Marco Island Boat Tours

Choosing the best Marco Island boat tours

With so many charter companies and boat tour operators on Marco Island, how do you pick the best one? We’d recommend checking a couple of things before you book.

Boat Tour Questions:

1. Does the company offer certified naturalist tour guides?
2. Are their captains certified master captains with the Coast Guard?
3. Do they have decades of experience navigating the local waters?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you know about the tour, the more confident you can be that you’re making the right decision. You can ensure a safe and enjoyable boat tour experience by asking the right questions.

Most questions should be answered on our FAQ page. You can always call us with any questions, but here are some common answers to questions you may have.

Common boat tour questions

• Is there any shade or protection from the sun?
  All of our boats have fully shaded passenger seating areas.
• What type of boat tour is it?
  Our boat tours are fun but educational and appropriate for all ages.
• How long is the tour?
  Our Marco Island boat tours can range from 2 to 8 hours, but the most common tour lengths are 2 and 2.5 hours.
• What is the itinerary?
  Although each specific tour has a general itinerary, the actual route depends on the weather conditions, tide, and the captain’s safety protocols.
• What is the price?
  Pricing depends on the length and type of tour. Specific pricing can be found in the online booking calendar. We also publish our full pricing schedule here.
• What is the cancelation policy?
  Cancelations happen. We always try our best to reschedule when plans go awry. Full refunds are given for 48 hours’ notice or severe weather.
  Find more information about the cancelation policy here.
• What happens if the weather is bad?
  We do not cancel for light rain, but we do for lighting and small craft advisories. Learn more about bad weather here.
• Is the boat safe and well-maintained?
  Our fleet of custom-built vessels is fully maintained by professional technicians and meets the highest requirements of US Coast Guard regulations.
• What is the crew’s experience?
  Florida Island Tours is proud to have one of the top crews operating out of Marco Island. Our captains, guides, and mates have immense experience working the waters and informing and entertaining our guests.
• Are food and drinks provided?
  We do not provide food or drinks. There is a cooler with ice for guests to use. You are encouraged to bring water, snacks, food, and drinks for your excursion. Alcohol is permitted, but no red wine.
• Are there any age restrictions?
  Although there are no age restrictions, we recommend infants under 30 pounds should stay at home. Life vests are provided for all children under age 6.
• What should I bring on the tour?
  Good items to bring are:
  • Sunscreen (lotion, please no spray sunscreen on the boat)
  • Sunglasses (polarized)
  • Sun hat
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Alcohol (if desired)
  • Light jacket or raincoat
  • Towel (to sit on or for swimming)
• Is there a restroom on board?
  There is no bathroom on the boat, so use the bathroom at the marina before your tour!

Deciding on the best Marco Island boat tour

Once you’ve found some Marco Island boat tours and chosen the best company you feel confident in, the next step is to decide what you want to do. With so many fun things to do on Marco Island, you’ll want to plan your day on the boat to check all of your boxes.

When you are ready to book your tour:

1. Prioritize what you want to do.
   Make sure you are choosing a tour that is suitable for your needs. For example, these may not happen on the same tour if you want to see dolphins and go shelling.
2. Talk to your potential tour guide.
   Give them a call and see if they can meet your needs.
3. Book a private tour.
   Your captain can better meet your needs when no multiple parties are on the boat.
4. Read the reviews!
   Reviews on Google and TripAdvisor are your best friends for figuring out who to go out on the boat with and who to wave goodbye to at the dock—trust in what other people have said after going on the tour you want to book.
5. Press the BOOK NOW button!
   Don’t wait too long. Busy holidays and vacation weeks fill up fast. You don’t want to miss the perfect vacation boat tour experience.