Marco Island 2 Hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling Tour

The "Marco Island 2 Hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling Tour" offers nature enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore the captivating Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Led by expert naturalists, this intimate boat excursion promises close encounters with playful dolphins, majestic pelicans, and a chance to collect stunning shells on a serene barrier island. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or simply seeking an immersive outdoor adventure, this tour is designed to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our article of We Rank The 17 Best Dolphin Watching Tours In Naples.

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Key Points

A 2-hour guided boat tour in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, led by knowledgeable naturalists and offering opportunities to spot dolphins, pelicans, spoonbills, manatees, and sea turtles.
Includes a shelling expedition on an uninhabited barrier island, where guests can explore and collect a variety of seashells, from common to rare finds.
Provides a personalized and immersive experience due to the small group size, with a maximum of 17 travelers.
Departs from Goodland, Florida, with bottled water included, and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour.
Receives a remarkable 97% traveler recommendation from 432 reviews, with praise for the exceptional wildlife viewing, knowledgeable guides, and the relaxing shelling expedition.

Tour Overview

The Marco Island Dolphin Tour offers a 2-hour guided boat excursion through the scenic Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, allowing visitors to discover the region’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty.

Led by knowledgeable naturalists, the small-group tour promises opportunities to spot dolphins, pelicans, spoonbills, manatees, and sea turtles in their natural habitats.

Guests will also have the chance to disembark on an uninhabited barrier island for a shelling expedition.

With a maximum of 17 travelers, the tour provides a personalized and intimate wildlife viewing experience.

The tour departs from Goodland, Florida and includes bottled water.

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Highlights and Wildlife

As visitors embark on the Marco Island Dolphin Tour, they can expect to witness an array of captivating wildlife within the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

The naturalist-guided boat tour offers the chance to spot playful dolphins, massive pelicans, vibrant spoonbills, gentle manatees, and even sea turtles.

The shelling expedition on the uninhabited barrier island allows guests to explore and collect a variety of unique shells.

With a maximum of 17 travelers, the small-group tour provides a personalized and immersive experience to appreciate the diverse ecosystem of this protected natural area.

Shelling Expedition

A highlight of the Marco Island Dolphin Tour is the shelling expedition on the uninhabited barrier island. Guests have the opportunity to search for a variety of seashells, from common to rare finds. The guide provides insight into the different shell types and their origins. A table outlining some of the notable shells found in the area is provided below:

Shell Type	Description	Rarity
Junonia	Large, intricate pattern	Uncommon
Horse Conch	Spiral, elongated shell	Moderately common
Alphabet Cone	Distinct lettering-like design	Rare
Fighting Conch	Pointed spire, flared outer lip	Common

The tranquil setting and thrill of discovering unique shells make this a memorable part of the overall tour experience.

Tour Logistics

The Marco Island Dolphin Tour departs from 750 Palm Point Dr, Goodland, FL 34140, USA.

Travelers gather at the covered pavilion to the left of the building, where they’re greeted by the captain and provided the necessary safety equipment.

Bottled water is included in the tour. Gratuities are not included, but travelers can pay them at their discretion.

The tour has a maximum of 17 participants, ensuring a personal experience. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Pricing and Booking

The Marco Island Dolphin Tour offers pricing options starting from $99.95 per person.

Guests can take advantage of the Lowest Price Guarantee and the Reserve now and pay later option for added convenience.

The tour also features:

Gratuities not included
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
Bottled water provided
Maximum of 17 travelers for a personal experience

Booking the tour is straightforward, with confirmation received at the time of booking.

Travelers can easily meet the tour at the designated meeting point under the covered pavilion to the left of the building.

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Guest Experiences

What do guests have to say about their experiences on the Marco Island Dolphin Tour? According to the 432 reviews, the tour receives a remarkable 97% traveler recommendation.

Guests highlight the exceptional wildlife viewing, including captivating dolphin sightings and interactions. The knowledgeable and friendly guides receive praise for their expertise in pointing out a variety of birds, manatees, and sea turtles.

The shelling expedition on the uninhabited barrier island is also a highlight, allowing guests to collect unique shells in a relaxing atmosphere.

Accessibility Considerations

Although the Marco Island Dolphin Tour is not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate in the experience. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Some key accessibility considerations include:

Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
Confirmation received at time of booking

The tour’s small-group size and naturalist-guided boat experience provide an intimate and educational encounter with the local wildlife and ecosystems of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

Getting There and Meeting Point

The Marco Island Dolphin Tour departs from 750 Palm Point Dr, Goodland, FL 34140, USA.

The meeting point is under the covered pavilion to the left of the building. Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of reservation.

The tour includes a captain and all necessary safety equipment. Participants should plan to arrive at the departure location with enough time to check-in and board the boat.

Parking is available on-site. Once at the meeting point, guests can look for the tour company’s signage and staff to guide them to the appropriate vessel for their excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. While bottled water is provided, guests may prefer to bring additional refreshments to enjoy during the excursion. The tour operator encourages guests to stay hydrated.

Are There Opportunities for Photography During the Tour?

The tour provides ample opportunities for photography, as guests will have the chance to capture images of dolphins, birds, and shells during the naturalist-guided boat trip and shelling expedition. Bringing a camera is encouraged to make the most of the visual experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may be suitable for young children, as infants are allowed to sit on laps. However, it is not explicitly mentioned if the tour activities are designed with young children in mind. Parents should consider their child’s interests and abilities when deciding if this tour is appropriate.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

While the standard tour duration is 2 hours, guests may be able to extend the tour at an additional cost if arranged in advance. Inquiring with the tour operator about extension options prior to booking would be advisable.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Shells I Can Collect?

There is typically no strict limit on the number of shells that can be collected during shelling tours. However, participants are advised to only take what they can reasonably carry and to be mindful of preserving the local ecosystem.

The Sum Up

The Marco Island 2 Hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling Tour offers an immersive nature experience. Guests can observe diverse wildlife, collect unique shells, and learn about the local ecosystem from expert guides. With limited group sizes, this tour provides an intimate and memorable adventure for nature enthusiasts visiting the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.