Discover Boca Grande, the legendary tarpon fishing capital, with Captiva Cruises. Stroll historic streets, visit Gasparilla Inn, and experience Gasparilla Island's natural charm on this six-hour coastal journey.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; participants should be able to walk short distances on uneven surfaces.
Wildlife
History
Boca Grande’s Gasparilla Inn has welcomed visitors since 1913, serving as a key landmark in this fishing village’s history.
Conservation
Local efforts prioritize preserving Gasparilla Island’s fragile coastal ecosystem through habitat protection and responsible tourism.
Captiva Cruises
Discover Boca Grande, the legendary tarpon fishing capital, with Captiva Cruises. Stroll historic streets, visit Gasparilla Inn, and experience Gasparilla Island's natural charm on this six-hour coastal journey.
Captiva Cruises is a Captiva, Florida-based operator offering scheduled boat excursions, wildlife viewing cruises, island visits, and private charters. The business runs a variety of public cruises and private charter options that serve Captiva Island and nearby barrier islands in Southwest Florida. Captiva Cruises' fleet operates with USCG-certified vessels, and multiple private charter options list capacities up to 122 guests, providing options for small family outings and larger events alike.
Trip offerings include guided wildlife and dolphin-watching cruises, island lunch experiences, historic island visits, and half-day beach and shelling trips. Specific itineraries named by Captiva Cruises include the Useppa Island Cruise with a lunch at the Collier Inn and a visit to the Barbara Sumwalt History Museum, a 1.5-hour Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise noted for Atlantic bottlenose dolphin viewing, a six-hour Boca Grande excursion to Gasparilla Island, and private charters such as the Lady Chadwick, Playtime, and Santiva options. Descriptions for other named excursions, such as Cabbage Key Lunch Cruise, Wildlife Sunset Cruise, and Cayo Costa Half Day Beach & Shelling, are listed among available trips.
Captiva Cruises presents factual trip details, vessel certification, passenger capacities for private charters, and island destinations. Travelers can review itinerary listings and booking details to select the excursion or private charter that best matches their schedule and group size.
Location
Captiva, FL
Operates from Captiva Island
Tours Offered
9 Signature Trips
Day trips, wildlife and private charters
Max Capacity
Up to 122 Guests
Private charters accommodate large groups
Vessel Safety
USCG Certified Vessels
Meets U.S. Coast Guard standards
Reserve a dolphin cruise, island lunch, or private charter from Captiva, Florida — secure dates and vessel options while availability lasts.
Limit Golf Cart Rentals
Golf carts are scarce due to hurricane damage—be prepared to walk about three blocks from the marina to downtown Boca Grande.
Bring Sun Protection
Florida’s sun can be intense; wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay comfortable during shore visits.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
Strolling historic Boca Grande involves walking paved and sandy paths—choose sturdy shoes for varied terrain.
Pack Binoculars
Birdwatching in Gasparilla Island State Park rewards visitors with sightings of shorebirds and wading birds along coastal marshes.
Sunscreen
Protect skin against Florida’s strong UV rays during coastal excursions.
summer
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for strolling historic streets and natural trails with mixed surfaces.
Light jacket
Useful for cooler mornings and evenings during winter visits.
winter
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing opportunities in Gasparilla Island State Park.
spring