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The Dolphin Explorer

MULTI-AWARD WINNING DOLPHIN STUDY / ECOTOUR!

8 NEW BABIES SEEN SINCE 9/12 AND LOOKING FOR MORE! GREAT YEAR SO FAR.....IN THE LONDON TIMES IN JANUARY, RESPONSIBLE FOR A DOLPHIN RESCUE IN APRIL, CALLED IN A RESCUE FOR A DISTRESSED PYGMY WHALE IN JUNE, IN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER'S MAGAZINE LAST SUMMER AND THE ONLY MARCO ISLAND NOMINEE FOR "BEST ECO ADVENTURE IN SOUTHEWEST FLORIDA" IN OCTOBER! COME SEE WHY!!!

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"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

Seeing dolphins so close was absolutely amazing

Oct 2023 What a brilliant afternoon, didn't expect to see so many dolphins, 15, such an interesting and informative trip, captain Eddie and Marine biologist James were amazing and the dolphins of course. Will definitely do this trip again. Highly recommend.

– Trip Advisor
The highlight of my trip to Florida

Nov. 2023 This 3-hour boat ride exceeded my expectations by far. Bob and James are so knowledgeable about these dolphins that they can recognize them by name the minute they see their dorsal fins. The books for the children were wonderful! The booklets for the adults were fascinating, as we compared the photos of dozens of local dolphins to photos that Bob was taking as we were watching. I got great video of dolphins leaping in the wake at the back of the boat. It was so emotional it brought me to tears. We were given free water and a cute bag to collect shells in. I told James I was interested in birds, and he pointed out a lot of birds to me along the way. This is a wonderful excursion. I cannot say enough good things about it.

– Trip Advisor
Thank you

Nov. 2023 Captain James and Bob did an amazing job explaining and finding dolphins. In total we saw 12 different dolphins in their natural element playing and entertaining. It was evident about the love and dedication that the team has for what they do and it translated into an absolutely beautiful day. Thank you sooo much. One polish point, raise your rates. You offer a superior experience and should be compensated for the experience.

– Trip Advisor
Their enthusiasm was infectious!

Nov. 2023 Fantastic activity for young and old alike. The pictures don’t do it justice. The boat was wonderful and clean. The crew was very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about their jobs. They identified all the dolphins we saw and had a story about each, and every one of them . Their enthusiasm over dolphin research project that they are involved in was infectious. you get an opportunity to become a part of the actual dolphin project. We must’ve seen 20 different dolphins in all different stages of activity. This is one of the best Eco tours I’ve taken.

– Trip Advisor
A great Experience

Oct 2023 What a great experience! Bob was so fun, engaging and informative. James the captain assured we were safe and comfortable. The boat is HUGE with plenty of shade and places to sit. The entire trip was so seamless and well run from before we boarded to photos at the beach and getting off the boat. The trip was really great and we learned so much while having fun!

– Trip Advisor
Amazing dolphin tour

Oct 2023 This was an amazing and educational tour! Not only did they welcome questions, they encouraged it and were so knowledgeable. We saw a baby dolphin that was no more than 4-5 days old, along with other dolphins as well. They were very eco friendly, and always had the dolphins’ best interests in mind as we explored. They even printed photos on the boat for us to take home. I highly support the important research they do while giving a tour you’ll never forget. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a great dolphin tour!

– Trip Advisor
Great addition to our honeymoon

Oct 2023 The Eco tour was so amazing! Saw so many dolphins even an infant that hadn’t been seen yet!! The crew was amazing and so informative! They truly love their jobs and care about the dolphins! 10/10 recommend and we will definitely be doing this again

– Trip Advisor
The best tour to go on for dolphins

SEPT 2023 Great trip , we all got to learn about the dolphins and wildlife around the area would recommend it to families, captain Eddie and James were excellent, friendly and professional, and can’t forget Bob on the quay who told us what to expect . Definitely would do another trip with them

– Trip Advisor
An unforgettable experience

Sept 2023 An outstanding experience! The staff were beyond friendly and thoroughly knowledgeable. An unforgettable trip. Thanks to Bob, Capt. Eddie and James.

– Trip Advisor