Dolphin, Birding, and Shelling Tour

Aquaterra Excursions offers a unique two-hour tour from Marco Island, Florida, that combines dolphin watching, expert birding, and shelling on a remote barrier island within the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge. This region, located on Florida's southwest coast just outside Everglades National Park, is known for its complex network of mangroves, estuaries, and pristine beaches that support a rich diversity of wildlife and marine life. Departing from 750 Palm Point Drive on Marco Island, guests settle into captain-style seating aboard a comfortable boat guided by a Florida Master Naturalist.

The journey first glides through calm waters where dolphins frequently breach, nearly brushing the boat with curious passes. Along the way, keen observers will spot bald eagles soaring overhead and wading birds like herons and rosette spoonbills peppering the shallow tidal flats. Depending on season and tide, the elusive manatee or a resting sea turtle may emerge for a breath.

After cruising the waterways, the tour lands on an uninhabited barrier island, offering a hands-on shelling experience. This stretch of beach boasts a variety of distinctive shells shaped by the Everglades’ shifting sands and gentle currents, making it a prime location for collectors and nature lovers alike. Guides explain the delicate beach dynamics that sustain this fragile ecosystem and the wildlife that depend on it.

This tour is ideal for families and visitors seeking an authentic connection with the Everglades’ coastal environment. Aquaterra Excursions stands out by blending education with outdoor adventure, enhancing appreciation for this vital and remarkable Florida landscape. Whether your aim is to witness dolphins in their natural habitat or to gather rare shells from a remote island, this tour offers an intimate, accessible encounter with the Everglades region’s coastal wilderness.