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Best of Marco Island Tour

Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Naples, USA
Popular pick
Booked 10+ times last week!
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Cecilia_B ·
Apr 2026
We had a wonderful day with our Captain Rick. He was very informative and took us sightseeing along the beautiful mangroves, explained the history of Marco Island, pointed out the many dolphins we saw along our ride. If you are ever interested in this tour do not hesitate to request our Captain, as you will not be disappointed in this experience.
· Susan_K ·
Mar 2026
We were with Captain John and he was excellent. He explained the different areas we drove through. He got some of the dolphins to “ride” with us and since we had extra time we got to stop at a beach and collect shells. I thought it was a great time for the price.

Overview

This small-group tour covers the best of Marco Island in the Gulf of Mexico off Southwest Florida in a few hours of sightseeing. Meet your guide and board your boat in Goodland Boat Park and cruise through the mangrove estuary of the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge to Marco Island and back.
  • A small-group highlights tour of Marco Island from Goodland
  • Cruise through the mangroves of the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge
  • See islands, beaches, the Cape Romano Dome House, and other highlights
  • Small group ensures personalized attention from your guide

What's Included

  • Cooler with Ice
  • Parking Fees
  • Food (Yes you can bring your own!)
  • Drinks (BYOB - please, no red wine!)
  • Restroom on board

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 220 Goodland Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA

    Free parking across the street from Stan's Idle Hour Restaurant in the gravel lot behind the white fence. Our boats are located on the "Private Dock" behind our banner and flags.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

1

Goodland

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

3

Marco Island

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9
based on 208 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Captain Rick

Cecilia_B, Apr 2026
We had a wonderful day with our Captain Rick. He was very informative and took us sightseeing along the beautiful mangroves, explained the history of Marco Island, pointed out the many dolphins we saw along our ride. If you are ever interested in this tour do not hesitate to request our Captain, as you will not be disappointed in this experience.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

hank you, Cecilia, for the wonderful review! Florida Island Tours is so glad you had such a great day out with Captain Rick. He truly loves sharing the beauty of the mangroves, local history, and helping guests spot dolphins along the way. It sounds like you experienced exactly what makes our Marco Island boat tours so special. We really appreciate the recommendation, and we hope to have you back out on the water again soon for another unforgettable adventure! 🌊🐬

We were with Captain John...

Susan_K, Mar 2026
We were with Captain John and he was excellent. He explained the different areas we drove through. He got some of the dolphins to “ride” with us and since we had extra time we got to stop at a beach and collect shells. I thought it was a great time for the price.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you, Susan. Florida Island Tours is glad you had a great time with Captain John on the Best of Marco Island Tour. Watching dolphins ride the wake is always a highlight, and a bonus (we don't usually do this on this tour), beach stop for shelling makes the trip even more memorable. We appreciate you joining us and are happy to hear it was a great value. Hope to see you again soon. 🐬🐚🌴 Florida Island Tours

Fun tour of the islands

Christine_C, Mar 2026
Fun afternoon exploring the islands, seeing dolphins and learning about the mangroves. Captain John was informative, educative and fun. We had a chance to walk around and look for seashells.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you, Christine. Florida Island Tours is glad you enjoyed exploring the islands with Captain John. Dolphins, mangroves, and a little time walking the beach looking for seashells make the Best of Marco Island Tour a fun afternoon on the water. We appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again for another Marco Island boat tour adventure. 🐬🐚🌴 Florida Island Tours

Highly recommend

Yogini_V, Jan 2026
Captain John was great, he was knowledgeable and friendly and really tried to get us out of the wind with the weather change. Thank you for the great experience.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you for the recommendation, Yogini_V. Florida Island Tours is glad the Best of Marco Island Tour was such a positive experience. Captain John always keeps a close eye on changing conditions and adjusts the route to stay comfortable and protected from the wind whenever possible. That thoughtful approach, paired with his local knowledge and friendly style, is what guests appreciate about our Marco Island boat tours and dolphin tours. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you back on the water again soon 🌊🐬

Best of our Weekend in Florida!

Maureen_B, Jan 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed our excursion. Captain Nate was informative and went out of his way to be sure we saw Dolphins and lots of other wildlife!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you so much for the kind words, Maureen. Florida Island Tours is glad the Best of Marco Island Tour ended up being the highlight of your weekend. Captain Nate truly enjoys sharing local knowledge while making sure guests experience dolphins and other wildlife up close. That personal attention is what many families appreciate about our Marco Island boat tours, dolphin tours, and eco tours. We would love to welcome you back for another adventure on the water soon 🌊🐬 — Florida Island Tours 🙂

Relaxing and chill tour...

