Join Aquaterra Excursions for a 3.5-hour journey through the 10,000 Islands, where wild dolphins, manatees, and shelling await. Discover remote beaches with a naturalist guide in this immersive adventure perfect for all ages.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate walking involved
Wildlife
History
The 10,000 Islands area has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years and played a role in early Florida trade routes and shipwreck history.
Conservation
The area is managed with a focus on preserving critical wildlife habitats, with ecotourism playing a key role in supporting sustainable management.
Aquaterra Excursions
Join Aquaterra Excursions for a 3.5-hour journey through the 10,000 Islands, where wild dolphins, manatees, and shelling await. Discover remote beaches with a naturalist guide in this immersive adventure perfect for all ages.
Aquaterra Excursions is a Marco Island, Florida-based outfitter specializing in guided sea kayaking, boat and shelling excursions across the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands. The company operates multi-day sea kayak camping trips along the Wilderness Waterway and shorter guided eco-tours, combining wildlife viewing with hands-on interpretation by experienced guides.
Trips include family-friendly boating, shelling and fishing outings, three- and five-day kayak camping itineraries, boat-assisted kayak adventures, mangrove tunnel paddles, swamp walks, and photographic safaris in remote islands.
Aquaterra partners with local experts and runs select tours guided by Florida Master Naturalists, offering interpretive information about manatees, dolphins, birdlife, mangrove ecology, and coastal habitats. The fleet and equipment are organized to support guided paddling and boat-assisted logistics for remote access to beaches, shelling grounds, and tidal creeks. Private and customizable tour options are available for groups seeking tailored itineraries, photography-focused trips, or family experiences.
Safety protocols, route planning on the Wilderness Waterway, and logistics for multi-day camping trips are core operational elements, ensuring guests can focus on wildlife viewing and paddling. Aquaterra’s location on Marco Island positions it for direct access to the Everglades National Park, the Ten Thousand Islands, and nearby mangrove systems. The company emphasizes small-group experiences, expert-led interpretation, and configurable tours that suit a range of abilities and interests.
Reservations, detailed itineraries, and packing lists are available through Aquaterra Excursions’ booking channels; guests are encouraged to book early for peak seasons to secure preferred dates for guided eco tours, shelling trips, and multi-day kayak camping routes regularly.
Location
Marco Island, FL
Gateway to Everglades & 10,000 Islands
Tours Offered
21 tours
Kayak, boat, shelling, camping
Guided Tours
Florida Master Naturalists
Select tours led by experts
Private Options
Private & Custom
Photography and family trips available
Choose guided kayak trips, boat-assisted eco tours, private excursions, or multi-day Wilderness Waterway camping — limited spaces on multi-day and private tours.
Wear Footwear Suitable for Beachwalking
Light, non-slip shoes or sandals help protect your feet while walking on uneven and sometimes rocky shells or sand.
Bring Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing are important for comfort and safety during midday sun exposure.
Carry a Small Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the trip to enjoy the excursion comfortably in warm Florida weather.
Respect Wildlife and Ecosystems
Maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid disturbing nesting sites or plant life while shelling or birdwatching.
Sun Hat
A broad-brimmed hat helps protect your face and neck from sun exposure during outdoor activities.
summer
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Protects your skin during prolonged outdoor time in strong Florida sunlight.
summer
Binoculars
Helpful for bird and wildlife viewing from a distance.
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the excursion, especially in hot weather.