Dolphin Eco Tour with The Dolphin Explorer Marco Island, FL
The Dolphin Eco Tour with The Dolphin Explorer Marco Island, FL is an amazing ethical animal tour for the whole family. On this three-hour boat tour, you’ll join the dolphin research team and get to know the local dolphins. The Dolphin Project is the only on-going study of wild dolphins in Southwest Florida and the only study in the United States that is open to the general public. Make sure to file this under bucket list moments!
Our Experience
During the cruise, you’ll participate in locating, counting, and identifying individual dolphins based on their unique dorsal fins. The naturalists have a guidebook of all the identified dolphins in the area for you to work off of, and the environment is very collaborative between the attendees and the naturalists.
The boats are very kid-friendly. We were able to bring our stroller onboard for our son who was only one at the time. He took a nap during part of the ride right in his stroller. Kids who are awake can earn a Dolphin Explorer Team Badge by helping the the naturalists track dolphin sightings in the Dolphin Explorer Challenge. My older son and nephew, three and four years old at the time, had a blast with this. They get a tracking sheet to check off which dolphins they’ve seen and are awarded a badge at the end.
In the middle of the cruise, everyone disembarks onto a small island beach where you can shell. The cruise comes with shelling bags for you to keep. We saw some interesting sea creatures and beautiful shells washed up. The naturalist also takes a group photo of your party here. The photos are printed onboard and given to you at the end of the cruise. They are a great souvenir to take home after a memorable day!
Prepare Your Visit
When do tours run and how long are they?
Tours usually depart at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and the experience runs about three hours. Morning trips are cooler and often smoother on the water, which helps with little kids and stroller naps. Weather and conditions can affect departures, but the crew will let you know if anything changes.
Do I need a reservation, and what’s the price?
Reservations are recommended because boats fill up. Current pricing is Adult $79, Senior (60+) $69, Child (3–12) $59, and Wee One (under 3) $29. Gratuity isn’t included, so plan for that if you’d like to tip the crew.
Where do we meet, and how early should we arrive?
Check in at the booth at Rose Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145. Arrive about 30 minutes early so you have time to park, get instructions, and board without rushing. If you’re bringing a stroller or car seat, mention it at check-in and the crew will help you load.
What’s included, and can we bring food or drinks?
You’ll get a printed souvenir photo and a shelling bag, plus complimentary bottled water on board. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages. There’s a restroom on the boat.
Where does the tour go, and what might we see?
You’ll cruise around Marco Island and into the estuaries of the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The crew catalogs local bottlenose dolphins by photo ID, so you’ll learn names and family ties as you spot dorsal fins. In warmer months (May–September) you might also see manatees, and year-round you’ll notice birdlife like eagles, osprey, herons, egrets, ibis, and pelicans.
Is it kid-friendly and stroller-friendly? What’s the beach stop like?
Yes on both. Families roll strollers on board, and kids can join the Dolphin Challenge to help track sightings and earn a spot on the “team.” Midway, you’ll hop off at a small barrier-island beach to explore and shell before re-boarding.
Anything else I should know?
Wildlife is never guaranteed, but this is an active research route with strong chances of dolphin encounters. Dress for sun and wind, pack simple snacks and water, and bring reef-safe sunscreen and hats.
How do I contact the operator or book?
Phone: 239-642-6899
Email: dolphinsofmarco@gmail.com
Address: 951 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145
Gift certificates are available.
What to pack for this experience
Here’s the short list that covers sun, wind, snacks, and shelling—easy to toss in one tote and stroller basket.
- Sun shirts, hats, and sunglasses for everyone
- Reef-safe sunscreen (lotion + quick stick for faces)
- Reusable water bottles for adults and kids and a few simple snacks
- Small towel
- Water shoes for women, men and kids the shelling stop.
- Light layer or windbreaker (mornings can feel breezy)
- Thin muslin or light blanket to clip over the stroller for naps
- Wipes and hand sanitizer
- Zip-top bags for damp items or found treasures
- Phone/camera in a small dry pouch and a spare battery
- Baby carrier (if necessary)
Final thoughts
This tour is an easy yes for families. It’s ethical, kid friendly, and relaxed, with just enough structure to keep everyone engaged. Book the morning if you can, arrive a little early, and keep your packing simple. You’ll head home with sandy toes, a printed photo, and kids who can spot a dorsal fin on sight.
If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help make your family’s adventures unforgettable!
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Northern Portugal With Kids: Porto, the Douro Valley & Gerês: Your Perfect Family Weekend
I’ve said it so many times, but it’s worth saying again: Portugal is the most underrated country for families in Europe. And while most families who do visit are busy planning their Lisbon itinerary or counting down the days to the Algarve beaches, northern Portugal is sitting up there quietly being spectacular. We’re talking cobblestoned riverfront cities, wild national parks where horses roam free, terraced vineyards dropping straight into a UNESCO-listed river valley, and some of the warmest hospitality in all of Europe. Oh, and the food? Amazing!
If you’re planning a family trip to Portugal, you need to consider heading north, with this itinerary as your guide. Three days, three very different experiences: Porto with kids, the Douro Valley with kids, and Peneda-Gerês National Park, all designed for families. Let’s go.
Already planning a bigger Portugal adventure? Don’t miss my guides to Sintra, Belém, and Lagos or explore all my Portugal posts.
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Best Moments | England | Europe | Family | Featured
Things to Do in Richmond London: An Unforgettable Ted Lasso Day Trip With Kids
If you have watched even one episode of Ted Lasso, you already know Richmond. The corner pub. The green with the soccer goals. That little row of shops that looks like somebody painted it for a postcard.
Maybe you didn’t realize that Richmond is real part of London, twenty minutes from central London by train, and there is so much more to it than the filming locations. We visited Richmond during a trip to London and Copenhagen, it ended up being one of my favorite days of the whole trip. We even had the “should we move here” moment, just like Ted Lasso.
Now that Ted Lasso is back, everyone is asking about Richmond again. So I’ve gathered all the best things to do in Richmond London, from the show’s filming spots to the deer in Richmond Park, plus every way to get there.
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Ireland Itinerary With Kids: How to Spend 7 Days in the Beautiful Emerald Isle
Ireland is a destination that seems to work well at every age and stage of family travel, and this Ireland itinerary proves it. The country is compact enough that you can cover a lot of ground in a week, but every stretch of road feels like it deserves more time. Castles appear constantly, the countryside is quintessentially green and rolling, and the pace tends to be relaxed in a way that makes traveling with kids feel manageable rather than exhausting. Plus, the Irish absolutely love kids and babies, which makes every local encounter feel pleasant and welcomed.
Our Ireland itinerary is built around one week and is focused on the southwest, which is where families will get the most out of their visit. Starts in Dublin, then heads down to Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and up to Galway. If you only have time for one part of Ireland, the Killarney area is the one worth prioritizing.
