The Dolphin Explorer

The Finest Eco-Tour in Southwest Florida

Based in Marco Island

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The Dolphin Study Eco-Tour and Cruise

Available Tour Times: 9 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Duration: 3 hours

Get up-close and personal with dolphins on every trip! Get to know these marine animals on a first name basis as we cruise the waters of Marco Island in search of wildlife on this family-friendly eco-tour. Reservations are highly recommended!

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From $45

Discovery, exploration, and adventure aboard The Dolphin Explorer!

Get to know our 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.

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 identified by their dorsal fins which act as their ‘fingerprints.’

You have the opportunity to participate in sighting, counting, and confirming of individual dolphin sightings on our exciting Marco Island eco-tour. For more about the study, visit our dolphin survey results.

Meet Our Dolphins

Rated 5 Stars on TripAdvisor

Fun and Educational

I went on the April 25 morning tour. It was better than I expected: the guides really know the dolphins and the area. Great info. Definitely would recommend this tour. The unexpected souvenirs at the end of the trip are a bonus.

– Reviewed May, 2018
Perfect Organized Journey with Dolphin Explorer

Everything was fine. Very nice and competent staff of Dolphin Explorer. We have received competent answers to our questions. We saw a lot of dolphins and breeding wild birds. There were even free cool drinks on board and a short stay on a very nice beach was included also.

– Reviewed May, 2018
Great Trip

"We have been on this boat for the fifth time and it was the best trip ever. Dolphins everywhere. Previously we went in the morning but were told by another repeat tripper that she found afternoons better to see dolphins; she was right."

– Reviewed May, 2018
A Great Take on Marco Island

"The eco dolphin tour is great for children and adults. Knowledgable staff help identify the many dolphins and and birds seen on tour, it’s a great boat ride with plenty of time for shelling on a beautiful private beach. This was my third time and I enjoyed it as much as the first. Not to be missed!!’"

– Reviewed April, 2018
Never Disappointed

"I enjoyed this excursion for the 3rd time on this visit and I’ve enjoyed it more each time . I can’t say enough about the friendly and knowledgeable staff. They make sure that all on Board enjoy themselves and learn something in the process!"

– Reviewed April, 2018
We Come Every Year

"This was our 3rd year on the dolphin explorer! It’s a Family favorite and always so much fun! We always see dolphins and love the guides on this trip. Everyone is so friendly and knowledgeable! We look forward to this on our vacation!"

– Reviewed April, 2018