Adventures In Paradise
Adventures In Paradise
Adventures In Paradise
5
Boat ToursFishing Charters & ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Celebrating 38 years of the best fun-filled adventure cruises! Explore, take a journey to discover dolphins, manatee, sea horses, osprey, and pristine beaches brimming with shells, shells, and more seashells! The waters of Sanibel and Captiva provide for some of the world's best boat cruises, rich history, amazing nature, plus large population of Dolphins and Sea creatures. Our family would like to extend our invitation to join cruises designed for you that are fun, educational, relaxed and full of discovery! See list below! SHELLING & LUNCH CRUISE SEA LIFE ENCOUNTER CAYO COSTA CRUISE SHELLING & LUNCH @ CABBAGE KEY AM & PM DOLPHIN CRUISES MAGICAL SUNSET DOLPHIN & WILDLIFE CRUISE PRIVATE FISHING Trips with Captain Noah Departing from: 3 convenient locations; * Port Sanibel Marina - 14341Port Comfort Rd. Ft. Myers, FL * Sanibel Marina - 634 No. Yachtsman Drive, Sanibel Island, FL * Old Seaport Marina -645 Old San Carlos Blvd. Ft. Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers, Florida
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,009 reviews
Excellent
1,809
Very good
125
Average
37
Poor
16
Terrible
22
Luisa P
1 contribution
Jul 2020
We went on the Cayo Costa cruise with Captain Jim and First Mate Matt. We live in Englewood and just wanted a staycation experience during the pandemic. All the travelers arrived at the suggested time and we were able to leave a bit earlier. Matt did a great job pointing out the various landmarks along the way, and they had ice cold water and soft drinks to offer during the trip. Once we made it to the beach, they set up chairs (small fold out like at a camping trip) and an umbrella (very large). We walked along the beach and found some fun shells. This beach is only reached by boat, so there weren't large crowds when we went. Our trip back had an adventure element of a pretty strong rain storm. There was no thunder or lightning and Jim and Matt made sure we were as comfortable as possible during the inclement weather. Once out of the storm, we found a pod of dolphins heading back in and was able to hang out with them for a moment. There was a stronger storm making its way to us so the Captain made sure we were moving again to not get stuck in the bad storm. We would recommend this trip for any families or couples wanting a new beach experience.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello LPatton,
Thank you for joining us at Adventures in Paradise on our Cayo Costa Beach Escape. We are always excited to have our "locals" taking a break and staycationing with us!
Captain Jim and Matt are so appreciative of your wonderful recommendation. Their passion for our environment is fun sharing, (even when we get a rain storm!). So happy that you got to experience all that the area offers, as we as "locals" don't always get to see often enough!
Do take care, stay healthy and we hope to see again sooner than later!
Warm regards from Paradise,
Evelyn
Written July 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew C
4 contributions
Oct 2020
We went on the Sunset Dolphin Tour this last week with Captain Harvey and Hannah, and it was incredible! While the sunset was blocked by the clouds, we spent 20-30 minutes watching dolphins wrestle and play...worth every penny!
And Hannah...I cannot say enough good things about her! She was incredibly knowledgable and very attentive to our questions...it was wonderful! We had a wonderful experience all the way around. Thanks, Hannah!
And Hannah...I cannot say enough good things about her! She was incredibly knowledgable and very attentive to our questions...it was wonderful! We had a wonderful experience all the way around. Thanks, Hannah!
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Andrew,
Thank you for cruising with us at Adventures in Paradise on our Sunset Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise and for your wonderful recommendation. We are so happy that you enjoyed your experience and experienced so many playful Dolphins.
Hannah, our marine biologist, is thrilled to hear back from you and is so very appreciative of your most kind words. She truly is a jewel!
We do hope to see you again soon!
Stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy!
Warm regards from Paradise,
Evelyn
Written November 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jenni.zimm23
Kansas City, MO13 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We went for the Shelling & Lunch cruise to North Captiva Island and it was wonderful! Captain Jim and First Mate Bianca were both kind and very helpful. It took about one hour to get to North Captiva Island. We were then let off on the beach on North Captiva and set up with chairs and umbrellas if we wanted them. They asked us to return to the boat by 11:15, but other than that, we were allowed to swim, walk, shell collect, etc. The island was beautiful, the water was clear, and the shells were abundant! We then traveled around to the other side of North Captiva and were docked near the Mainstay restaurant. We brought our own lunch in a cooler (which I would highly recommend bringing your own) and then walked to the restaurant for a drink while everyone else finished eating. They only had bottled beer and they were $8 a piece, which is quite expensive for bottled beer in my opinion. After that, we traveled back to the port and searched for dolphins along the way. The Captain stopped twice at two different pods of dolphins for us to watch and take photos. They were beautiful. The value of this trip was spectacular! We’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area!
