Discover the wonders of Florida’s island paradise with the Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour. This 2.5-hour adventure offers nature enthusiasts an intimate experience exploring the region’s vibrant marine life. Set out on a journey to spot wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, seasonal manatees, and a variety of bird species, while enjoying the tranquility of a secluded barrier island beach. The tour’s comprehensive inclusions and focus on safety and comfort promise an enriching exploration into the heart of this natural wonder.
This experience made our article of Goodland Florida’s 2 Best Cruises And Boat Tours.
Key Points
- A 2.5-hour eco-boat tour that allows observation of wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
- Includes a visit to a secluded barrier island beach for shelling, picnicking, or swimming, with a complimentary cooler and shelling bags provided.
- Led by experienced Coast Guard master captains and Florida Master Naturalist guides, ensuring an informative and safe experience.
- Convenient booking options with no upfront payment required and a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance.
- Guidelines in place to ensure the comfort and safety of all participants, including prohibitions on smoking, pets, and red wine.
Tour Overview
The tour is an Island Paradise: Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour that lasts 2.5 hours.
Priced from $125 per person, the tour’s group size is limited to 6 participants and provides an English-speaking live guide.
Travelers can expect to observe wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and various bird species in their natural habitat, as well as encounter seasonal wildlife like manatees, sea turtles, fish, sharks, and stingrays.
The tour also includes a visit to a secluded barrier island beach for shelling, picnicking, or swimming.
Complimentary items like a cooler with ice and shelling bags are provided.
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Experience Highlights
On this eco boat tour, participants can observe wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and various bird species in their natural habitat.
They may also encounter seasonal wildlife like manatees, sea turtles, fish, sharks, and stingrays.
The tour includes a visit to a secluded barrier island beach where guests can shell, picnic, or swim.
Experienced Coast Guard master captains and Florida Master Naturalist guides lead the tour, ensuring an informative and enjoyable experience.
A cooler with ice and complimentary shelling bags are provided, and food and drinks are available for purchase at the Goodland Boat Park store.
Tour Inclusions
This eco boat tour includes a boat tour ticket, a cooler with ice, and complimentary shelling bags for participants.
Parking is available at the Goodland Boat Park store for $10. Food and drinks can be purchased at the same store.
The tour company provides experienced Coast Guard master captains and Florida Master Naturalist guides to lead the excursion.
Experienced Coast Guard master captains and Florida Master Naturalist guides lead the eco boat tour excursion.
Guests are advised to avoid wearing new (unwashed) bathing suits and using spray sunscreen, opting for lotion instead.
Smoking, pets (except service animals), and red wine are prohibited during the 2.5-hour tour.
Booking Information
Guests can reserve their spot on the Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour without upfront payment. The booking process is straightforward:
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Free parking is available across from Stans Idle Hour Restaurant, with bathrooms on-site.
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Payment is due at the time of the tour, allowing flexibility in planning.
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Customers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind.
With these convenient booking options, guests can easily secure their spot on this immersive eco-tour and look forward to an unforgettable island adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Guidelines
Along With the booking convenience, there are a few important guidelines guests should be aware of for the Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour.
Smoking, pets (except assistance dogs), and red wine aren’t allowed. Guests are advised to avoid using spray sunscreen and instead opt for lotion.
Plus, wearing new (unwashed) bathing suits is discouraged. These guidelines help ensure the comfort and safety of all participants during the eco-tour.
The tour has received a 5/5 customer rating based on one review, so following these simple rules will contribute to a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Customer Rating
While the Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour received a perfect 5/5 customer rating, this evaluation was based on a single review from Lisa, a customer from the United States, who experienced the tour on June 8, 2024.
The review highlights several key aspects of the tour:
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Exceptional wildlife sightings, including wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and various bird species
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A secluded barrier island beach visit for shelling, picnicking, and swimming
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Knowledgeable and experienced Coast Guard master captains and Florida Master Naturalist guides
This single, positive review provides a glimpse into the tour’s quality, but a broader range of customer feedback would be needed to fully evaluate the overall customer experience.
Exploring the Island Paradise
As the boat gently glides across the serene waters, guests are treated to a breathtaking panorama of the island paradise.
Secluded barrier islands come into view, offering ample opportunities for shelling, picnicking, and swimming. Experienced guides point out a variety of bird species and the occasional sighting of manatees, sea turtles, fish, sharks, and stingrays.
The highlight of the tour is the chance to observe wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, as they gracefully navigate the calm waters.
Guests can enjoy the tranquil beauty of this unspoiled ecosystem, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Encountering Wildlife
Guests aboard the eco boat tour are treated to a remarkable display of wildlife. The tour’s experienced guides expertly navigate the waters, offering visitors the opportunity to observe a diverse array of marine life in their natural habitat.
An eco boat tour treats guests to a remarkable display of wildlife, as experienced guides navigate the waters and reveal diverse marine life.
Key highlights include:
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Sightings of majestic Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, as they gracefully leap and frolic in the waves.
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Encounters with gentle manatees, the "sea cows" of Florida’s waterways, as they surface to breathe.
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Glimpses of vibrant seabirds, such as herons, egrets, and pelicans, soaring overhead or perching on the mangrove-lined shores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement. As an eco-tour focused on nature observation, it’s likely suitable for participants of all ages, though parents should use their discretion based on their child’s interests and ability to engage with the activities.
Are Life Jackets Provided for Participants?
Yes, life jackets are provided for all participants on the tour. The tour operator ensures the safety of guests by supplying the necessary equipment, allowing them to fully enjoy the eco-friendly boat adventure.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a cooler with ice, but participants are welcome to pack their own snacks and beverages as well.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration is fixed at 2.5 hours and there’s no option to extend it. However, you can enjoy some extra time before or after the tour at the Goodland Boat Park store or nearby Stans Idle Hour Restaurant.
How Experienced Are the Tour Guides in Wildlife Identification?
The tour guides are highly experienced Florida Master Naturalists, trained to identify a wide range of local wildlife species. They’ll share their expertise to help participants spot and learn about the diverse flora and fauna encountered during the eco-tour.
The Sum Up
The "Island Paradise: Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour" offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Guests can expect to witness wild dolphins, manatees, and diverse bird life, while exploring a secluded barrier island beach. With an expert guide, comprehensive inclusions, and a focus on safety and comfort, this eco-tour promises an enriching exploration of Florida’s vibrant marine ecosystem.
📍 This experience made our list of the 2 best Cruises And Boat Tours in Goodland Florida