Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions:
What should I bring on the tour?
Sunscreen, towels, snacks, camera, sunglasses, and any beverages you would like besides the water we will provide.
What is included during the tour?
We will provide a yeti cooler full of ice and water as well as buckets and bags for all shells collected.
Is there shade?
What should we wear on the tour?
Any comfortable outdoor gear or beach clothing is suitable. Keep in mind when the boat is moving there can be wind chill so if your tour is in the morning, at sunset, or on a cooler day a second layer is recommended. Bathing suits are not required, and you will not get wet during our tours unless it is a particularly windy day.Â
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
There is no bathroom on the boat. We do have bathrooms located near our meeting point but we encourage everyone to use the restroom before arriving. Once on the tour, it’s you and the ocean if nature calls!
Are your excursions recommended for kids?
Absolutely! We pride ourselves on being one of the top rated tour companies for families with children. Our two and a half hour private tours are the perfect duration for families with young kids.Â
Do you provide life jackets?
Yes, all boats are equipped with life jackets as well as all other safety equipment to meet Coast Guard safety standards. Children ages six and under are required to wear life jackets while the boat is under way, and we will provide those life jackets. We are required to have life jackets for every adult, however they are not required to wear them.Â
What is your most popular tour?
Our most popular tour is our Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion. This tour focuses on two of the most exciting and unique aspects of the 10,000 Islands wildlife refuge. Not too long, not too short, and the whole boat for just friends and family!Â
What if we don’t want to go shelling?
No Problem! Many of our guests have already spent time shelling on Marco Island, or are not interested in collecting shells. If so, we recommend our Marco Island & 10,000 Island Sightseeing and Dolphin Tour. This tour offers a complete boat ride of the surrounding area with the goal of finding some of our local dolphins along the way.
Do you ever see any Manatees?
Manatee prefer warmer water making them hard to find in the winter. However, in the summer months when the water is consistently above 80 degrees, we usually have pretty good luck fining them on most tours.
What is the best time of day to see dolphins?
We see dolphins on 99% of our tours so there is not a preferred time but if I had to pick the optimal time it would be during an incoming tide. As the tide moves in from the Gulf it pushes in nutrients and fish for the dolphins to feed on.
What is the best time of day to go shelling?
The best time to go shelling is at low tide. Check a tide chart of the local area and book your tour during the low tide. In the winter months our low tides are in the early morning while in the summer they are in the late afternoon.Â
Where do we meet?
We are located right between Stan’s Idle hour and the little bar restaurant at 213 Harbor Pl N. You will be greeted by your captain at the gate before being accompanied to the dock and onto the boat.Â
Do people ever get sea sick?
We have never had a single guest get sea sick. With all the islands between us and the open ocean, the water is generally very calm.Â
Can you accommodate group sizes larger than 6?
We can only accommodate six passengers regardless of age per boat. But, with our second boat we can accommodate groups up to 12. Both boats ride out side by side, look at the same dolphins, and going to the same island. If you are interested in booking a large group please call us as it must be manually booked. A discount is also added for larger groups.Â
Do we need to arrive early?
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your tours departure time.Â
Can we bring alcohol?
Yes, you can bring alcohol. A cooler full of ice will be provided.Â
Will we get wet during the tour?
During windy conditions which we mostly see in the months of March and April you may experience some spray during the boat ride. We beach the boat so you can step right off the boat into sand. You typically will not get wet unless you want to.Â
What is considered a good tip for our captain?
Industry standard is 15-20%. Gratuity is a big part of a captains pay and if you feel they went above and beyond to give you a memorable experience, we hope you would show your appreciation by tipping accordingly.Â
What is your weather cancellation policy?
Weather is southwest Florida can be unpredictable and change on a dime, especially during summer months. Due to these weather patterns we try and remain as flexible and accommodating as possible. If your tour is canceled and we are unable to reschedule, you will receive a full refund.Â
Will our tour still happen if there is rain and lightning?
If there is some light to moderate rain in the area, we generally will conduct the tour and do our best to avoid it. Lightning however, is extremely dangerous, especially when out on the water. All tours will either be rescheduled, or canceled and refunded if lightning is within ten miles. Safety is our number one priority, and while we understand you may be frustrated due to a weather cancelation, we will never risk the lives of our crew or guests.
*Please read if your tour is on a Sunday*
Sunday between the months of November and May can be extremely busy on the island as it has become a tradition for some of the bars and restaurants on the island to throw big parties with live music. Because of this parking can be limited. Please plan ahead and arrive extra early if your tour is on a Sunday during these months.Â