Dori_H, Jan 2026
Relaxing and chill tour of Marco and Goodland from the water. Great knowledgeable guides, especially about the diverse bird population.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you for sharing your experience, Dori. Florida Island Tours is glad the Best of Marco Island Tour felt relaxing and easygoing from the water. Cruising past Marco Island and Goodland while learning about the area’s diverse birdlife is something our guides truly enjoy sharing, especially with guests who appreciate the natural side of the region. The feedback is greatly appreciated, and Florida Island Tours hopes to welcome you back for another eco tour, dolphin tour, or sunset cruise in the future. 🐦🌊🙂

Such fun

Susan_G, Jan 2026
Wonderful tour. Captain was so friendly and knowledgeable. Very personable. Highly recommend to everyone. Loved the stories shared and dolphins jumping out of the water was extraordinary!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you so much for the kind review, Susan. Florida Island Tours is thrilled you had such a fun time on the Best of Marco Island Tour. A friendly, knowledgeable captain and great local stories always make the experience more memorable, especially when dolphins decide to put on an extraordinary show right alongside the boat. The recommendation truly means a lot, and Florida Island Tours would love to welcome you back for another dolphin tour, eco tour, or sunset cruise the next time you’re on Marco Island. 🐬🌊🙂

Eco tours captain Nate - great time

Andrea_L, Jan 2026
We saw dolphins, mansions upon mansions gorgeous water and a great captain that would answer every question we asked with in-depth information A truly fun filled time

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Andrea. Florida Island Tours is pleased that the Best of Marco Island Tour delivered a fun and informative experience. Seeing dolphins, cruising past beautiful waterfront homes, and enjoying those calm, clear waters really highlights what makes Marco Island boat tours special. Captain Nate enjoys answering questions and sharing in-depth local insight, so it’s great to hear that curiosity made the trip even better. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back soon for another dolphin tour, eco tour, or sunset cruise. 🐬🌊🙂

This trip has it all!

Carleen_V, Jan 2026
Great balance of content for this tour. We saw wildlife, several islands, and a city tour via boat of the shoreline of Marco Island and Goodland. We had a fantastic dolphin sighting. The boat captain was knowledgeable, helpful, and entertaining. Don’t book a separate dolphin tour because this one has it all. The ride through open water was relaxing too.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Carleen. Florida Island Tours is thrilled the Best of Marco Island Tour delivered such a well-rounded experience. That mix of wildlife, island exploring, and a shoreline cruise past Marco Island and Goodland is exactly what makes this tour so popular. A fantastic dolphin sighting always seals the deal, especially when the open-water ride feels calm and relaxing. Hearing that the tour covered everything you hoped for truly means a lot. Florida Island Tours looks forward to welcoming you back for another dolphin tour, eco tour, or sunset cruise the next time you’re ready to get out on the water. 🌊🐬🙂

Enjoyed the boat trip....

Paul_G, Jan 2026
Enjoyed the boat trip. The captain was very friendly and he showed us many birds and several dolphins. He gave us history of the area.

Family friendly, informative, and we saw dolphins

Matt_C, Jan 2026
Captain Gary was an excellent tour guide. We loved the history and the ecological lessons. But we really loved seeing dolphins and a manatee. The dolphins came close to the boat and even surfed the wake for a bit. So if you’re looking for a short tour that is family friendly, you will see dolphins, and is educational (shh don’t tell the kids), this is your tour. Wish I had better pictures to share but we focused on watching versus recording.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you so much, Matt 😊 Florida Island Tours is glad your family enjoyed the Best of Marco Island Tour. Captain Gary always does a great job blending local history and ecological lessons into a fun, family-friendly experience. Seeing dolphins surf the wake and spotting a manatee are unforgettable moments on our Marco Island boat tours. We love that you stayed in the moment and enjoyed the wildlife rather than worrying about photos. Thank you for the thoughtful recommendation, and we hope to welcome your family back for another dolphin tour, eco tour, or shelling tour in the future 🐬🌿🚤 — Florida Island Tours

Fun day

Karen_M, Dec 2025
Beautiful day for a small group tour of area surrounding Marco Island. Capt Nate was entertaining and knowledgeable. We saw many dolphins playing and following the boat. Great way to spend the afternoon!

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Karen! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a fun day on the water and enjoyed seeing the dolphins— they’re always a highlight 🐬 Capt. Nate will be happy to know you found the tour entertaining and informative. We appreciate you choosing Florida Island Tours for your Marco Island sightseeing tour boat company and hope to welcome you back to Marco Island for another great adventure soon!

Make time for this

Carolee_K, Dec 2025
We really enjoyed this small-group excursion with Capt. Nate. He is a certified naturalist with so much information to share about the area and wildlife. We lucked out in having a very low-tide 11 am trip (we were in a flat-bottomed skiff and could still traverse) and it was awesome to see the many islands, vegetation, and wildlife. Our Captain even got a mama and baby dolphin to jump and play in our wake. We also enjoyed seeing the luxe houses on the southern end of Marco and hearing some history. A great trip!

