10,000 Islands Tour: Dolphin, Manatee Encounters

Embark on a thrilling 10,000 Islands boat tour in the Everglades of South West Florida. Encounter dolphins, manatees, and alligators while learning about wildlife conservation. Book now!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS NWR - This tour will cruise through the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife refuge immediately after leaving the Port of the Islands Marina and the Fakaunion Canal. Following a 20 minute idle through the Manatee Protection zone, guests will explore the western portion of the Ten Thousand Islands NWR.
  • Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - About an hour into this tour, guests will enter the Rookery Bay Research Reserve. The outer islands of the Ten Thousand Islands NWR enters into the Rookery Bay Reserve. During this portion of the tour, guests are able to explore an uninhabited, outer island on foot. Here guests will see the vastness of the Greater Everglades Area
  • Everglades National Park - On the tail end of the boat tour, guests will skirt the northwestern portion of the Everglades National Park. This portion of the park is accessible only by boat. Here guests will enjoy large views of the Everglades National Park Outer Islands from the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Port of the Islands Marina - Guests will meet their USGC licensed Captain at the Port of the Islands Hotel. After guests have used the restrooms and have stocked up on supplies inside the hotel guests will walk to the marina from the hotel
  • Marco Island - After cruising through the Ten Thousand Islands NWR and the Rookery Bay Research reserve guests will be treated with an expanded view of Marco Island from the south. At this portion of the boat tour guests can snap a few photos of Marco Island from a distance
What's Included
  • 24 Foot Custom Saltwater Pontoon Boat
  • Binoculars
  • US Coast Guard Licensed Captain
What's Not Included
  • Cancelations must be made through TripAdvisor or Viator
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on an exciting boat journey around the 10,000 Islands led by our friendly skippers, all licensed by the US Coast Guard. Experience one of the world’s largest untouched Mangrove Forests! The trip encompasses the three main areas of interest; encountering Wildlife, supporting Conservation efforts, and providing family-oriented entertainment! Involve your entire family and introduce the next generation to one of America’s most extraordinary ecosystems, the Everglades in the South West of Florida!

During this 3-hour adventure, guests are in for a treat with close-up encounters with Dolphins, Manatees, and Alligators to electrify the journey. Whenever we spot wildlife or discuss a fascinating topic, our Florida Naturalist Captain will engage in straightforward dialogues with the guests. Topics like Mangrove Ecology, Manatee conservation, and fishing strategies are always popular during the journey.

Being a honorable member of the 1% for the Planet initiative, we donate 1% of the tour’s total cost to the Everglades Foundation. We appreciate your support in choosing a genuinely environmental-friendly company!

Location
25000 Tamiami Trail E
Tamiami Trail East
We meet all guests inside the Port of the Islands Everglades Resort. It is the main hotel building on your left as soon as you turn on to Newport Drive off of highway 41.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(188 Ratings)
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Jtp9151ve
Jul 11, 2024
Great tour of 10,000 Islands - Ty was a great guide, knowledgeable, friendly. We learned about the ecosystem and saw wildlife up close - alligators, heron, and a manatee that swam alongside our boat. Great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
202kraigs
Jul 8, 2024
We saw about everything! - Ty was a great captain. We saw 8 Manatees, several dolphins, found some neat shells, and eagle ray, alligators.. all kinds of stuff. I would highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightseer08915715879
Jul 1, 2024
Very satisfied - Ty did an excellent job today. He was very good to my granddaughter telling her about the marine life. We were able to see a few dolphins, a small shark, one big alligator, fiddler crabs and lots of birds. It was recovering from lots of rain so we did not see any manatees. I would recommend this charter to all who have families. I would do this again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N1680mvkatiet
Jun 5, 2024
Fantastic trip! - Our family had a private boat ride for the five of us and we had an incredible time! We knew what to expect prior to arrival and to start, we loved just being on the boat with Ty (he was such a fun and knowledgeable guide!) and then we got to see manatees, dolphins galore, and even a sea turtle or two! The beach we stopped at along the way was beautiful and we got to see some turtle nesting sites. Definitely would highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindeep2024
Jun 1, 2024
Amazing experience! - The dolphin/manatee boat tour was amazing. We got to see manatees and birds and we were able to do some shelling on an island. So worth the money. Ty was the best captain. Would request him in the future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wendythemarine
May 19, 2024
Did not disappoint! Excellent! - Captain Nick is excellent! Dolphins, manatees, history and shelling! The other boats tried to follow as he had all the dolphins following us!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderer35940582441
May 15, 2024
Excellent Kayak Tour - Great kayak tour for anyone looking to see Floridas wildlife. Justin was our guide and he’s very knowledgeable and made the trip fun! 10/10!!
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Banjobobhouston
May 9, 2024
Great Adventure - This was a fun, educational tour into the mangroves. Our guide, Ty, was very knowledgeable and personable. The boat was small and held only 6 guests, which made it seem like a private tour. On our trip, we saw a very rare small tooth saw fish, a manatee, several dolphin and lots of birds. We even stopped at a beach to look for shells. Remember to bring your own water and snacks. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cindybl9491my
Jul 18, 2024
Nice, but disappointing - It was relaxing and very pretty, but we didn't see a single dolphin or manatee or really anything except a few birds. Our guide was great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ana_chia10
Jun 25, 2024
We saw a floating potato!! so ExCiTiNg! - My daughter and I had such a relaxing ride with Ty on June 22nd. Right away we saw an alligator hanging out. A little ways into the tour he spotted a dolphin and we were able to see her up close. Enjoyed watching her surface a few times. For the boat ride itself we were thankful that we could enjoy some shade. With the winds and shade it was quite comfortable and so relaxing. Waters were a little murky for us so we didn't think we would get to see any manatee but... on the way back we did. So very cool to see them just swimming around. With the motor turned off you could hear there little sighs when they surfaced. First time seeing a manatee and our hope for the trip. I was thankful the tour wasn't cancelled since it was just the two of us. Ty also gave of some of his recommendations for things to do and see while in the area. I always appreciate the input of someone who lives there. We choose his spot for lunch and it did not disappoint. Thank you for a memorable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 6 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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