Published on Dec, 2024
First, I hope I'm reviewing the correct trip that I was on. This company seems to go by several names, but I think they are all the same company (Naples Florida Dolphin Tours, Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Adventures, See Manatees).
We went on a 3 hour manatee, dolphin, 10,000 Island, sunset tour with Captain John. When we made the reservation, we were given clear directions as to where to park and where to meet our group. Captain John was waiting for us.
Our tour was on a pontoon boat that can accommodate up to 6 guests. We were a group of 4. Which was really a great, more personalized experience.
There is a cute shop near the docks where one can use the restroom. There is no restroom on the boat.
John was great at telling us all about the area, about the wildlife we were seeing, sharing some jokes. We did see some manatee. Just to point out, it kind of reminded me of a whale watch - where you see a fin or tail. With the manatee, we saw the snout popping out of the water, a bit of the body going by. But still exciting!
We also saw dolphin, vultures, ibis, osprey, mullets jumping out of the water. We stopped at a beachy island in the midst of the 10,000 Islands and could do some shelling. Then headed into the open waters of the Gulf to watch the beautiful sunset. And two dolphin swam by just as the sun was setting. What a treat!
After the sunset, darkness falls quickly. Captain John used a bit of speed to get us back to the docks before it got fully dark. He certainly knows how to navigate these waters.
It was a wonderful experience.