tour lasts 2.5 hours and departs two hours before local sunset.
Where do I meet for departure?
Meet at the private commercial docks at 220 Goodland Drive, across from Stan’s Idle Hour; free parking is available in the gravel lot.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes—this tour is suitable for all ages; infant seats are available and the pace is relaxed.
Can I bring my own drinks or food?
Yes—BYOB is welcome and there is a cooler with ice on board; pack responsibly and take trash with you.
Will we stop on the beach?
Yes—there’s a planned 20–30 minute stop on a remote barrier island for shelling and short walks at low tide.
What wildlife might we see?
Common sightings include bottlenose dolphins, wading birds, occasional manatees, and shorebirds in the refuge.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2.5 hours
Location
Goodland, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mobility to step on/off a small boat and stroll a flat sandy beach is required
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