Things to do in Southwest Gulf Coast, Southwest Gulf Coast: The Best Sightseeing Tours

July 25, 2021 Jana Sager

Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast contains a constellation of enticing coastal gems. Stunning beaches, including Ft. Myers Beach, Tigertail Beach and Pensacola Beach, fringe the Gulf, down the I-75 from Tampa to Naples. Sanibel Island’s shelling attracts thousands. Cape Coral’s waters are paradise for flyfishing. Golfers adore spectacular courses in Marco Island and Naples. Glorious sunny days and deliciously warm turquoise waters beckon in this often overlooked corner of the Sunshine State.
Restaurants in Southwest Gulf Coast

1. Dolphin Sightseeing Tikibar Hopping Boat Tour

Shellebrate Boat Tours LLC
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

The tour is for up to 6 passengers onboard max, not per adult. Sightseeing, searching for dolphins and manatees along the way, describing the area we pass by and music that you choose will be played if you want. BYOB, I provide a cooler with ice. I also have a bathroom onboard. ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING OF ANY KIND ALLOWED ONBOARD.

Inclusions: Restroom on board, Private transportation

Exclusions: It is BYOB, meaning you are allowed to bring alcohol onboard. I just don't provide any., Soda/Pop

Reviewed By 599michaelu

Loved entire trip. Lots of dolphins, beautiful houses, natural beauty and a knowledgeable captain who went out of the way to make it a memorable trip. I highly recommend the Shellabration and Captain Rachel.

2. Miami & Florida Everglades Adventure Package

Tons of Fun Tours and Rentals
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We specialize in providing a private, high-end tour with amazing sightseeing and very intelligent interpretation. We combine the opportunity to learn and see all things related to the Florida Everglades as well as an in depth view of Miami and its unique facets. Our Jeeps make this tour Tons of Fun as we can easily do it safari style with the top down, or a comfortable ride with air conditioning in a brand new vehicle. Travelers that are looking to pack a lot into one day should consider this tour as it offers the best of both worlds. The Everglades portion is very popular and year after year we have proved that our knowledge of the area results in magnificent sightings of birds, alligators, and various mammal species. We are also the original Jeep tour company in Miami and have been backed by the park service which issues our permits and re-certifies our guides every two years. Once in the city, this tour is simply the best. We are able to showcase the city like no one else.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By NancyW891

Awesome jeep rental! Quick response to any questions, and extremely easy pick up and return of vehicle. So much better than doing a rental car and the jeep was super fun to drive with the top off! I would highly recommend and I would definitely rent a jeep again from this company!

3. Marco Island Private Boat Tour - Dolphins, Shelling, Dome House - up to 6 people

750 Palm Point Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA Saltwater Magic Boat Tours
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

Enjoy and relax on this 3-hour tour with Saltwater Magic Boat Tours on our brand new 2020 Robalo 25 ft. boat, cruising through The Ten Thousand Islands with comfortable seating and T-Top for shade. Let our Captain show you the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy dolphins, shelling, wildlife, nature, barrier islands, beaches, Dome Houses at Cape Romano... Your are welcome to customize your tour. Tell your Captain your preferences at the dock. Private tour only your group will participate.

Inclusions: Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Gratuity

Reviewed By Davidabrams530

We had the best day with Capt. Marc. A beautiful day in the water! Thank you for everything. We’ll be back!!

4. Private Boating Tour with Guide

2360 W First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901, USA On The Water Florida
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Located in downtown Ft Myers, places us in a central location to have easy access to multiple of exciting destinations. Our vessel is a 27' catamaran, making it a very stable and safe with plenty of room to move around while under way.

Inclusions: 2 large coolers are onboard and stocked with ice for your use. Shore lunch packages are available for advance purchase.

Exclusions: Food and drinks purchase at destinations are not included. We do offer water and lite beverages. We have two large coolers & ice on board. Your welcome to bring your favorite drinks and snacks.

Reviewed By Shock201

Had a great time cruising the river. The Captain was knowledgeable and entertaining. Highly recommend and will recommend to all our friends.

5. Half Day Private Boat Tour to Keeywadin Island

Danford Street, Danford St, Naples, FL 34112, USA Captain Kristina
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

Experience Keeywadin Island on your very own private boat tour. You won't have to deal with the headache of having other people with you. My boat is a private vessel and I cater to each group in their own unique way. An experience on the water with me will be an unforgettable one! With my positive energy, zest for life and deep love for my city, your trip will not disappoint! You will be talking about it for years to come!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Beach Chairs & Umbrella, Beach Games, Towels, Shelling Bags, Cooler, Noodles

Exclusions: Local food and ice cream

Reviewed By scottgV4792TW

Kristina is the real deal! A Boat Captain, Cruse Director, kindred spirit!! First class service, excellent local knowledge, has a great play list, and second to none boat skills! She is very welcoming and allows your to just relax and enjoy.! If you are interested in a “hoe-hum time” this is not for you! Christina, has an incredible personality, and make your adventure fun and exciting.

6. Sunset Fishing and or Sightseeing Boat Tour Trip in Naples Bay, FL and the Gulf

1575 Danford St, Naples, FL 34112, USA Mangroveman Charters
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Price as shown is for the boat trip (group price) and not per adult! The charter is 2.5 hours long. The boat charter gives an opportunity to fish for a variety of species including snapper, snook, redfish, sheepshead, sea-trout, and Spanish mackerel. It is perfect for the laid back angler, for families with smaller children and beginners. Fishing-licenses and gear plus bait are included in the price. The fishing charter boat trips are private boat trips which means only your group is on the boat (and the Captain of course). You will also have an opportunity to see some wildlife and possibly (if you like) stop at a secluded island to stroll the beach for a little bit. The boat's electronics include GPS, Fishfinder and Bluetooth Stereo so you can play your music. Seating is comfortable and can seat all the guests. The higher sides of the boat help ensure that the little ones can't fall overboard. The T-Top provides shade.

