Frequently Asked
Questions
Info about boat tours in the Ten Thousand Islands.
Get out and Explore!
IS THERE SHADE ON THE BOAT?
Yes, a large bimini top covers the majority of the seating area.
WHAT IS THE RIDE LIKE?
CALM: The best places to explore are the shallow, calm waterways in between the islands and mangrove keys. This makes for a smooth and dry ride.
COMFORTABLE: Our custom-built boats feature ample space, shade, and padded bench seating.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Designed for families, our boats offer spacious bench seating, shade, and a large bow deck for easy boarding. Sturdy railings provide excellent wildlife viewing, and as one of the few USCG-inspected operators, we’re approved to carry up to 16 passengers—though we cap our shared tours at 12 adults for extra comfort.
FUN: Our boat tours are more adventurous than other boat excursions in the area. We take you to remote beaches and get you closer to the wildlife than any other operator.
COMFORTABLE: Our custom boats have ample room, shade, and padded bench seating. We cruise at a comfortable 25-30 mph.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Our custom boats are the perfect choice for those looking for a family friendly cruise. We have comfortable bench seating, shade, and a large bow deck making it very easy to get on and off the boat. Our railings are very sturdy and allow for excellent wildlife viewing throughout the excursion. We are also one of few tour operators who are USCG Inspected and Approved to carry more than 6 people. Our boats are approved to carry up to 18 people. We max our capacity to 12 people.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN THE BOAT HOLD?
Our larger boats are U.S. Coast Guard-inspected and approved to carry up to 16 passengers plus the captain and crew. We cap our shared tours at 12 adults for optimal comfort and the best wildlife viewing experience.
For private tours we can accomodate up to 16 passengers or 2,100 pounds in passengers and gear.
Our smaller boats can carry up to six passengers on private dolphin watching, shelling and watersports tours. These six-passenger boats are strictly limited in capacity due to federal law.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Prepare as you would for the beach and you should have everything you need.
We recommend you bring:
- Towels
- Sunscreen. Mineral reef safe is best if you plan on swimming. When using spray sunscreen, please apply before boarding
- A hat, preferably one with a strap
- Sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses are best for cutting glare and seeing beneath the water’s surface
- A camera or binoculars if you enjoy birding or nature photography
- A bucket or bag to collect shells. Mesh bags work great, but shopping bags are fine
- A reusable water bottle
- Any medications you may need
- Sandals or shoes that can get wet
- We also recommend wearing your swimwear underneath your clothing
- You’re welcome to bring snacks and beverages. Beer and wine are allowed, but no hard liquor, please
ARE THESE TOURS SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?
Yes—our tours are fantastic for all ages and kids absolutely love them.
We offer discounted youth pricing for passengers under 16, and infants (under 36lbs) ride free! We provide life vests for children of all ages and as small as 17 lbs.
Note for families with infants: Infants under 17 lbs. are welcome on our larger vessels, but cannot ride on our private 6 passenger dolphin and watersports charters.
Children 6 and under are required to wear a PFD at all times on vessels under 26ft, including our 6-passenger private charters. We provide infant PFDs that are suitable for children approximately 17-35 lbs. If your infant is under 17 lbs or you have concerns about fit, we recommend booking a shared tour, or a private charter for 8 or more guests. These tours operate on a larger vessel with railings where children are not legally required to wear a PFD at all times. Call us at (239) 877-5902 with any questions.
DO WE HAVE TO WEAR LIFE JACKETS/PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFDS)?
Yes and No.
In the state of Florida, children 6 and under are required to wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD while underway on any vessel less than 26ft in length. Our larger vessels, used for shared tours and private charters for 7 or more guests, are over 26ft. While we still recommend PFDs for kids, they are not required to wear PFDs at all times on these boats. This is important to note for infants under 17 pounds that will not fit in our smallest PFDs.
Although children older than 6 are not required to wear a PFD, we highly recommend weak or non-swimmers do so. The Captain may also determine that PFDs are needed depending on sea conditions.
We provide PFDs at no additional charge. Each boat is equipped with emergency PFDs. If adults in your party would prefer to wear more comfortable Type III watersports style PFDs. Please let your captain know prior to departure.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED?
Dogs are welcome on private tours, provided they are comfortable on boats and can ride safely. Please note, we do not have a pet boarding ladder and we do not provide pet life vests. You will be responsible for any damage to the vessel caused by scratching or chewing. We don’t recommend bringing your dog along unless you’re 100% confident they will be safe and well-behaved.
Dogs are not permitted on shared tours.
HOW FAR OUT DO WE GO?
We cover over 30 miles round trip on our excursions.
We are never more than 3 nautical miles from the shore.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WEATHER IS BAD?
Our captains thoroughly check the weather before each tour. If they determine the weather to be potentially dangerous, they will cancel the tour.
Should the tour be canceled due to severe weather, we will attempt to contact you as soon as possible and will offer a full refund or the option to reschedule.
It is very important to leave a good contact number or email so we can get a hold of you if we need to.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION/CHANGE POLICY?
You may change or cancel your reservation any time up to 72 hours before the scheduled time of your tour departure for a full refund. Any “no call, no show”, late arrivals, or last minute cancelations within 72 hours of your scheduled time of departure may be subject to the full purchase price of the reservation. Cancelations due to dangerous weather conditions prior to or immediately after departure will be fully refunded if you are unable to reschedule. If potentially dangerous weather conditions force us to return to the dock 1/3 of the way or more through the tour you will be refunded based on the amount of time spent on the water.
CAN I SMOKE ON THE BOAT?
No. Smoking or vaping are not allowed on the boat.
CAN I BRING A CAMERA?
Yes!
You may bring a camera on board, but please keep in mind that by doing so, you are agreeing to take on any liability of lost or damaged items.
CAN WE SWIM WITH THE DOLPHIN OR MANATEE?
No, the dolphin in the 10,000 Islands are wild animals protected under the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
While some locations allow swimming with dolphins in captivity, it’s illegal to swim with wild dolphins.
You are welcome to swim and explore the sandbars during our stop at one of the many barrier islands.
WILL I GET WET?
Typically, we are able to give you a smooth and dry ride, but it will depend somewhat on the conditions.
There is always a chance of getting splashed. Please ask the captain for the best place to sit.
CAN I BRING FOOD OR SNACKS?
Yes. We encourage guests to bring food and beverages on our longer excursions. We’ll have bottled water available for you. We ask the you refrain from bringing glass bottles.
WILL YOU HAVE WATER?
We will have bottled water available upon request.
We also have a large cooler with ice to keep any beverages you would like to bring nice and cold.
CAN I BRING ALCOHOL?
Yes. Beer, wine and hard seltzers are permitted on Dolphin and Shelling tours. We will have a large cooler with space to store beverages. Please refrain from bringing glass bottles or liquor.
IS THERE PARKING?
Yes! We have parking across the street from our departure location. Park in the lot by the green building at 208 Harbor Place N, Goodland, FL 34140.
WHEN DO YOU TAKE PAYMENT?
We take payment at the time of reservation. This makes your boarding process very easy. Just show up with your gear and be ready for an adventure!
Our captains greatly appreciate cash gratuity.
HOW DO WE CONTACT YOU?
Our number is (239) 877-5902. You are welcome to call or text us anytime.
We encourage guests to view our pictures, videos, boat information, and tour descriptions.
You can also reach us via email at info@EcoEndeavors.org
ARE THE TOUR BOATS HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE?
Unfortunately, our boats are not wheelchair accessible. Boarding and disembarking require navigating a few steps. While assistance is allowed, individuals must be able to support their own weight independently.