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Jennifer,
Thank you so much for cruising with us at Adventures in Paradise on our Shelling and Lunch cruise to the Outer Islands. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your experience, got lots of shells and relaxed to clear beautiful waters and saw two pods of dolphins on your cruise back to port.
Captain Jim and Bianca are both passionate about our environment and love sharing their observations and knowledge with you our valued guest! We do so sincerely thank you as well for your wonderful recommendation.
We invite you to join us again in the future and in the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy out there is KC, MO...(our owner is originally from KS!)!
Warm regards from Paradise,
Evelyn
Written August 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
shannonb692
Saint Louis, MO24 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
Amazing sunset dolphin cruise!! Our family of 4 attended the sunset cruise 6/21/2020. Everyone was fantastic. The sunset was gorgeous and our daughters loved seeing the dolphins. Let's be honest, the heat here in late June is hot as heck - however captain jackie kept a comfortable pace, so we weren't sweltering. I loved seeing the bird island and being able to see the lighthouse at sanibel all lit up. The first mates did a fantastic job snapping pics and passing out knowledge along with complimentary soda. I would recommend bringing bug spray for the mosquitos - it really was only noticable leaving and arriving to the dock. Thanks for a fun family night.
Written June 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Shannon,
Thank you for cruising with Adventures in Paradise on our Sunset Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise Sunday evening. We are so happy that you and your family got to experience what we call "the best sunset in the world" as well as the playful dolphins, bird island and the lighthouse at Sanibel.
Our Captain and mates are all very passionate about environment as well as our guests enjoying their cruise. We thank you for your great recommendation and look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Take care and stay healthy!
Warm regards from Paradise,
Evelyn
Written June 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kendalllaura
Grand Rapids, Michigan6 contributions
Apr 2021
We went on the Sunset Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise with Captain Jim(?) and First Mate, Hannah on Friday, April 9, 2021. We had our 15 and 18 year olds with us and we all highly recommend it. Easy access to the marina and ample free parking. Staff was super friendly. The cruise goes out into San Carlos Bay and gives great views of mangroves, Skimmer, Picnic, & Pine Islands and of course of the sunset. Saw two Bald Eagles, herons, lots of other birds including the somewhat elusive black skimmers, and several dolphins. It's a relaxing ride. Hannah offered educational information but did not over do it. Was a perfect balance of educating and allowing time to just enjoy the ride. Complimentary water and sodas are offered. A light jacket or sweatshirt was nice to have as it can feel chilly by the end of the ride. Although it was not especially wavy or even choppy, I was glad I took Dramamine beforehand because I easily feel motion sick and sometimes when we sat to watch the dolphins the boat rocked a bit. This was a perfect way to end our vacation! We took a day dolphin cruise a couple years ago and it was great and my sister took her students on a field trip for the Sea Life Encounter Cruise and said it was fantastic. We will book again next time we visit!
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Kendall's!
Thank you all so very much for joining us on the Sunset Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise during your recent stay and for your high recommendation. We are so happy to know that you all enjoyed your evening with us on the water and your description of your experience is wonderful! Captain Jim and Hannah love sharing their passion for our environment, the birds, the waters, the islands and those fabulous dolphins. It is wonderful to hear back from you!
We invite you all to join us again soon!
Warm regards from Paradise,
Evelyn
Written April 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dolphin0221
Monroe, CT392 contributions
Feb 2020
We took this trip on Fri 2/28 it was a beautiful night but a bit cool. Jim & Victoria were awesome . We had a spectacular sunset and saw a large pod of dolphins. They surrounded our boat and playfully doing their thing. Victoria said it was the largest group of dolphins she has seen in a while since she started doing the tour. We had about 25 people on the boat which was perfect so it would not be overcrowded. This was a nice tour for $31. I have paid a lot more from others and seen less. The only drawback for the whole cruise was it got really chilly but that was not their fault It was nice to start the cruise but as soon as the sun went down it was pretty chilly. Victoria is very knowledgeable about the marine life and Jim sense of humor and his demeanor were very pleasant as a captain. This was an A++++ tour and we definitely recommend taking it . Could not post any pics of the dolphins because they were all on video but put in the sunset
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello!
Thank you for joining us at Adventures in Paradise on our Sunset Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise. We are so happy that you enjoyed your cruise, got to see lots of dolphins playing...(always so exciting!) and what we call "the best sunset in the world".
Captain Jim O and Victoria are both passionate about our wonderful environment, love sharing with our guests and do love hearing back! Such a treat!
Your high recommendation is fabulous! We are so thankful for your lovely thoughts and the Sunset pics!