Inclusions: This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate., All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fishing licenses, fishing gear, and bait, Ponchos in case of rain (but we will try to avoid to book when heavy rain is forecasted), Landing and facility fees, National Park fees, Bottled water and Sodas, Complimentary small Snacks, Local U.S.C.G. licensed Captain, Cooler with ice for storage for personal snacks and drinks, Bluetooth radio for streaming music of your choice, Life vests for adults and children of all ages and weights, Cups and corkscrew for alcohol (bring your own alcohol only), Marina public restrooms (next to the guest parking lot)

Exclusions: Gratuities are not included, it is recommended to tip the Captain/Guide (industry standard 10-20%), Restroom on board

Reviewed By Bonilla_Adventures

We recently visited Naples and went on a fishing trip with Mangrove Charters. It was EXCELLENT !!! My husband and I took our two teenagers fishing - and we all enjoyed it. Captain Paul was such a good host - his boat was beautiful and clean - and he provided water, soft drinks, and snacks. Captain Paul also taught us what to do (we are pretty new to fishing) and helped us bait the lines time after time (I don't like touching the live shrimp). It was truly a great experience - so much fun and we look forward to the opportunity to do it again. Thank you Captain Paul!

7. Private 90 Minute Manatee Tour

525 Newport Dr, Naples, FL 34114, USA Manatee Sightseeing Eco-Tourism Adventure
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Our experienced licensed Captains provide an interesting interactive nature presentation. Fully covered boats in a no wave area make this tour very comfortable. We are fragile friendly with no steps to board. Three of our nine boats are reconfigured to accommodate motorized wheelchairs and scooters.

Inclusions: High tech sunglasses

Exclusions: Gratuity

Reviewed By Mike2051

We went with my brother-in-law and his wife. It was a great time and we saw numerous manatees. Once there was a group of five. Captain Storm was excellent with information, wit, and just a great guy! Wouldn't hesitate to go again. One of the manatees got so close I think we could have touched it!

8. Half-day Private Inshore Fishing in Sarasota

1059 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA Insight Fishing and Boating
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

A fishing trip through Insight Fishing is a fun way to spend the day with the family or a group of friends. The larger bay boat allows for parties up to 6 people and you can bring your dog so they don't miss out! All of the areas where the fishing will take place will also give you unique views of Sarasota and the surrounding beaches, as well as the potential to see dolphins and manatee.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Fishing Poles, Ice

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By KenFiji

My wife and I had a wonderful evening with Will our captain. He was personable, knowledgeable and entertaining. We leisurely cruised the shorelines of downtown Sarasota, the beautiful waterfront homes of Sarasota, Siesta Key, Lido Key and the canals of Bird Key. We had a gorgeous unobstructed view of the sunset from Big Pass. It was a very peaceful evening and well worth the money. And our dog loved being on the water as much as we did! I would highly recommend this cruise.

9. Private Eco Boat Trip out of Naples Bay, FL and the Gulf, island stop incl.

1575 Danford St, Naples, FL 34112, USA Mangroveman Charters
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

(Price shown is a group price and not per adult - absolutely no extra/hidden fees.) Enjoy a private 2h45min long Sightseeing/ Eco Tour on the Mangroveman Charters. South West Florida has a vibrant ecosystem, and a variety of birds can be often viewed including blue herons, roseate spoonbills, and egrets. In the wintertime, ospreys are often seen nesting on the channel markers. Mammals like bottlenose dolphins and manatees can be spotted, usually very close to the boat. Dolphins love to follow the vessel and play in its wake. Sometimes you can even encounter deer jumping in the shallow water areas close to the mangroves. Dogs can be brought too. Contact us to let us know - we should be listed in the contact details. But for small dogs, you do not need any approval at all.

Inclusions: This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Ponchos in case of rain (but we will try to reschedule when heavy rain is forecasted), Landing and facility fees, National Park fees, Bottled water, Snacks, Local U.S.C.G. licensed Captain, Local guide, Soda/Pop, Cooler with ice for storage for personal snacks and drinks, Bluetooth radio for streaming music of your choice, Life vests for adults and children of all ages and weights, Cups and corkscrew for alcohol (bring your own alcohol only), Marina's public restrooms at the departure/returning location

Exclusions: Gratuities are not included, it is recommended to tip the Captain/Guide (industry standard 10-20%), Restroom on board

Reviewed By Bonilla_Adventures

We recently visited Naples and went on a fishing trip with Mangrove Charters. It was EXCELLENT !!! My husband and I took our two teenagers fishing - and we all enjoyed it. Captain Paul was such a good host - his boat was beautiful and clean - and he provided water, soft drinks, and snacks. Captain Paul also taught us what to do (we are pretty new to fishing) and helped us bait the lines time after time (I don't like touching the live shrimp). It was truly a great experience - so much fun and we look forward to the opportunity to do it again. Thank you Captain Paul!

10. Private Half-Day Charter Tour in Naples, Florida

1575 Danford St, Naples, FL 34112, USA Native Sun Charters
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Have the chance to choose the itinerary of your day here on the beautiful waters of Naples. We can cruise to Keewaydin Island for the day, grab lunch on the water or a bite to eat on a local island food boat, take a cruise through our beautiful Port Royal or Gulf of Mexico.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Private transportation

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