Captiva Cruises
Captiva Cruises
4.5
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
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view

About
For over 30 years Captiva Cruises has been providing shelling cruises, island hopping, dolphin watches & dazzling sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico. Come explore the fabulous out islands of Cabbage Key, Useppa & Boca Grande for lunch or Cayo Costa State Park for shelling, Dolphin Adventures, Sunset Serenades, Sailing Cruises & Private Charters. Captiva Cruises is sure to be the highlight of your trip!
Captiva Island, 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
4.5
1,230 reviews
Excellent
939
Very good
205
Average
49
Poor
18
Terrible
20
Firegrrl03
Cleveland, OH83 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This is a very family friendly way to experience shelling, sunset, or local nature cruises. Prices are very affordable, and the staff is top notch from the office staff to the boat Captains and crew. Pack a picnic, or plan to explore the beach. Each boat has a bathroom and they also offer water, soda, and beer for purchase. Call or schedule online.
Written January 19, 2024
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.
Ellen K
Fort Wayne, IN21 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise to Cabbage Key on a Wednesday. It was a nice break from the usual beach and pool activities, particularly with high winds and waves making it a good day to avoid the beach. In spite of the wind, the cruise was fine.
Our family, adult kids and grandkids stayed on Captiva Island within walking distance from McCarthy Marina where the cruise departed. I booked the cruise the week prior when staying at the Island Inn, which gave a discount for the cruise. It was so pleasant to not have to load everyone in the car. In spite of the windy weather, temperatures were warm and the wind was with us on the way there. The kids loved seeing the dolphins jumping in the boat's wake and enjoying the scenery and narration along the way. Some of the adults enjoyed drinks for purchase while sitting on the upper deck enjoying the views.
Everyone had fun walking around the property at Cabbage Key, climbing the observation tower, and watching the many tortoises creeping around the paths.
A table was reserved for our lunch so that there was no wait to be seated. Lunch was expensive but good. A nice breeze blew through the screen where we were seated overlooking the water.
We also hit the ice cream place and of course that was a favorite.
The sail back to the marina was very windy and some of our group went below to get out of the wind. Several of us braved the wind and enjoyed it nonetheless.
I'd recommend the cruise for families.
Our family, adult kids and grandkids stayed on Captiva Island within walking distance from McCarthy Marina where the cruise departed. I booked the cruise the week prior when staying at the Island Inn, which gave a discount for the cruise. It was so pleasant to not have to load everyone in the car. In spite of the windy weather, temperatures were warm and the wind was with us on the way there. The kids loved seeing the dolphins jumping in the boat's wake and enjoying the scenery and narration along the way. Some of the adults enjoyed drinks for purchase while sitting on the upper deck enjoying the views.
Everyone had fun walking around the property at Cabbage Key, climbing the observation tower, and watching the many tortoises creeping around the paths.
A table was reserved for our lunch so that there was no wait to be seated. Lunch was expensive but good. A nice breeze blew through the screen where we were seated overlooking the water.
We also hit the ice cream place and of course that was a favorite.
The sail back to the marina was very windy and some of our group went below to get out of the wind. Several of us braved the wind and enjoyed it nonetheless.
I'd recommend the cruise for families.
Written April 7, 2024
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.
GwensGramma
Durham, NC510 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
My daughter wanted her daughters to have an adventure during our week on Captiva so we all went on a Sunset & Dolphin Watch Cruise. It was very cold and windy so I left the outside upper deck for the warm interior space. My granddaughters and daughter went in and out. We had a great view of the dolphins swimming and jumping the waves alongside the boat. The gentleman who provided a running commentary on the history of Sanibel and Captiva was very good. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip!
Written January 22, 2024
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.
Mikie P
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
Booked this cruise because no one was renting boats on Captiva and SouthSeas specifically. I was told we were guaranteed reservations at the restaurant but when we arrived we were told by the Host that it was going to be a 1 Hour wait. We told by the big guy at hostess stand we were with Captiva cruises and gave him our names but still the same wait. So we settled in outdoor blazing heat concrete tables. When we arrived to port in Captiva I called and spoke to Paola and asked if we were guaranteed reservations and said yes 100%. Then I told here we just came back and were told we had to wait 1 hour. Then her tone changed and said yes she spoke to the owner and they said they were “busy” . She lies they lie until you confront them. My elderly mom and my family ate $300 lunch in scorching heat. I told Paola I was disappointed. I told her we will not return and use Captiva Cruises again and she said “that’s ok they have enough business!” Female Dog!!! I’ll just go on my own next time! Don’t need you and your lies Captiva Cruises! By the way bottom level smells like exhaust fumes! Not healthy! Can you say carbon monoxide!
Written July 6, 2024
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.
Linda M
Ellijay, GA72 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
We booked the Lady Chadwick trip to Cabbage Key this week. The weather was perfect. Booking with Captiva Cruises was simple, parking was easy and check in was a snap. The crew of the Lady Chadwick were fantastic. While we didn’t book a dolphin cruise the Captain was very skillful in attracting those wonderful animals to our wake and their show was wonderful. Cabbage Key did not disappoint. I had been there over 60 years ago with family and it still maintains its beauty and tranquility. Service and food at the restaurant were great. Looking forward to some of the other cruises they offer.