We hope to see you again soon!
Warm regards from Paradise,
Evelyn
Written March 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Angelique L
Escanaba, MI451 contributions
Apr 2021
My husband and I did the Shelling and Lunch Cruise with Adventures in Paradise. It was $69 each and did not include the lunch price at Main Stays restaurant on North Captiva where we stopped for lunch. We went from 8:30am to 2:30pm. We got a chance to see a lot of the islands and Captain Evan and his commentator Robert were AWESOME! Robert is a retired weatherman from the area and gave us a lot of insight as to how hurricanes helped shape the islands. He was also very knowledgeable about the islands and wildlife. We saw many birds that Robert identified and several pods of dolphins. Did not find many shells but did not really expect to. Great Trip! The boat leaves from Fort Meyer side of the causeway.
Written May 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Angelique,
Thank you both for joining us at Adventures in Paradise on our Shelling and Lunch Cruise to North Captiva with lunch at Mainstay's Barnacles. Captain Evan and Robert are excited to hear back from you as they are most passionate about our environment and enjoy sharing all that our area has to offer.
We invite you to join us again in the future!
Warm regards from Paradise,
Evelyn
Written May 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rocks-on-vacation
Sheboygan Falls, WI144 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Our family actually booked two separate cruises with Adventures in Paradise.
We booked the Cayo Costa Beach Escape and the Sunset Dolphin Cruises.
For both of our cruises we had Captain Chris and First Mate Matt (or cabana boys Chris and Matt as they preferred to be called once on Cayo Costa Island)
First the Beach Escape Cruise. We wish it was longer. I would say plan your time accordingly on this trip once on the island. There are limited amounts of chairs and umbrellas that are provided and setup for you also a limited amount of complimentary beverages. The boat ride is quite nice and both Chris and Matt were very informative of explaining things, answering questions and great viewing tips along the way. Cayo Costa was like no other beach visited in the area. It was a really great place to go shelling, we saw a few people fishing from shore, swimming or just hanging out.
The Sunset Dolphin Cruise was really great! We had the opportunity to view many pods of dolphins that wanted to play and give us a great show. We didn’t see much of a sunset as us was cloudy but the dolphin viewing we got more than made up for it. Chris and Matt even seemed surprised at the dolphin turnout!
There is no doubt we would go on another cruise with them again! Keep up the great work!
We booked the Cayo Costa Beach Escape and the Sunset Dolphin Cruises.
For both of our cruises we had Captain Chris and First Mate Matt (or cabana boys Chris and Matt as they preferred to be called once on Cayo Costa Island)
First the Beach Escape Cruise. We wish it was longer. I would say plan your time accordingly on this trip once on the island. There are limited amounts of chairs and umbrellas that are provided and setup for you also a limited amount of complimentary beverages. The boat ride is quite nice and both Chris and Matt were very informative of explaining things, answering questions and great viewing tips along the way. Cayo Costa was like no other beach visited in the area. It was a really great place to go shelling, we saw a few people fishing from shore, swimming or just hanging out.
The Sunset Dolphin Cruise was really great! We had the opportunity to view many pods of dolphins that wanted to play and give us a great show. We didn’t see much of a sunset as us was cloudy but the dolphin viewing we got more than made up for it. Chris and Matt even seemed surprised at the dolphin turnout!
There is no doubt we would go on another cruise with them again! Keep up the great work!
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello!
Thank you for cruising with us at Adventures in Paradise on Cayo Costa Beach Escape and the Sunset Dolphin Cruise. We are thrilled that you joined us and that you had an enjoyable experience, saw lots of dolphins and learned a great deal about our wonderful environmental gem! Captain Chris and Matt are so passionate about sharing their love for all that the waters have to offer and it is a real bonus to hear back from you! We do look forward to seeing you again soon!
Warm regards from Paradise,
Evelyn
Written June 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ronald E
1 contribution
Feb 2020
The Dolphin Tour that we took was a very enjoyable experiance from start to finish. Parking was close and easy. The boat was clean and comfortable. The crew consisted of Captains Andrew and Ethan who were professional, friendly and knowledgable. They made the 1 1/2 hour tour fly by explaining not only about the search for dolphins but manatees, pelicans, a variety of other wildlife and some local history as well.
Once the dolphins were sited we spent a lot of time viewing and finding additional pods in the area.
I highly recommend this family friendly tour.
Once the dolphins were sited we spent a lot of time viewing and finding additional pods in the area.
I highly recommend this family friendly tour.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello!
Thank you for cruising with us at Adventures in Paradise on our Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise and for your wonderful recommendation. Captain's Evan and Andrew are passionate about our environment, waters and all the sea creatures and truly love sharing with our guests. We are so happy that you enjoyed your cruise and we do hope to see you again soon!
