Naples and Marco Island’s clear Gulf waters make it easy to spot wild dolphins year-round. The area’s top dolphin-watching excursions combine wildlife viewing with expert commentary and additional activities like shelling.
Small-boat tours prove most rewarding, particularly early morning departures when dolphins are most active. Pure Florida’s guided trips stand out for their knowledgeable naturalists and consistent dolphin sightings. For a more intimate experience, Cool Beans Cruises offers excellent small-group tours with nearly guaranteed dolphin encounters.
Eco-conscious kayak tours deserve special mention – they allow quiet, up-close observation without disturbing these intelligent creatures. The organized paddling excursions through mangrove areas regularly yield memorable dolphin encounters.
Let’s explore the best dolphin-watching tours Naples has to offer.
Good To Know
- The Marco Island Dolphin Sightseeing Tour offers a family-friendly experience with guaranteed dolphin sightings, professional guides, and includes lunch.
- The Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour in the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge provides an intimate, educational experience with a maximum of 6 travelers.
- Private shelling and dolphin excursions, such as the Half Day Private Shelling Dolphin EcoTour, offer personalized experiences to explore remote islands and spot wildlife.
- The 10,000 Islands Excursion Small-Group Dolphin & Shelling Boat Tour led by a Florida Master Naturalist Guide focuses on intimate encounters with dolphins, manatees, and birds.
- Eco-friendly and nature-focused tours, like the Eco Tours and Kayaking Adventures, emphasize sustainable practices and educational insights into local ecosystems and wildlife.
Marco Island Dolphin Sightseeing Tour
The Marco Island Dolphin Sightseeing Tour offers visitors a chance to witness the graceful movements of these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Rated 5.0 stars across platforms, this tour features numerous dolphin sightings and knowledgeable guides who provide insightful commentary.
With a maximum of 14 travelers, the tour provides a family-friendly experience, suitable for all ages.
Priced at $99 per person, the tour includes a local guide, cooler with ice, bottled water, and lunch.
Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure, and to consider transportation options like Uber/Lyft to avoid parking fees.
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Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion
Situated off the coast of Marco Island, this private shelling and dolphin excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the area’s remote islands and witness the graceful movements of these magnificent marine creatures.
With a 5.0 overall rating and 100% recommendation from 262 reviews, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts.
The experience includes searching for remarkable shells on white sands and spotting dolphins, all while enjoying bottled water, a cooler with ice, and the option to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Priced at €459.94 for up to 6 people, this private tour provides a relaxed and personalized way to connect with the stunning beauty of Southwest Florida.
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Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour in 10,000 Islands NWR
Departing from the Port of the Islands Everglades Resort, this 3-hour Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
Aboard a 24-foot custom saltwater pontoon boat, guests can expect to spot a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, alligators, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.
The knowledgeable and engaging captain, licensed by the US Coast Guard, provides educational narratives about the ecosystem and leads unique experiences like shell hunting on uninhabited islands.
With a maximum group size of 6 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and memorable experience, as evidenced by its 100% recommendation rate and Badge of Excellence.
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10,000 Islands Excursion Small-Group 3.5 Hour Dolphin & Shelling Boat Tour
Nestled in the idyllic waters of Marco Island, the 10,000 Islands Excursion Small-Group 3.5 Hour Dolphin & Shelling Boat Tour offers guests a chance to enjoy the natural wonders of this captivating region.
Led by a Florida Master Naturalist Guide, this excursion promises an intimate encounter with dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird life. Guests can also indulge in hands-on shelling on an uninhabited barrier island.
Accommodating up to 17 travelers, the tour provides ample opportunities for photography and exploration. Featuring positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is a must-do for those seeking an immersive and educational wildlife experience in the beautiful 10,000 Islands region.
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Dolphin and Manatee Tour of Marco Island by Kayak or SUP
A Dolphin and Manatee Tour of Marco Island by Kayak or SUP allows visitors to enjoy the captivating marine life of this Florida paradise.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour offers the chance to spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and pink spoonbill birds.
Suitable for both experienced and first-time paddlers, the tour has a maximum of 20 travelers and is priced from $65 per person.
Participants receive all necessary equipment, including paddleboards or kayaks, paddles, and life vests.
While specific wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, the tour consistently receives positive reviews for its educational insights and memorable encounters with the local ecosystem.
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10,000 Islands Boat Excursion – 3.5-Hour Dolphins & Shelling Tour
The 10,000 Islands Boat Excursion – 3.5-Hour Dolphins & Shelling Tour offers visitors to Naples the chance to enjoy the region’s captivating marine life and natural wonders.
Embarking from Goodland Boat Park, this highly-rated tour takes guests on a journey through the serene waterways, where they’ll spot dolphins and collect unique shells.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour includes a visit to the iconic Cape Romano Dome Homes.
With a maximum of 17 travelers, the experience promises an intimate and educational encounter with the area’s diverse wildlife and fascinating history.
Priced at €164.56 per person, the tour offers excellent value and is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Naples.
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Half Day Shelling Dolphin Eco Tour in 10 000 Island and Marco
This Half Day Shelling Dolphin Eco Tour in 10,000 Islands and Marco offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s captivating marine life and natural wonders.
Operated by Sand Dollar Boat Tours of Naples, the 3-hour tour takes guests to see dolphins up close and explore the islands for unique shells. The knowledgeable captains provide insights about the local ecology and shell identification.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience, allowing participants to collect up to 12 pounds of shells.
The tour has received excellent reviews, with guests praising the fun, educational, and memorable dolphin encounters.