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Carolee, thank you for making time for a Best of Marco Island Tour and for sharing such a thoughtful review. It is wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed the small-group experience with Captain Nate and his naturalist insights about the islands and wildlife. That extra-low tide can turn into a real bonus on Marco Island boat tours, and it sounds like your dolphin tour and eco tour combo delivered the perfect mix of adventure and learning. Hearing about the mama and baby dolphin jumping and playing in the wake made our day too—that never gets old, even for the crew. The cruise past the luxury vacation mansions on the south end of Marco, with a bit of history mixed in, really completes the picture of the area. Whenever your travels bring you back this way, Florida Island Tours would love to welcome you aboard again, whether you feel like another dolphin tour, a dedicated eco tour, or a relaxed shelling tour out to the islands. 🌴🐬✨ – Florida Island Tours 🐚🚤

Nice tour

Tracy_M, Oct 2025
Goodland has the feel of Key West with several restaurants. Nate was a wealth of information. Loved seeing all the islands and wildlife. I have never seen dolphins so close to the boat! It was nice to see Marco from the water

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Tracy, thanks for cruising with us and for the thoughtful recap. Goodland really does carry that Key West charm, with easy bites before or after a ride. Captain Nate loved sharing local history and wildlife spots along the route. Those close dolphin passes are the moments families remember most. Seeing Marco from the water adds a whole new perspective. When you’re back, consider a sunset run or a shelling stop at a quiet sandbar. We’d be happy to plan a relaxed follow-up adventure. — Florida Island Tours 🐬🌅🏝️

The dolphin show

Adela_A, Jul 2025
Our captain was very nice. The tour was great. We got the see a lot of dolphins, it was amazing. Thank you captain Nate,

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thank you, Adela! 🐬 We're so happy you enjoyed the dolphin show—those playful pods really know how to put on a performance! Captain Nate had a great time showing you around. Hope you’ll join us again next time you're in Marco Island! — Florida Island Tours 🌴

Highly Recommend

DENISE_D, Jul 2025
Captain Nate was awesome. We really enjoyed the ride and all the information he shared. We wanted to see dolphins, and we did.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thank you, Denise! 🐬 We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and that Captain Nate delivered the dolphin magic you were hoping for! He loves sharing his knowledge and showing guests the best of Marco Island. Hope to see you on the water again soon! — Florida Island Tours 🌴

Captain Thomas is the best!

Mary_C, Apr 2025
Went with my daughter and Thomas called us to make we can find him. He is awesome genuine and fun!! Will recommend the tour.

Response from Host, May 2025

Thank you so much, Mary! We’re thrilled you and your daughter had a great time with Captain Thomas. He always goes the extra mile to ensure guests feel welcome and have fun on the water. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation 😊 – Florida Island Tours 🌴🚤

My wife and I arrived for...

Krystyl_S, Apr 2025
My wife and I arrived for our boat tour with our baby. We didn’t realize we needed a ticket for our baby so we were unable to go out as the boat was full. Although we were disappointed Florida Island Tours tried their best to meet our needs but we just couldn’t get out. The best part is that they genuinely cared about our vacation and family experience. We will definitely be back to see them the next time we’re in town.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Hi Krystyl_S, Thank you so much for your kind words and understanding. We’re truly sorry we couldn’t get you out on the water that day—we know how important these vacation moments are, especially with your little one along for the ride. While it didn’t work out this time, we’re so glad you felt our team’s genuine care and effort. We can’t wait to welcome you all back for the full experience next time you’re in Marco Island! 💙🌴 – Florida Island Tours 🐚🐬

Relaxing and beautiful....

Alan_L, Mar 2025
Relaxing and beautiful. Must do. Capt. Nate La Pierre was funny and knowledgeable about the history of the islands.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Hi Alan, Thank you for the great review! We're so glad you enjoyed the Best of Marco Island Tour with Captain Nate—he’s got a knack for mixing history with humor, and we’re happy he made your trip both relaxing and fun. We appreciate you joining us and hope to see you back on the water soon! 🌴🐬 – Florida Island Tours

Marco

Julie_B, Mar 2025
It was a very enjoyable experience Captain Rhomas was very enjoyable We enjoyed touring around Marco and all the knowledge that was ahared

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Thank you so much, Julie! We're happy to hear you had such an enjoyable time exploring Marco with Captain Thomas. He loves sharing fun facts about the area, and we're glad it made your tour even more memorable. Hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! 🌴😊 – Florida Island Tours

We had a great cruise!!...

