Dolphin Explorer
Join our dolphin research team and get to know the local dolphins on our Marco Island dolphin cruise – both fun and educational! Launched February 1, 2006, the 10,000 Islands Dolphin Project is a long-term study of the abundance, distribution, movement, association patterns, and behavior of bottlenose dolphins of Southwest Florida. Located on Marco Island with close proximity to Naples and the Everglades, we offer a one of a kind tour!
The Project is the only on-going study of wild dolphins in SW Florida and the only one in the United States that engages and is supported by the general public.
Using 'photo-identification,' our dolphins are recognized by their dorsal fins which act as their 'fingerprints.'
You have the opportunity to participate in locating, counting, and confirming of individual dolphin sightings on our exciting Marco Island eco-tour. For more about the study, visit our dolphin survey results.
- Boating
- Natural Wildlife Viewing
- Shelling
- Open Now
- Family Friendly
- Meeting/Tour Groups Welcome
- Reservations Required
- Customized Tours
- Guided Tours
Be a citizen scientist on board this unique sightseeing boat tour, assisting naturalists by spotting dolphin, collecting data and logging photos as part of the 10,000 Islands Dolphin Project. The three- hour cruise includes shelling on a barrier island beach.
Our Team Building Expeditions focus on leadership, communications, cross-training, team work, learning new skills and completing work within a limited period of time in a new environment. Your group of up to 20 people will become "Survey Teams" of four/five persons, and will perform survey work for the project. As time allows, your group will be cross-trained, taking on a different job on the team.
Throughout the expedition, our staff will work with your group teaching them photographic and survey techniques, as well as explaining dolphin behavior. Our Team Building Expeditions puts all of your group on equal footing. There are no embarrassing moments or athletic skills required. The "competition" is in the working together in an outdoors, wildlife environment.
- Tours & Teambuilding