Island Runner Tours offers private boat excursions designed to feel personal, relaxed, and memorable. Led by Captain Ray, a USCG-licensed captain with more than 40 years of boating experience and deep local knowledge of Southwest ...
Captain Ray has built a genuinely loyal following in the Fort Myers area, with many guests returning multiple times and booking him whenever friends or family visit. His dolphin tours are the standout offering, and reviewers consistently rave about how close they get to the dolphins, the informative commentary, and Ray's obvious passion for the local waters. He even has names for some of the dolphins he regularly encounters, which speaks to how well he knows the area. Beyond dolphin cruises, Ray offers fishing charters, shell collecting trips, sunrise cruises, and even sea burial ceremonies, handling each with the same level of care and flexibility. Guests appreciate his willingness to accommodate special requests, whether that means adjusting departure times or tailoring the experience to kids. For small groups especially, the private charter option is considered well worth it compared to larger tour boats.
So happy we booked- best day of our vacation. Ray was great on communication- comfortable boat..we only had 4 passengers, but still the cost was not much more than if we went with one of the larger tour boats. Not sure why anyone with a group of 5 or 6 would ever consider not hiring Ray. In addition to Dolphins and Manatees, first time we saw large pelican groups in trees.
Catherine S
April 30, 2026
So happy we booked- best day of our vacation. Ray was great on communication- comfortable boat..we only had 4 passengers, but still the cost was not much more than if we went with one of the larger tour boats. Not sure why anyone with a group of 5 or 6 would ever consider not hiring Ray. In addition to Dolphins and Manatees, first time we saw large pelican groups in trees.
Catherine S
April 30, 2026