The Best Marco Island Boat Tours (Private, Sunset & More)
Have you been searching for the best Marco Island boat tours? I’ve got you covered. ⛵️
If you’re looking for an exciting boating experience, Marco Island in Florida is the place to be! From private tours and sunset cruises to mangrove kayaking and more, there are plenty of options when it comes to exploring this beautiful area.
With its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, mangroves, and plenty of wildlife, Marco Island offers an unforgettable environment for an experience that will stay with you long after your trip is over.
And as someone who lived in Florida for several years, I can confidently say that taking a boat tour is one of the best ways to take in all that this area has to offer. Because if you’re only seeing the area by land you’re really missing out!
So let’s dive in!
My Top 3 Picks: Boat Tours Marco Island
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marco Island Wildlife Sightseeing and Shelling Tour
✅ Explore Cape Romano
✅ Naturalist guides
✅ Shelling & Wildlife sighting
Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour
✅ Half Day Tour
✅ Explore a barrier island
✅ Lots of wildlife!
Sightseeing and Sunset Catamaran Sailing Excursion
✅ Day sail or sunset cruise
✅ Swim at a secluded beach
✅ Friendly & knowledgeable crew
Best Marco Island Boat Tours
1. Marco Island Wildlife Sightseeing and Shelling Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
This Marco Island Wildlife Sightseeing and Shelling Tour is the perfect way to explore and experience the amazing wildlife of Marco Island. On this tour, you will be taken on a boat out to Cape Romano to learn all about the local marine life.
You’ll also get to explore and admire the mangrove ecosystem as well as enjoy a popular activity in the region – shelling on an island or private beach.
Captain Colleen was EXCELLENT! Very knowledgeable, engaging, fun. We enjoyed dolphins jumping in our wake and washing them hunt. We saw countless birds, beautiful homes, and gathered quite a bag of interesting shells. We heartily recommend this tour and Captain Colleen.
-Tom (Read more reviews)
With all of that, plus knowledgeable master naturalists as your guides and a partially shaded boat so you don’t have to worry about sunburns – this is one family-friendly tour you won’t want to miss! And don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins too, as you’ll see a lot on the way!
Whether you’re a nature lover, an aspiring marine biologist, or just looking for a fun day out on the water, this tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
BEST MARCO ISLAND BOAT TOURS
2. Marco Island Dolphin Sightseeing Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Marco Island Dolphin Sightseeing Tour is an amazing journey! Experience the beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands and have a local Captain as your guide to explore the Gulf Coast and learn about its incredible environment.
The tour also includes a live tour guide who will teach you about the unique mangroves that make up this area, as well as spotting shorebirds like Osprey along the way. Plus, as the name suggests, you’ll have lots of chances to see dolphins and maybe even some manatees, which are extremely common for the area!
Our guide, Jessica, and captain, Christina were just outstanding. Jessica is a marine biologist and both very familiar with the Ten Thousand Island area. They know the Dolphins that hang in this area, all with names and stories. We enjoyed the ride, viewing the Dolphins and all the knowledge that they passed onto us. We ranged from age 7 to age 70 and all enjoyed the 2 hour trip.
-Deb (Read more reviews)
The tour is great for all ages and provides lots of interesting educational commentary about these amazing creatures as well as the area they call home.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Marco Island, look no further than this Marco Island boat tour where you’ll see everything from birds to dolphins and mangroves!
BEST MARCO ISLAND BOAT TOURS
3. Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour up to 12 people
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours 45 min. | ✅ Book it!
Explore the stunning Ten Thousand Islands by boat on a half-day tour from Marco Island. With a maximum of 12 people, you will be treated to a personalized experience as you explore an isolated barrier island only accessible by boat.
Snorkel and swim in crystal clear water and search for dolphins and manatees along the way! You can even find shells, like sand dollars and conch shells, on the remote island.
Our guides were so friendly, knowledgeable, and funny! We got a beautiful tour through the islands, visited a beach where we found beautiful shells, and saw a mother and baby manatee and a dolphin!
-Stacey (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Your friendly guide will offer great commentary on the local history and ecology as you admire the stunning natural habitat and wildlife of the area. You might even get a chance to witness dolphins playing in the wake of the boat!
This is a great option for anyone looking for a smaller group experience and if you’re looking to snorkel or explore a remote island near Marco Island.
BEST MARCO ISLAND BOAT TOURS
4. Sightseeing and Sunset Catamaran Sailing Excursion
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Take a break from your daily itinerary and explore the stunning beauty of Marco Island with this Sightseeing and Sunset Catamaran Sailing Excursion! This sunset cruise on a Catamaran, operated by Cool Beans, offers a great way to see the beautiful area by water. There are two cruise options available: 2 or 2.5 hour sunset cruises.
Great hosts with a nice, relaxing sail to watch the sun melt into the ocean. They kept the drinks flowing and had great music as well.
-Angela (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
You’ll kick off your tour by sailing close to Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, then head out to Keewaydin Island for a stop at an isolated beach where you can go swimming and shelling. Along the way you’ll also pass by Hideaway Beach as well as spot lots of local wildlife like dolphins, manatees, birds, mangroves, and more!
