We were on Marco Island this past week with friends and, as we always do, we booked a boat tour with Everglades Area Tours, which is part of Aquaterra Excursions. As usual, we booked the 2-hour dolphin, shelling and birding tour through the 10,000 Islands (this leaves out of Goodland). They have other tours and we’ve enjoyed those, too.
BTW, if you’re new at this, low tide is best for birding and shelling, but the weather is generally much more reliable this time of year in the morning.
This was one of the very best trips we’ve been on with Aquaterra. It certainly lived up to its name because we had some great shelling and birding in Caxambas Pass (on the sandbar that joins Dickman’s Island), and then on the way back we enjoyed the closest dolphin encounters I’ve ever had without scuba gear. We’re experienced naturalists ourselves, but we never get tired of seeing all this.
We definitely want to give a shout-out to Capt. Joyce, who is very knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife. She also made us laugh a great deal. And her small boat handling skills are impressive; it’s obvious she’s done this a few times. Thanks for a really great trip.
p.s. – try the Crabby Lady or Little Bar in Goodland for lunch afterwards. Also, we like all the captains.