Ten Thousand Islands Dolphin Beachcombing Tour
Private naturalist-led island exploration with local history and wildlife viewing
Duration
2 Hours
Includes
Private tour, naturalist guide
Highlights
Explore Ten Thousand Islands history and ecology with a Florida Master Naturalist captain. This private outing centers on local stories, mangroves, and natural wildlife behavior.
- Discover what Marco Island was like before Naples existed
- Visit Fakahatchee Island's early cemetery and handmade headstones
- Learn about the "Hermits" who once lived among the islands
- Look for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat
- Understand the role of mangroves and birdlife in the estuary
- Travel a route shaped by daily tides
Itinerary
- Arrival & Check-In: Meet your Master Naturalist at Goodland Boat Park.
- The 10,000 Islands Crossing: A scenic 15–20 minute cruise through protected estuaries.
- Shelling & Exploration: Step off onto remote sandbars to beachcomb for rare, empty shells.
- The Return Journey: Enjoy a relaxing ride back; afternoon tours often feature Gulf sunsets.
Important details
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure; boats may leave about 5 minutes after the scheduled time
- Medical conditions, including diabetes, heart conditions, or epilepsy, require advance notice
- Requires boarding and disembarking by ladder unassisted and walking up to about 1 mile on uneven sand, tree stumps, and possible mud
- Expect ankle- to knee-deep water at times
- Everyone in your party must disembark during shelling stops
- Bring 2–3 bottles of water and at least one electrolyte drink per person, plus snacks, sun protection, bug spray, a towel, and water shoes or sneakers
- No smoking or aerosol sunscreen application on the vessel
- Return to the boat at the captain's assigned time; delays incur a $30 per-person fee not included in the listed price
- Parking costs $10 and is not included in the listed price
- Parties of 6 or more have an automatic 18% gratuity not included in the listed price
- The captain makes weather and safety decisions and may cancel or modify the tour
Cancellation Policy
Cancel within 48 hours or no-show: full charge. Cancel within 14 days without rebooking: 50% charge. No refunds for cancellations within 14 days of Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's.
Product ID: H5GE5E
FAQs
You must be able to board and disembark by ladder without assistance and walk on uneven sand, tree stumps, and possible mud for up to about one mile. Expect wet feet, sometimes ankle- to knee-deep.
Bring water, at least one electrolyte drink, snacks, a bucket or bag for shells, a hand rake, bug spray, a towel, non-aerosol sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a small soft cooler if needed. Wear sneakers or water shoes rather than flip-flops.
Your captain makes weather decisions based on safety, not temperature. The tour may be canceled or modified in advance or at the dock; if the operator cancels for weather, you will not be charged and rescheduling will be attempted when possible.
Meeting details
Goodland Boat Park, 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140