You’ll even enjoy an iconic moment on this sunset cruise with a special champagne toast at sunset!
The friendly captain and crew will keep you informed and entertained throughout the journey. Sailing Marco Island is a great activity for family and friends and this tour accommodates up to 20 passengers with plenty of space to spread out on deck.
BEST MARCO ISLAND BOAT TOURS
5. Marco Island 2 hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
This Marco Island 2 Hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling Tour is the ultimate way to explore the undeveloped Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge! Join a small group of adventurers on this naturalist-guided boat tour to spot beautiful animals like dolphins, pelicans, spoonbills, and sea turtles.
You’ll get to learn all about the wildlife from your knowledgeable tour guide. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to visit an uninhabited barrier island for some shelling!
This was such a great experience. Our captain was super knowledgeable and went above and beyond to share information and try to get the dolphins to play. We went onto a little island only accessible via boat and walked around collecting shells. Unforgettable experience – highlight recommend.
-Ashley (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
This tour is perfect for some family fun and those looking for a great introduction to the area. It’s also a great way to spend the day while exploring the 10,000 Islands area.
BEST MARCO ISLAND BOAT TOURS
6. Marco Island: Shelling Island Boat Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Marco Island Shelling Island Boat Tour is an exciting and educational adventure in one of the most beautiful areas along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Up to 17 passengers will board the boat and head to an uninhabited barrier island with a knowledgeable naturalist guide.
Get closer to nature as you learn about individual shells and how to actually shell. You’ll also learn about the area’s flora and fauna on this hands-on tour, which is a far cry from your typical boat tour.
The trip was AMAZING! Great Captain very knowledgeable and helpful. We found so many shells and even a sand dollar! The dolphin sightings were an added bonus and one of them even played in our wake!
-Barbara (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
In addition to shelling, you may spot wildlife like birds, manatees, and dolphins as you explore the 10,000 Islands area. You’ll also learn all about the area’s ecosystem and local history on this trip.
Overall, this is a great excursion for anyone who wants to see some of the most amazing wildlife (even egrets, bald eagles, and ospreys) as well as to learn a little more in-depth information about shelling in the area!
BEST MARCO ISLAND BOAT TOURS
7. Best of Marco Island Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
See Marco Island in a whole new light with this Best of Marco Island Tour! Join a small group tour (up to 6 people) taking you through the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge and its mangrove estuary.
From here, you’ll get to see different islands, beaches, Cape Romano, and other highlights that make this area so special. You’ll also learn from a local about the history of Goodland and Marco Island itself.
Capt Nate and Jules were terrific! Our experience couldn’t of been better! We even saw a couple of dolphins and seeing the dome house was amazing.
-Gladys (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Glide past breathtaking mansions on the beachfront as you view wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and birds. Caxambas Pass Park is also a must see on this tour – it’s a critical wildlife management area that supports shorebirds, sea turtle nests, and more.
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience – it’s great for anyone who wants to get a good taste for Marco Island and the area as a whole in two hours!
Marco Island Eco Tours
From manatees and dolphins to sea turtles and birds, these Eco-friendly boat tours provide an up close, interactive experience with the diverse wildlife that lives in the area.
BEST MARCO ISLAND ECO TOURS
8. Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Experience the beauty of nature in Southwest Florida with a Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour! Departing from nearby Naples, Florida, take a covered boat tour along the waterways and spot some of Florida’s incredible wildlife.
You’ll have the opportunity to observe manatees, alligators, dolphins, birds, and other animals in their natural habitat. High tech polarized sunglasses are provided to passengers, so that you can get the best view of the wildlife.
Caption Andrew was amazing and knew so much about the area and the environment that it made the experience even more enjoyable. He was able to locate the manatees and knew so much about them that we were just amazed. I would definitely rebook this trip and recommend it to all my friends and family.
-Jennifer (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
You can also choose between morning and afternoon departure times, which allows you to fit this unique experience into whatever your schedule might look like! On board, learn about the animals and ecosystems found in the area with an informative narrated tour from a Coast Guard-licensed captain. Plus, this is a perfect activity for nature lovers of all ages.
During the tour, manatees come up to the boat around 90% of the time, which is an incredible sight to see so close up! With calm waters throughout your experience, you’ll leave with a heightened appreciation of nature and memories that will last a lifetime.
BEST MARCO ISLAND ECO TOURS
9. Mangrove Tunnels Kayak and Paddle Board Eco Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
Experience the stunning beauty of Marco Island’s coastal mangrove forests with a Mangrove Tunnels Kayak and Paddle Board Eco Tour. This active tour offers multiple times to choose from and provides an introduction to kayaking and paddleboarding before setting off to explore the hidden wonders of the mangrove tunnels.
As you glide through the waters, you may spot wildlife such as Osprey, Dolphins and Manatees while learning more about the unique ecosystem. From an up close perspective, this tour offers an even more intimate way to explore Marco Island than a traditional boat tour.