Written January 30, 2025
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.
Molly D
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Friends
Beautiful boat ride around Roosevelt Channel and into the Gulf of Mexico at sunset. Loved the playful dolphins who leaped about in our wake, and the manatees who surfaced near the dock. Richard Finkle, a knowledgeable and articulate speaker narrated the trip, just enough, to give us the historical background and the natural history of the area, as we sipped our favorite beverages on the deck with friends.
Written April 24, 2024
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.
paulie777
Fort Myers, FL63 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
ALWAYS an outstanding time with Captiva Cruises! Gracious and welcoming - glad to have them back after Ian.
The ride up to and back from Cabbage Key for lunch we’re highlighted by an extraordinary show by dolphins in the wake of the boat … such a special time.
The ride up to and back from Cabbage Key for lunch we’re highlighted by an extraordinary show by dolphins in the wake of the boat … such a special time.
Written August 16, 2023
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.
born2travelDenver
Denver16 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
A very well run trip to Cabbage Key just after Christmas. The tours had just restarted after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated Captiva. The weather was superb and we were all thrilled to watch dozens of dolphins riding our stern waves and really putting on a show.
It's a very relaxing trip and the guide gave us lots of information about the history of the islands.
It took us the whole 2 hours to get seated and have lunch at the Inn. You might consider bringing a picnic.
It's a very relaxing trip and the guide gave us lots of information about the history of the islands.
It took us the whole 2 hours to get seated and have lunch at the Inn. You might consider bringing a picnic.
Written December 29, 2024
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.
Deb D
Madison, WI22 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The Captiva sunset never disappoints. Even with low-hanging clouds at the horizon, the entire sky was on fire. When we spotted some dolphins, the captain turned the boat around creating a wake that 3 of them frolicked in, following us for several minutes. Grateful the Lady Chadwick is back after Ian.
Written November 19, 2023
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.
fishonBoston
Boston123 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Great trip. Lots of information about the Pine Island sound area and its history. We had lunch at Cabbage Key home of the Dollar Bill Bar supposedly made famous by Jimmy Buffet’s Cheeseburger in Paradise. We had the option of lunch there or on Useppa and we’ll try that next time. Crew was attentive, knowledgeable, found plenty of dolphins for us to see and watch. Trip also included a few other spots to see like Safe Harbor. Great day on the water on a comfortable boat. Great way to see the area.
Written October 22, 2023
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.
Wondering what the difference between the 1/2 day and full day shelling trips is. I understand both go to different parts of Cayo Costa. I am a shelled and just wondered about the difference between the two. I have only been to the 1/2 day cruise.
Written September 24, 2021
I would like to bring my mom, 80 years young and in fairly good shape abroad. Would any of your cruises be appropriate for her?
Written September 5, 2021
I would like to bring my mom, 80 years young and in fairly good shape abroad. Would any of your cruises be appropriate for her?
Written September 5, 2021
Is it expected to tip the cruise staff after the trip? If yes, what is considered reasonable?
Written May 28, 2020
Hello! Tips are excepted if you feel that we provided exceptional service. They really range so it would be up to you. :-)
Written May 29, 2020
Can a charter trip for 5 people for shelling/fishing be arranged for half day?
Written May 17, 2020
Hello-
Yes you can charter one of our boats by the hour. We do not do fishing charters however. Feel free to call us with any questions! 239-472-5300.
Written May 18, 2020
What are the options for guest who plan on staying and camping at cayo costa?
Written April 30, 2020
I must admit, I cannot speak to this directly. When I visited Cayo Costa, for the day, I made inquiries. Captiva Cruises does not make arrangements for lodging or camping. You need to do that on your own before hand. If camping, our friends at Captiva Cruises suggested that you may even use another mode of travel from a different departure, as it may be more convenient. Best of luck to you!
Written May 11, 2020
Is anyone still doing the edison ford museum cruise from captiva iskand
Written February 26, 2020
There are no Edison Ford cruises from Captiva at this time.
Written February 27, 2020
Can I bring a bike to Cayo Costa?
Written January 12, 2020
Unfortunately we can not let our passengers bring a bike on the Cayo Costa trip. There is a ferry from Pine Island that you would be able to bring your bike aboard.
Written January 13, 2020
Yes we do have some wheelchair accessibility. Please give us a call in the office so that we can discuss all the options. We look forward to hearing from you! :-) 239-472-5300
Written December 28, 2019
Hi, what is the schedule for the trip to Boca Grande ?. Departure time , time in Boca Grande etc etc . Thankyou
Written December 10, 2019
Hello! I am sorry for our delayed response but we did not see your message! The Boca Grande trip departs at 10:00 and returns at 4:00. Our up to date cruise schedule can be viewed on our website or you can give us a call at: 239-472-5300.
Written December 17, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.