Top 5 Fort Myers Boat Tours Worth Exploring

Located in the Caloosahatchee River delta, Fort Myers boat tours offer many different ways to see the area. These options allow visitors to explore the waters aboard a safe charter anytime of day — whether to see the sunrise or sunset or witness majestic manatees. Regardless of the adventure, Fort Myers boat tours are a popular pastime in the area, and they offer a fun activity for all ages and group sizes. Here are five top-rated tours and cruises for a day outdoors in Florida.

Fort Myers Boat Tours: 5 Top-rated Adventures for Travelers

Pure Fort Myers

Leaving multiple times a day from Edison Ford Marina, a Pure Fort Myers boat tour offers dolphin, sightseeing and sunset cruises. Most excursions promise wildlife viewings of everything from dolphins and bald eagles to manatees.

The dolphin watch tour runs three hours and includes stops for walking the shore and collecting shells. A 1.5-hour sightseeing tour doesn’t promise dolphins, but guests will learn about the area’s history and pass huge mansions located on the bay. If in town for a holiday, consider booking one of the specialty cruises to watch fireworks or treat loved ones to a special evening.

J.C. Cruises

Capt. J.P. is the area’s famous triple-deck paddlewheel boat, which departs daily from the downtown Fort Myers yacht basin. This tour takes visitors from the Caloosahatchee River to the Intracoastal Waterway, and eventually travels into the Gulf of Mexico.

Beyond the many wildlife sightings, riders also see the Edison and Ford Estates while enjoying narration on the area’s history. The third deck serves food and drink during mealtimes, and holiday cruises are available as well. Couples should make a date, and take the three-hour dinner dance cruise on Friday and Saturday nights.

Manatee World and Park

Among the top Fort Myers boat tours is Manatee World. Home to the world’s largest known concentration of manatees, open-air boat tours are available, where riders may see these amazing endangered creatures up close.

Those who have visited recommend taking the tour when the weather is cooler – late fall and winter – in order to see the most manatees. On this tour, see native birds, plants and other animals. Manatee World works to preserve and protect manatees and also features a park with walking trails and coastal marshes.

Fort Myers Princess

Known for dolphin and sightseeing tours of the area, Fort Myers Princess serves as another great vessel to see Fort Myers. A two-hour dolphin tour takes guests through Matanzas Pass into the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This boat also has a full-service bar and music, providing added fun and entertainment.

Fort Myers Princess is also available for private parties – including work retreats, weddings and family reunions. Additionally, guests can even bring their own CDs to customize the music selection.

Estero Bay Express II

Climb aboard the 40-foot Sunseeker tour boat for a dolphin or sunset cruise with Estero Bay Express. The dolphin tour is a 1.5-hour narrated cruise that travels Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. There’s more than dolphins, though!

See ospreys, pelicans, manatees and maybe even a roseate spoonbill, a wading bird species in the area. The 1.5-hour sunset cruise provides breathtaking views, and adults are welcome to bring their favorite cocktails or bottle of wine. The boat accommodates groups up to 30, and offers private rentals for events as well.

Ready for adventure? Browse Fort Myers vacation rentals. Then celebrate with these signature events and festivals.