The Dolphin Explorer
The Finest Dolphin Study / Eco-Tour on Marco Island
5 NEW BABY DOLPHINS LOCATED IN 3 WEEKS! FROM SEPTEMBER 18 TO OCTOBER 8 OUR DOLPHIN STUDY TEAM AND OUR "CITIZEN SCIENTIST" GUESTS FOUND THESE CALVES WITH THEIR MOMS IN OUR SURVEY AREA. ONE OF THE MOMS, SKIPPER, IS AN AMAZING STORY! SHE SURVIVED A SHARK BITE WHEN VERY YOUNG, WAS RESCUED FROM A FISHING LINE DISASTER AT AGE 1, AND IS THE DAUGHTER OF A VERY PRODUCTIVE MOM. HER NEW CALF, FERGIE, COULD BE THE FIRST OF MANY! CONGRATS, SKIPPER!!!!!
Click here to Book Your Tour Book Your TourAvailable 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!
Discovery, exploration, and adventure aboard The Dolphin Explorer!
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
Oct. 2021 What a great choice we made! This tour was one of the best we've ever been on and we've been on quite a few. Captain Eddie and Bob were knowledgeable and fun and made the experience even that much better.
– Trip AdvisorOct. 2021 Absolutely the best tour we have taken and we have done a LOT of tours. Captain Eddie and Bob are fantastic!! Extremely knowledgeable about dolphins and the entire Florida ecosystem. We saw over 13 dolphins including 4 babies. Since we were the first to see a new baby, we even got to name it. I cannot recommend this tour enough. It’s a must of you are on Marco island.
– Trip AdvisorSept 2021 In a word, amazing. Captains Eddie and Bob were not only incredibly knowledgeable, personable and fun but also clearly love the animals like family. It was unlike any experience we’ve ever had and we’ll be sure to return. Best part of our trip by a mile
– Trip AdvisorSept. 2021 Captain Bob was the best...they even had notebooks for everyone with pictures of the dolphins and how to identify...very interactive. Captain Bob is not only extremely knowledgeable , but obviously loves what he does and wants everyone else to love the dolphins and other wildlife as much as he does. The stop for shelling was icing on the cake. Highly recommend!!!
– Trip AdvisorAug 2021 A lot of review say that this will change your kids life and after exploring with Captain Bob and Eddie I can confirm that 100%. Exceptional knowledge of the area and Dolphins in general. We had a fantastic experience and well worth every cent. Would do it again in a heartbeat.…
– Trip AdvisorAug 2021 The crew of the Dolphin Explorer was knowledgeable, kind, and informative as soon as we set sail! Captain Eddie made sure to throw out some jokes and some facts to keep young and old alike enjoying the 3 hour tour. We were able to track several dolphins and even spotted a manatee. A job well done for the crew of the Dolphin Explorer! Definitely glad it was on our list while visiting Marco Island!
– Trip AdvisorAug 2021 The excursion was great! Lots of dolphin sightings and a very knowledgeable crew that provided great insight. Definitely recommend if you are in Marco Island!
– Trip Advisor