Warm regards from Paradise,
Evelyn
Written March 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wanda l
North Fort Myers, FL1 contribution
Jan 2020
i made a reservation for 26 of our Silver Souls from Fort Ogden First Baptist Church. It was a beautiful sunny morning , the water was calm, and we had a beautiful cruise. we saw many different birds, and several dolphins, and also baby ones who played along the boat. Capt John told us about the white pelicans we saw on an island , and I did not realize how much bigger they were then the brown one! Matt was an excellent first mate , very knowledgeable , and helpful. I would recommend both of them for a great cruise. They had recommended Bimini Bait shack for our lunch when i confirmed our reservation. it is hard to find a great place for 26 for lunch, but I highly recommend Bimini Bait Shack, especially the shrimp basket!!!!
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Wanda!
Thank you and your 26 Silver Souls from Fort Ogden First Baptist Church for cruising with Adventures in Paradise on our Morning Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise. We are so happy that you all enjoyed your cruise, learned about our special environment, saw the magnificent dolphins, and the white pelicans.
Captain John and Matt are passionate professionals and love sharing with our guests. Your acknowledgement is truly a great bonus!
So happy that you had a fun lunch as well!
We hope to see you all again in the future!
Warm regards from Paradise,
Evelyn
Written February 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is there a particular time of day that the sea will be calmer, really interested in the dolphin tour but the calmer the water the better for me
Written March 3, 2024
Mornings generally have calmer waters, however these waters are protected by little islands. You're not out in choppy waters. I literally get sick on just about everything but I was not sick or even queasy at all on this tour and I did the dolphin sunset tour later in the day. I would think the only time these waters could be choppy is if there was a storm.
Written March 6, 2024
What is the main difference between the Shelling & Lunch cruise vs The Outer Escape cruise other then the restaurant and the departure times?
Written July 4, 2019
We took the sunset cruise. Sorry we can't help you.
Written July 5, 2019
For the lunch and shelling cruise to North Captiva, how do you get to the beach from Barnacle Phil's?
Written March 7, 2018
Hi luvmyvacays, On the Shelling & Lunch Cruise we travel to Barnacles by boat. The first portion of the tour is when you get to do your shelling (around an hour and 45 minutes), and then we cruise over to the restaurant! For more information feel free to visit our website, call us +1(239) 472-8443 or check us out on Facebook! We share photos daily! We hope to see you here in paradise!
Written April 7, 2018
Hi Laurel S, We have three Corinthian Power Catamarans which all have restrooms aboard them. The restrooms on the vessels are private and include a boat head. For more information feel free to visit our website, call us +1(239) 472-8443 or check us out on Facebook! We share photos daily! We hope to see you here in paradise!
Written April 7, 2018
Hi Mary,
We have three Corinthian Power Catamarans which can accommodate up to 49 passengers each. While we can take 49, on the Backwater Fishing Cruise, we only allow 20 passengers.
For more information feel free to visit our website, call us +1(239) 472-8443 or check us out on Facebook! We share photos daily! We hope to see you here in paradise!
Written April 12, 2017
Hi there,
Prices will vary depending on the trip you would like to join us on.
Backwater Fishing - $49 per passenger
Sea Life Encounter - $40 per adult/ $30 per child
Shelling & Lunch Excursion - $59 per adult/ $49 per child
Morning Dolphin & Wildlife - $29 per adult/ $19 per child
Afternoon Dolphin & Wildlife - $29 per adult/ $19 per child
Sunset Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - $29 per adult/ $19 per child
Sanibel Island Trolley Tour - $35 per passenger
*Children 3 and under are free, but still require a ticket.
Hope this helps! We look forward to having you onboard!
Written March 16, 2017
How often do the tours run and are they all the same itinerary.
Written November 4, 2015
Hi Janette160,
These are all great answers! :)
We offer 6 fun-filled tours & cruises that run throughout the week; some on a daily basis and others about 4 days a week.
- Shelling & Lunch Cruise - Tue.Wed.Thur.Sat. Departs at 8:45 a.m. and returns at 3:00 p.m.
- Backwater Fishing Cruise - Daily 9 a.m. - noon
- Morning Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Mon.Wed.Fri 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Sea Life Encounter Excursion - Daily 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- Afternoon Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise -Tue.Wed.Thur 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Sunset Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Daily, the sunset determines time, call or visit website for departure time.
- Sanibel Island Trolley Tour - Seasonal
For more information feel free to visit our website, call us +1(239)472-8443 or check us out on Facebook! We share photos daily! We hope to see you here in paradise!
Warm regards from paradise.
Audrey Stewart
Written November 11, 2015
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