Everglades Sunset Charter: Private Gulf Cruise from Naples with Dolphins & Manatees
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Basic mobility is required for boarding and standing on a moving boat; passengers should be able to climb a small ladder.
Overview
Board at Point of the Islands Marina and glide into a three-hour private sunset cruise along the Gulf and 10,000 Islands. Expect close dolphin encounters, possible manatee sightings, vivid coastal light, and a captain who knows the backchannels by heart.
Everglades Sunset Charter: Private Gulf Cruise from Naples with Dolphins & Manatees
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The boat slips away from Point of the Islands Marina, engines softening to a whisper as the Gulf of Mexico unfurls into a lacquered horizon. The air cools; gulls wheel and call. Passengers lean on the rail, shoulders loosened by sea-breeze salt and the slow, deliberate pace of a captain who reads tides like a map.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring sun protection
Late afternoon sun still hits hard over open water—wide-brim hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses are essential.
Motion sickness prep
If you get seasick, take medication before boarding and sit mid-boat where motion feels gentlest.
Keep distance from wildlife
Follow the captain’s guidance—do not feed or try to touch dolphins or manatees; maintain low noise to avoid disturbance.
Charge and protect camera gear
Bring a fully charged camera or phone and a waterproof case—sunset light and playful dolphins are fast-moving subjects.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphin
- West Indian manatee
History
The 10,000 Islands region was once home to the Calusa people; the shallow coastal shelf and estuaries shaped local fishing and settlement patterns long before modern marinas.
Conservation
Boaters must respect manatee zones and nesting seasons; use reef-safe sunscreen and follow captain instructions to minimize disturbance to wildlife and seagrass beds.
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Adventure Hotspots in Naples, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin during open-water exposure while minimizing harm to marine life.
summer specific
Polarized sunglasses
Cuts glare for better wildlife spotting and photography on the water.
Waterproof camera or phone case
Keeps gear safe from spray and allows handheld shots from the rail.
Light windbreaker or hoodie
Evenings can cool quickly; a light layer blocks wind and retains warmth during sunset.
spring specific