Everglades backwater fishing with gear and licensing included
1-1/2 hours
Up to 6 people
Licensing, bait, equipment
Fish the backwaters of the Everglades on a 1.5-hour trip designed for easy, catch-and-release action. You’ll take a short ride to the river in calm water and may spot wildlife along the way.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Gratuity is between you and the captain on the boat.
This booking is for the whole experience, which fits up to 6 guests.
No refunds within 24 hours of departure. If you are late or miss the boat, you will not get a refund or a longer tour. If the entire tour is cancelled due to unsafe conditions, you get a full refund.
Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Meet around back of the fire station/ship store at the picnic tables, and the captain will call your last name when it’s time to board.
Use the large parking lot on the right as you enter the community off Highway 41/Tamiami Trail; it’s the only free place you’re authorized to park. Parking next to the marina/ship store and behind the fire station may cost a fee (handicap parking is an exception).
Use the restrooms inside the ship store from 9 am to 3 pm. After 3 pm, use the restrooms in the Port of the Islands Hotel lobby.
Port of the Islands Marina located at **525 Newport Drive, Naples**
This tour operation consistently delivers memorable wildlife adventures thanks to its exceptional captains. John, Dallas, Paul, and Joe get frequent shoutouts for being knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely passionate about what they do. Guests appreciate how the guides share fascinating details about local wildlife, mangroves, and the area's history while keeping everyone entertained with their humor and engaging personalities. The tours explore the waterways around the marina and nearby islands, with several captains going the extra mile by providing polarized glasses for better viewing and even taking photos for guests. Wildlife sightings vary naturally depending on the day. Most visitors spot manatees along with alligators, dolphins, birds, and occasionally sharks or raccoons, though some trips see fewer animals than others. The sunset tours receive particular praise for stunning views. One guest felt disappointed that the route stayed closer to residential docks rather than venturing deeper into mangrove areas, but this appears to be an outlier experience. The three-hour excursions seem to hit the sweet spot for most visitors, offering enough time on the water without feeling rushed.
Captain John is funny and very knowledgeable about the animals and plants. We were able to see 3-4 manatees and even a baby manatee, birds, and an alligator. So neat! Thanks, John. We had a fun time and beautiful weather!!
Jennifer
May 24, 2026
Captain John is funny and very knowledgeable about the animals and plants. We were able to see 3-4 manatees and even a baby manatee, birds, and an alligator. So neat! Thanks, John. We had a fun time and beautiful weather!!
Jennifer
May 24, 2026