You’re in paradise. You’ve relaxed on the beach drinking rum punch til the sun goes down and bathed in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Now what? You need to get out and explore the area; there’s a lot more out there than meets the eye. You’ll want to start with a Captiva Island dolphin cruise aboard Captiva Cruises.
We find it nearly impossible to peel ourselves away from the beach but the excursions end up being some of our favorite memories from our trips.
Captiva Island Dolphin Cruise
Captiva Cruises offers a boatload of excursions and day trips to explore all the nooks and crannies in the area. I’m amazed at all the unique islands and unspoiled beaches only minutes from Sanibel and Captiva.
If you want to take a short tour on the water, the dolphin cruise (link) is the perfect family-friendly choice to see the area by boat.
Have you ever dreamed of watching dolphins jump in the air only an arm’s length away? That’s exactly what you’ll experience on this ride.
Most of the time, you’ll board the boat from the South Seas Island Resort marina. (If you’re not staying at the resort, there’s a $5 parking fee) The cheerful staff welcomes you aboard and everyone clambers for a seat in the sun on the second level. If you don’t get a coveted seat, don’t worry. Guests don’t sit for long; everyone moves around the boat during the ride to get the best view of the dolphins.
Grab a chair and a drink from the bar aboard the boat. Sit back, soak in the sun and get ready to make some noise; because the dolphins won’t show up if you’re not loud. So bring the kids and let them yell, cheer and shout away. (This is where your drink from the bar comes in handy)
The boat’s wake also attracts the social mammals. Your guide will share some of the area’s history along the way and point out incoming dolphins to ensure you catch a glimpse.
The boat slowly cruises along Pine Island sound, skimming along the side of Captiva and turning around near Redfish Pass at the North end of the island.
Our family enjoyed the Captiva Island dolphin cruise so much, we’ve taken it three times. Frankly, seeing dolphins leaping joyfully up close, never gets old. The looks on their faces seem as though they know exactly what we want and they’re more than happy to oblige.
Excursion: Captiva Island Dolphin Cruise
Where: Captiva Cruises (website)
Cost: $30 for adults. $20 for kids (plus tax).
Requirements: Cruises can book quickly during peak weeks. Be sure to book your cruise in advance.
Time: 90 Minutes
What to Bring: Camera or phone for photos. Cash for refreshments.