Sertaç and Nelson were amazing! Not only we’re they knowledgeable but friendly. They made the day feel as if we were just a group of friends kayaking. The scenery was beautiful. We saw a few dolphins, osprey and got to hold a starfish and sea urchin. Highly recommend taking this tour.
-TJ (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Your knowledgeable guide will be sure to make you feel like friends kayaking as they share their knowledge of the local area. You might even have a chance to find starfish and urchin!
Kayak tours are a great way to see more of the area and this boat tour is a good one to join to make some new friends and to explore Marco Island’s mangroves!
Marco Island Private Boat Tours
With tailor-made tours, you can enjoy a personalized journey that combines breathtaking views with fascinating insights into the local culture, wildlife and marine life. With so many options available, you can create an adventure that fits your exact interests and preferences.
BEST MARCO ISLAND PRIVATE BOAT TOURS
10. Private Sailing Tour through the Ten Thousands Islands
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
Experience the beauty of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands region on this private sailing tour. Hop aboard the stiletto catamaran and set sail, visiting a unique area known for its lush seascapes, mangrove forests, and abundant wildlife.
Your knowledgeable guide will point out landmarks and highlights along the way while you enjoy the peacefulness of sailing. You can even be part of the crew, if you’d like, helping to man the sails.
Did the 2-hour sunset cruise with my parents and my boyfriend, and it was the perfect way to end our day! So relaxing and perfect weather, and our captain was the best! We’ll definitely book again next time we’re in Naples!
–Audrey (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
With multiple sailing times available—including a sunset tour—this private sailing excursion is perfect for family getaways, friend trips, birthdays, or any other special occasion.
Up to six people can fit on board and enjoy this two-hour Marco Island boat tours option! Plus—watch out for dolphins frolicking alongside you! Discover a new way to explore the Ten Thousand Islands region with a private sailing tour.
BEST MARCO ISLAND PRIVATE BOAT TOURS
11. 4 Hour Private Shelling Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
This 4 Hour Private Shelling Tour is the perfect way to explore the Ten Thousand Islands area and its beautiful beaches. You’ll get to stop at places like Kice Island, Dickman Island and Morgan’s Beach to find a wide variety of rare shells, including whelks, nutmegs, starfish and sand dollars.
Oh my gosh! What an amazing day! The winds had brought in a ton of shells and we just wandered along the deserted beach finding every type of shell imaginable. Captain Jason and Megan were friendly and knowledgeable, telling us all about the different varieties of shells. Incredible experience!
-Reviewer (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
The captain and crew on board are knowledgeable about the local history, ecology and environmental factors of this region, so you can learn plenty about the area while you search for treasures. You might even spot dolphins leaping out of the water by the boat!
This tour is ideal for those shell-lovers who are looking for specific types of shells or just want to experience a unique beach & Florida adventure. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to explore an incredible place with a private shelling tour!
BEST MARCO ISLAND PRIVATE BOAT TOURS
12. Private Charter Sailing Trip – Naples
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
Experience a unique way to explore Florida’s Paradise Coast with a private charter sailing trip departing from Bayview Park in Naples! On board the comfortable Telstar 28 sailboat, Captain Art will take you on an adventure of your own design. The itinerary is truly flexible and up to you!
Was an absolute blast ! We truly enjoyed our time with Art on the sail boat. Was so relaxing and fun . Dolphins, manatees……. Turtles secluded beaches got to take a dip in the crystal Blue water. Was just a lovely day
-George (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
From morning or afternoon departure times, you can sail and look for dolphins or other marine life, relax and sunbathe onboard, or even anchor near Keewaydin Island for swimming and shelling.
Experience the thrill of looking for manatees or sea turtles while out at sea! This is an experience perfect for up to four people to discover the Marco Island and Naples areas. It’s also great for anyone who might like a more peaceful boat tour and one that is easily customizable.
FAQs About Marco Island Boat Rides
Marco Island offers a variety of exciting boat tours, including sailboat tours, Eco tours, kayak or paddleboard tours, Marco Island Dolphin Tours, Catamaran tours and more!
A boat tour of Marco Island offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, osprey, and other shorebirds. It’s also possible to spot various types of fish and other marine animals on the tour.
Marco Island boat tours typically last about 2 to 4 hours. This will vary by the boat tour that you choose – public boat tours generally are 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Private tours generally are anywhere from 3-4 hours.
🤩 This #1 Marco Island naturalist guided tour is perfect for shell lovers & animal lovers!
Final Thoughts: Boat Tours in Marco Island
Explore Marco Island in a whole new way by heading out on one of these exciting Marco Island boat tours! Enjoy the fresh ocean air and take in all of the sights – from schools of dolphins and manatees to lots of birds soaring through the air.
And it’s all from the comfort of a boat with a knowledgeable and friendly Captain & guide! Plus, the crew will make sure that every detail is taken care of so that you can have an unforgettable (and stress free) day on the water. So get ready to explore the area in a completely unique way – go ahead and do yourself a favor and book one of these Marco Island boat tours!
