Marco Island is known for being one of the last family vacation areas of Florida that remains largely underdeveloped. The barrier island is surrounded by a number of protected wildlife preserves, and Marco Island eco-tours of these areas and their surrounding waters are a huge draw for tourists and those who live in the region.
Discover a Different Side of Marco Island
These tours offer an exciting opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna from wildlife experts and biologists during summer vacation or in any season. You can choose from a surprisingly large number of different types of Marco Island eco tours including birding, shelling, kayaking, boating, sailing, WaveRunners, hiking, and biking tours and many others.
Boat Eco Tours
Marco Island is home to a number of companies that offer boat tours of the surrounding waters where you can get a close-up view of the marine life, birds, and dolphins. You simply sit back and relax as your tour guide takes you through scenic waters, and you’ll often get a chance to take some memorable photos of dolphins or manatees. On some of these boat tours like the ones offered by Dreamlander Tours, you’ll be able to stop at barrier islands in the area to pick up some sand dollar and shell souvenirs to take back home.
WaveRunner Eco Tours
If you prefer to be in control of your watercraft, you can choose thrilling guided WaveRunner tours around Marco Island. Although you’ll be in control of your watercraft, you’ll also have a tour guide in your group to ensure your safety and direct you toward the areas where you can see ocean wildlife, manatees and dolphins.
These 1 to 3 hour tours are great for anyone who would prefer to be closer to the water and who enjoy the adrenaline rush of an action-packed jet ski ride. Several companies offer these tours including Full Throttle Waverunner Adventures, Back Water Adventure Marco Island and Capt. Ron’s Awesome Everglades Adventures.
Kayak Tours
Marco Island kayak tours are perfect for family vacations as most of them are suitable for all age levels. Boat-assisted kayak tours are available for additional safety. Kayak tours also offer an up close and personal experience where you can enjoy seeing manatees, dolphins, sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, batfish, sea turtles, and shorebirds right next to you, in a more peaceful setting.
Your tour guide will safely take you through the waters and mangroves of the 10,000 islands. There are one and two-person kayaks available so that small children can enjoy the tour. No previous experience is required for these tours, and because the kayaks are so quiet, you’ll get to observe the wildlife in its most natural setting. Kayak Eco Tours can be booked at Paddle Marco, Marco Island Kayak Adventures and a number of other local companies.
Other Tours
You’ll find plenty of other options for tours on Marco Island including fishing, birding, shelling sailing, sunset tours, and many others. It’s truly one of the best places in South Florida to see the diverse flora and fauna of the mangrove swamps, shallow tidal areas, barrier islands, mud flats, and get an excellent education about the area as well from the many biologists and ecologists who live there.
To learn more about Marco Island eco tour bookings or for information about accommodations on the island, contact us today at (239)-394-0514.