The Dolphin Explorer
MULTI-AWARD WINNING DOLPHIN STUDY / ECOTOUR! MOTTO: PASSION, INTEGRITY, EDUCATION
WE WILL BE CLOSED SEPTEMBER 9-17 FOR VACATION. SEE YOU 9/18! WE SAVED A LIFE!!! A RESCUE OF A 19 MONTH OLD DOLPHIN CALF TOOK PLACE ON APRIL 25TH AND THE DOLPHIN EXPLORER CREW WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN SAVING THIS YOUNGSTER'S LIFE! WAY TO GO TEAM! VOTED BEST ECO ADVENTURE IN NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES AREAS. FEATURED IN THE LONDON TIMES. LOOK FOR US IN National Geographic TRAVELLER MAGAZINE IN JULY! JOIN THE BEST!!!!
Available Tour Times: 9 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Duration: 3 hours
Get to know some of our area dolphins on every trip! Learn their names and who their relatives are as we cruise the waters of Marco Island in search of wildlife on this family-friendly eco-tour. Reservations are highly recommended!
"Passion, Integrity, Education" is our motto. Our beliefs are reflected in our passion to educate!
Join our dolphin research team and get to know the local dolphins on our Marco Island dolphin cruise – both fun and educational! Launched February 1, 2006, the 10,000 Islands Dolphin Project is a long-term study of the abundance, distribution, movement, association patterns, and behavior of bottlenose dolphins of Southwest Florida. Located on Marco Island with close proximity to Naples and the Everglades, we offer a one of a kind tour!
The Project is the only on-going study of wild dolphins in SW Florida and the only one in the United States that engages and is supported by the general public.
Using ‘photo-identification,’ our dolphins are recognized by their dorsal fins which act as their ‘fingerprints.’
You have the opportunity to participate in locating, counting, and confirming of individual dolphin sightings on our exciting Marco Island eco-tour. For more about the study, visit our dolphin survey results.
Rated 5 Stars on TripAdvisor
Sept 2023 An outstanding experience! The staff were beyond friendly and thoroughly knowledgeable. An unforgettable trip. Thanks to Bob, Capt. Eddie and James.
– Trip AdvisorAug. 2023 I thought that I had seen enough dolphins in my life as a FL native, but I have never experienced anything like this. Bob and Captain Eddie were phenomenal! They knew every dolphin by name and kept the trip fun and engaging for our 4 year old. I would highly recommend!
– Trip AdvisorAug.2023 We have been on multiple dolphin excursions over the years but this one was the best, Bob and Captain Eddie where so full. of knowledge about the dolphins and ecosystem. We saw a dozen dolphins and babies. They had material for us to identify the dolphin based on their dorsal fin. We saw young dolphins, adult female and males. The dolphins followed the boat and played in the wake. Captain Eddie and Bob also had a scavenger hunt worksheet for the young kids on the boat. The stop we made for shelling was fun too. I would highly recommend this team for your next excursion.
– Trip AdvisorAug. 2023 What an amazing tour! Great for all ages (went three generations- grandparents, parents, grandkids). The dolphins came so close to the boat, and even followed us and jumped in the waves the boat created! Naturalist and driver were friendly, knowledgeable, told personalized stories about each of the (many!) dolphins we saw; you can see that they study these animals, know each of their names and history. Really fun activity for the kids, they had an activity book to complete, and a reference guide that they used to match the unique dorsal fun of each dolphin we saw to their photo and name. We also saw manatees! They also take you to a secluded beach to pick up beautiful shells and swim. Boat is super clean, toilet available, lots of bottled water provided. I would 100% recommend, and plan on doing it again next time I’m in town.
– Trip AdvisorJuly 2023 Everyone needs to meet Bob. Such a wonderful, knowledgable character with a clear love for marine life. He is dedicated to his cause and shares his depth of knowledge with all onboard. The trip is perfect for children of all ages (from babies to teens) with shade, toilets, chilled water bottles provided for free, a shelling bag for all, a photo and an activity pack and badge for kids to keep them occupied whilst searching for dolphins and other marine life. Our family learnt so much and really enjoyed it. I have written a full review on my website too!
– Trip AdvisorJuly 2023 I can’t say how much I loved this tour. James and Eddie were fantastic, explaining the why and where we’d find the dolphins and creating trails for the dolphins to play in. We saw about 25 dolphins, including mamas and babies. As a bonus we stopped at Tigertail Beach for some shelling, where I was also lucky enough to see a starfish in the water. Would definitely do this tour again!
– Trip AdvisorJuly 2023 Amazing experience. Saw over 20 dolphins in various areas, often jumping and playing in our wake. Lots of moms with their calves. Captain Eddie was great at spotting them. James was exceptional, especially when engaging the kids. The boat is clean and well covered. Plenty of cold water available. The pictures and shelling bag given are a nice touch. It is a tour definitely worth doing again!
– Trip AdvisorJuly 2023 What an amazing experience, so different from normal Dolphin tours. Its really interesting learning about the dolphins, and hearing from some one so knowledgable, rather than just watching them Would defo recommend and thee children on board really enjoyed the little activities to keep them interested
– Trip Advisor