Kathleen_M, Mar 2025
We had a great cruise!! Captain Nate was a an excellent guide. The boat was very comfortable. We will definitely take this cruise again.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Thank you, Kathleen! 🌊😊 We're so glad you had a great cruise with Captain Nate! He truly loves sharing the beauty of Marco Island, and we’re happy you found the boat comfortable. We’d love to have you back for another adventure—see you next time! 🐬🚤☀️

Great time on the water

Deborah_S, Mar 2025
The whole experience was wonderful. The knowledge of Captain Thomas was outstanding. We saw dolphins and a bonus of a manatee. We saw beautiful houses, islands and being on the water is always so relaxing. I would highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Thank you, Deborah! 🌊🐬 We're so happy to hear you had a wonderful time on the water with Captain Thomas! Seeing dolphins and a manatee—what a treat! The beautiful sights of Marco Island make the experience even more special. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again for another adventure! 😊🚤

Variety of information

Judy_A, Mar 2025
On our trip, we saw dolphins & a manatee in March. Captain Thomas was a plethora of all kinds of info, but knows the seas.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Thank you, Judy! 🌊🐬 Seeing dolphins and even a manatee—what an amazing experience! We're so glad you enjoyed the trip and found Captain Thomas’ knowledge so valuable. He truly loves sharing the wonders of the area. Hope to see you on another adventure soon! 😊🚤

Captain Tom knowledgeable. Great Boatsman. See dolphins & Marco& Goodland.

Lorraine_M, Mar 2025
Bring A few layers clothing & a drink. Go after or before the boat excursion to one of the 4 Goodland restaurants. Parking lot you pay for has a pink stone path to office/ excursion area.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Thank you for your review! 🌴 We're glad you had a great time with Captain Tom and enjoyed seeing dolphins and exploring Marco Island & Goodland. Great tip on layering up and checking out the local restaurants—Goodland has some hidden gems! Hope to have you back on the water with us again soon. 🐬🚤😊

Definitely worth it !

elizabeth_M, Jan 2025
Captain Tom was great ! Weather warmed up so we decided to take the boat tour . The tour boat was clean and easily accessible from boat ramp . The trip was a great mix of historical anecdotes and nature facts. We saw SO many dolphins . Would recommend for tourists and locals alike !

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you for your fantastic review! We're so glad you decided to hop on board and enjoy the tour with Captain Tom. He loves sharing Marco Island's history and nature with our guests, and it sounds like the dolphins didn’t disappoint! We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon. 🌴🐬🚤

Marco Island tour

Gary_T, Jan 2025
Great water tour of Goodland and Marco Island. Our tour guide Tom was excellent and knew his island history. Tom also provided us a real treat with Dolfins following and jumping in our wake. Highly recommended

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled you had a great time exploring Goodland and Marco Island with Thomas. He truly knows his island history, and it sounds like the dolphins put on an unforgettable show for you! We appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you on another adventure soon. 🌊🐬

Open air boat. So if it’s...

Tenley_M, Jan 2025
Open air boat. So if it’s chilly outside be prepared. Tom, our guide, was very knowledgeable and responsive. He took good care of us and answered all our questions

Response from Host, Jan 2025

We’re so glad you enjoyed your time on the boat with Tom. He truly loves sharing his knowledge and making sure everyone feels comfortable. Great tip about preparing for the weather—dressing in layers can make all the difference on those chillier days.

Marco Island 2 Hr Boat Tour

Karen_L, Jan 2025
Great time with Captain Thomas. He provided us so much interesting history about Marco Island and the surrounding areas. We loved that a family of dolphins spent some time with us too.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you had a great time with Captain Thomas. He’s passionate about sharing the rich history of Marco Island and the surrounding areas, and it’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed it. And how special that a family of dolphins joined in on the adventure—it’s always such a treat to see them up close. We hope to see you again for another memorable trip!

Great Boat Ride

Anthony_T, Jan 2025
Being out on the water seeing the wildlife such as Pelicans and Dolphins. Also Captain Tom was an excellent guide

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you for your review! We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed the Best of Marco Island Tour. Being out on the water surrounded by wildlife like pelicans and dolphins is such a special experience, and Captain Thomas loves making every trip memorable. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon for more adventures!

Fun on the water

Brian_F, Dec 2024
Relaxing tour with good sight seeing. Drinks available at the small store near the dock. 4 beers only $13, so reasonable by today’s standards.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thank you for your review! We’re thrilled you had a relaxing time on our Best of Marco Island Tour and enjoyed the beautiful sights. We’re also glad you found the Goodland Boat Park store’s drink options convenient and reasonably priced! We hope to see you back on the water soon for another adventure! 🌊

From $99.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 13 days in advance.

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