Best of Marco Island Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Looking for a boat tour that goes beyond dolphins and shelling? This two-hour sightseeing cruise departs Goodland and travels through the Ten Thousand Islands to Marco Island.
This popular sightseeing and wildlife cruise will bring you through the mangrove nearshore estuary of the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge traveling from Goodland to Marco Island and back.
Your entertaining and knowledgeable tour guide will answer all of your questions and show you some of the best sights around the islands. All guides are Florida certified master naturalists and members of the Marco Island Historical Society.
Boat tour topics may include:
- The building of Marco Island
- Marco beaches and beachfront condos and hotels
- Waterfront restaurants and dining
- Isles of Capri, Horr's Island, Goodland
- The Calusa Indians
- Mansions of Marco Estates
- Cape Romano Dome House
- Hermits, pirates, and saltwater cowboys
- Wildlife habitat of the 10,000 Islands
- Boating and fishing in SW Florida
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Goodland
See the sights of Goodland, the "drinking town with a fishing problem" from the water. Learn about its history and understand Goodland's laidback and fun atmosphere from a local perspective.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Your boat ride will go through the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Depending on the time of year, you may see wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and birds.
What‘s Included
Cooler with Ice
Parking Fees
Food (Yes you can bring your own!)
Drinks (BYOB - please, no red wine!)
Restroom on board
Options
Best of Marco Island Tour
Reviews
147 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful Boat Ride!
CentralTXtravelers,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I selected this boat tour and we were happy we did! It is a great way to see Marco Island and Goodland and the captain filled us in about the history of the area, the wildlife and recommended spots to visit. The highlight of the tour was seeing a superpod of dolphins swimming in the water, with many of the dolphis jumping and "surfing" in the wake of the boat. Very relaxing, not crowded and an enjoyable activity to participate in while visiting Marco Island.
Fun day
Karen M,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful day for a small group tour of area surrounding Marco Island. Capt Nate was entertaining and knowledgeable. We saw many dolphins playing and following the boat. Great way to spend the afternoon!
Incredible Tour
H7718KTjohnd,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding tour, could not have been better! Nate was very knowledgeable about the area. He knew some of the dolphins by their physical characteristics, how to get them chasing the boat and jumping out of the water. Six guests onboard, so not crowded. Well worth your time and the modest expense.
Make time for this
Carolee K,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this small-group excursion with Capt. Nate. He is a certified naturalist with so much information to share about the area and wildlife. We lucked out in having a very low-tide 11 am trip (we were in a flat-bottomed skiff and could still traverse) and it was awesome to see the many islands, vegetation, and wildlife. Our Captain even got a mama and baby dolphin to jump and play in our wake. We also enjoyed seeing the luxe houses on the southern end of Marco and hearing some history. A great trip!
Vacation
marionwX4920LV,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Nate was awesome, very knowledgeable, kind, very fun. You could tell he loved what he did. Saw lots of animals especially dolphins.great experience
Small boat ride around Marco Island
Kathleen c,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a small pontoon boat ride. Only 6 people. The boat could hold a lot more so it was really nice to have room. We were all there early so we left early. Best part was the dolphins wake surfing off the back of boat. One almost hit the back of boat. The ride to Marco island was great. Some history about the island and looking at mansions. We saw birds in addition to the dolphins. Bring a jacket as it’s cooler when the boat gets going.
Not a boring pontoon boat ride. Wow!
lisa c,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous. We saw sites we never expected. Dolphins chased our boat & jumped within feet of the boat. He know the area. He is knowledgeable on history of Island. Great & highly recommend. Not a boring pontoon boat ride.
Nice tour
Tracy M,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Goodland has the feel of Key West with several restaurants. Nate was a wealth of information. Loved seeing all the islands and wildlife. I have never seen dolphins so close to the boat! It was nice to see Marco from the water
Loved this tour
RunnerGirl8Michigan,,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this tour. It was exactly what we were looking for! Beautiful scenery, learning some island history, and lots and lots of dolphins! Captain Nate was awesome!
Baby dolphins
T4839KSsharonm,,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Nate was very accommodating on our tour. He was super knowledgeable about all of Marco Island. We saw a baby dolphin swim with her mother. I mean right next to our boat!!! We learned so much history about Marco Island’s. Nate gave us a fantastic recommendation to Snooks Inn to get “ all you can eat crab legs “ on Mondays! Then we finished our day by going to Sweet Annie’s for a yummy ice cream! Thank you Captain Nate for a great day on Marco Island! From the New Hampshire girls Sharon & Patty
From US$79.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Florida Island Tours