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Dolphin Tours – Fort Myers Beach / Naples
For visitors seeking a memorable encounter with the region’s marine life, Dolphin Tours offers a private excursion from Fort Myers Beach to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
The tour focuses on local wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and turtles, providing a personalized experience aboard a private boat. With a 5-star average from 68 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, the tour is highly rated.
The meeting point is Lovers Key Boat Ramp, and the experience includes bottled water and an exclusive group setting.
Participants frequently report sighting dolphins, manatees, and various bird species, with the captain’s expertise in locating wildlife being a key highlight.
Read our full review: Dolphin Tours – Fort Myers Beach / Naples Review
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Marco Island Dolphin Sighting and Dome House Viewing Boat Tour – Naples
Departing from the Goodland Boat Park, the Marco Island Dolphin Sighting and Dome House Viewing Boat Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the region’s captivating marine life.
Operated by the highly-rated Florida Island Tours, this tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Priced at €76.49 per person, the tour includes a cooler with ice and access to an onboard restroom.
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable captain, Nate, for his ability to attract dolphins and provide an informative and entertaining journey.
With a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of Naples.
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Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Naples With Florida History
Embarking on the Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Naples, visitors can expect a delightful 2-hour excursion that promises a captivating blend of wildlife encounters and insights into Florida’s rich history.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars with a Badge of Excellence, this tour allows participants to explore the coastline by paddleboard or kayak, spotting manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, and pelicans along the way.
The knowledgeable tour leader provides fascinating commentary on the local flora and fauna, as well as the area’s history.
With included equipment and a maximum of 20 travelers, this tour offers an intimate and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.
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Half Day Private Shelling Dolphin EcoTour in 10 000 Island Marco
Designed for shallow waters, the Half Day Private Shelling Dolphin EcoTour in Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island, offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich marine life and gather captivating seashell specimens.
Operated by Sand Dollar Boat Tours of Naples, this 100% recommended tour features a badge of excellence and 39 glowing reviews. Guests can expect to spot dolphins and other wildlife while cruising through mangroves and accessing secluded, shell-covered coastlines.
With a local skipper’s insider knowledge, the private tour provides groups of up to 6 with the flexibility to reschedule or cancel free of charge up to 24 hours prior.
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Manatee, Dolphin and 10,000 Islands Sunset Cruise!
The Manatee, Dolphin and 10,000 Islands Sunset Cruise in Naples, Florida, provides an opportunity to witness the region’s diverse marine life and stunning natural scenery.
This 3-hour tour departs at 3:30 PM and accommodates up to 12 guests on a wheelchair-accessible boat. Guests can expect to see dolphins, manatees, and various bird species, including the famous 11-foot alligator nicknamed “Cardio.”
The tour includes a scenic boat ride, shell collecting on the beach, and exploring the mangroves. While wildlife sightings may vary, the tour offers breathtaking sunset views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, though some guests have noted a need for improved educational content and boat cleanliness.
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Private Wild Dolphin Boat Tour
Guests board the private boat for the Wild Dolphin Tour in Naples, Florida, eager to catch a glimpse of the region’s vibrant marine life.
The tour departs from the Goodland Boat Park, where visitors can expect to pay a $10 parking fee. With a maximum capacity of 6 people, the tour offers a personalized experience to observe dolphins in their natural habitat.
The boat is equipped with a cooler, ice, and a restroom, ensuring comfort during the excursion. Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are permitted.
Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance with no charge, providing flexibility for participants.
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3 Hour Private Dolphin & Shelling Tour
After the personalized Wild Dolphin Tour, guests can embark on the 3 Hour Private Dolphin & Shelling Tour to further explore the captivating marine life of Naples.
This 5-star rated tour departs from the Goodland Boat Park, where a $10 parking fee applies unless guests have a Collier County Beach Parking Sticker.
The tour includes bottled water, parking fees, and tips, and it’s not wheelchair accessible but is stroller friendly.
Participants can expect to see dolphins and enjoy shelling during this private tour, which will conclude back at the starting point.
Positive reviews highlight the expertise of the guide, Jason, and the amazing dolphin sightings.
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Dolphin and Manatee Paddle Board Guided Activity
This guided paddle board excursion in Naples allows adventurers to observe dolphins and manatees up close in their natural habitat.
The activity includes a life vest and dry bags, and the maximum group size is 13 travelers. The meeting point is on Big Hickory Island, with easy access via Google or Apple Maps.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the moderate physical fitness level required makes this a suitable option for most.
With a perfect 5-star rating based on reviews, this paddle board tour provides an opportunity to witness these incredible marine mammals in their coastal environment while enjoying the beautiful Florida scenery.
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Private 3 Hour Dolphin & Manatee Eco Tour Naples, FL
A private 3-hour dolphin and manatee eco-tour in Naples, Florida, offers a unique opportunity to observe these captivating marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Priced at €435.73 for up to 6 participants, the tour departs from 750 Palm Point Dr and includes bottled water and gratuities.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and accommodates service animals.
Guests can expect to see dolphins, manatees, alligators, and various birds, as well as stop at a private beach for photos and shell collecting.
With a 5.0 rating based on 6 reviews, this private tour is highly recommended for couples and families seeking an intimate eco-adventure.
Read our full review: Private 3 Hour Dolphin & Manatee Eco Tour Naples, FL Review
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The Sum Up
Naples, Florida offers a variety of dolphin-watching tours to suit different preferences and budgets. From small-group excursions to private charters, these tours provide the opportunity to see these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, shelling, or a combination of activities, there’s a dolphin tour in Naples that can make your wildlife-viewing dreams come true.