Dolphin and Shelling Cruise for up to 12 people
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience the best of Marco Island’s waterways on Eco Endeavors’ Dolphin & Shelling Tour!
This 2.5-hour adventure takes you deep into the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll spot dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds in their natural habitat.
Cruise through scenic mangrove channels before stopping at a secluded barrier island, only accessible by boat. Here, you’ll have time to explore pristine shores and search for rare seashells. Your expert captain will share insights about the area’s wildlife, history, and ecology, making this a fun and educational experience for all ages.
With small-group tours, shaded seating, and custom-built vessels, Eco Endeavors ensures comfort, safety, and an unforgettable adventure. Book now for a wildlife encounter and shelling experience like no other!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Set off on an unforgettable journey through the wild, unspoiled beauty of the 10,000 Islands. As we weave through a labyrinth of mangrove waterways, your captain will be on the lookout for dolphins surfacing alongside the boat, manatees drifting through the shallows, and rare coastal birds gliding overhead. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of the region’s untamed past, its unique ecology, and the forces that have shaped this remarkable landscape. Then, we’ll touch down on a remote barrier island, a hidden gem only accessible by boat. Here, you’ll have time to explore the untouched shoreline, search for rare seashells, or simply take in the peaceful solitude of this pristine coastal escape. Whether you're after wildlife encounters, a bit of adventure, or the perfect shelling spot, this experience brings you face-to-face with the raw beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Driver/guide
Gratuities
Options
Ten Thousand Islands Adventure
Water
10,000 Islands N.W.R.
Boat
Reviews
999 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great day 🐬🐬🐬
Amy F,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had great day yesterday! Damon and Aiden were excellent navigators and got us to an area where the dolphins were so close and swimming and jumping in the wake of our boat! Everybody on the boat really enjoyed this. The grandkids really had not experienced anything like it.. I would not only recommend them. I would do this tour again thank you
Great tour of the islands!
Sunkisd904,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great morning on the water with our captain, Damon! We got to see some amazing wildlife and collected a lot of really cool shells. Our kids (15, 13, 10) all loved it as well. High recommend!
Great Experience!
getgoing57,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed our first trip with Eco Endeavors 2 years ago and brought our family this year which was a hit with every one. Captain Jack was great with the kids and patiently answered their questions. We saw loggerhead sea turtles which was new to all. The dolphins were not cooperating but Captain Jack succeeded and got them to play in the boat wake that had all cheering. The kids also got a lesson in the importance of keeping the ocean clean and picked up some litter along the way. The shelling was a nice stop which was a great way for the kids to burn off some energy. Don’t miss this fun and educational experience!
Great way to see a bit of the Ten Thousands Islands wildlife and scenery
Eric W,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip with Captain Glen and Michelle - the boat was comfortable and the sights were wonderful. We saw osprey, egrets, an ibis, a roseate spoonbill, loggerhead sea turtles, and dolphins! We even got the dolphins to wake surface with our boat! The shelling stop at the beach on Dickman’s Island was perfect.
Great day on the ocean!
Teri144,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous! Fun, entertaining g, safe!
Great tour!
Voyager111575,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really superior trip. Friendly, low-key, knowledgeable guide, helpful and friendly staff. Able to entice the dolphins to play with the boat, providing numerous opportunities to get up close and personal experience. Everyone enjoyed it.
Enjoyable and educational
Global48933203990,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I recommend this tour. It was a good fit for my family (children ages 8 and 5). I also thought it was fairly priced. Captain Glen and Mate Michelle were friendly and did a great job. I like how we learned a bit about history and nature; it was just the right amount of information and not cheesy like some tours can be. It was a nice, laid back time on the water. I also appreciated learning about the history of Marco Island, and the importance of preserving that history, even the unpleasant parts.
Great tour for all ages!
Paula S,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed our tour with Captains’ Damien and Aiden. They explained the history and geography of 10,000 islands and went out of the way to point out wildlife like baby ospreys being fed by their mothers and found manatees and dolphins and brought us to a great beach for shelling. Aiden found us some sand dollars which blend into the sand in shallow waters. We got a late start but made up for it on the other end.
Amazing!
jamiejA7929JZ,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time. Captain Glenn was amazing! He worked hard to let us see dolphins and sea turtles. He was super knowledgeable about the history of the area (this sounds boring but I promise it’s not). We went with our kids (ages 6 and 8) and in-laws (in their 70s). Everyone had a great time!
It left a bad taste
chrisyG3928OL,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Everything was perfect, until it wasn't. We saw dolphins, manatees, egrets, and the shelling was amazing! Captain Glenn was full of information and piloted the boat with skill. On the way back he pointed out a restaurant, then proceeded to bash the owner because he has dementia. It was so inappropriate and brought down the whole trip. If you have a grudge, great, but don't drag down a business and person with dementia to do it.
From US$109.00
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