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
996 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Fantastic trip with Captain Dan
885maurat,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a Fantastic trip with Captain Dan. Myself and my sister travel from Ireland and we had a great pleasure of going on the dolphin and shelling cruise. Captain Dan took such time to find dolphins and give us such a great experience overall with knowledge and expertise to the forefront. I would hardly recommend this to anyone in the area. Goodland was a fabulous find and we will be back again.
Great time!
matthewhU4152IG,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Alex did an excellent job! Very informative, worked hard to show us as many sea creatures (and an osprey family) as possible .
Perfect
Inspire550332,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very polite and friendly, very knowledgeable about the area and it’s wildlife. Very nice experience would recommend them.
Dolphin, sea turtle and shell tour
C3571AXleem,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic trip with Glenn. We saw dolphins, sea turtles, and tried really hard to find manatees. He went above and beyond for our tour and was very knowledgeable.
Amazing and would definitely do it again
Cruiser53664,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The captain and his mate were above fantastic Shared with us so much knowledge and some humor and went above and beyond to make our experience amazing
Memorable experience
johncillinois,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went out with Captain clay. Had a wonderful time, very knowledgeable very engaging able to give us the experience of dolphins in our engine Wash several times.
Great experience
Swwm,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the time we boarded the boat, we had a wonderful time. Our captain shared information that we found interesting. He spotted some dolphins and encouraged them to “play” with us. That was so much fun. The remote island we were taken to to do shelling was good also. The entire trip was a great experience.
10/10 excursion
506aubreer,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00SO FUN! The captains were educated, interactive and playful! It felt like I was boating with instant friends. We saw a few pods of dolphins and went to a peaceful island to collect the most unique, beautiful shells I’d ever seen. If you’re looking for an affordable excursion, look no further! If I’m ever back in Marco Island again I’ll most definitely be booking with these guys again! So cool!
From US$109.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Eco Endeavors