Private Estero Bay Dolphin, Shelling & Sandbar Tour from Fort Myers Beach

On a bright morning in Fort Myers Beach, a low-slung bay boat slips quietly out of the channel and into the shallow, green-blue arms of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. This three-hour, private tour with Tide & True Excursions is built around slow discovery: Captain Tammy Everts, a Florida Master Naturalist, steers the conversation and the route, pointing out dolphins arcing beyond seagrass flats, the knobby roots of red mangroves, and sandbars that appear like islands at low tide. The preserve here was established in 1966 as Florida’s first Aquatic Preserve, and the water still moves with that protected, low-impact rhythm. The itinerary is simple and entirely yours. With room for only six guests, the outing feels like a family day on a private boat: search for playful bottlenose dolphins, walk shallow sandbars to collect distinctive Florida shells, and swim or snorkel in clear pockets behind barrier islands when conditions allow. The shoreline reads like a field guide—turtle grass meadows, oysters clinging to exposed flats, and stands of mangrove framing tiny coves. These aren’t manicured beaches; they’re working coastal habitat, and the captain shares context about tides, birds, and shell distribution as you go. What sets this trip apart is the attention to pace and place. There are no loud decks full of strangers or fixed routes to check off. Instead, the day is designed around what your group wants—birding, shelling, shallow-water snorkeling, or simply lying on a quiet sandbar with a cooler and a book. Launch points and meeting details are handled by Tide & True Excursions; Captain Tammy creates an experience that blends natural history with relaxed recreational time. Practical perks matter: the vessel is comfortable and stable for mixed-ability groups, and the small size makes it easier to access remote pockets of the bay other operators can’t approach. Expect local insights about the best shelling stretches, tips for minimal-impact beach use, and guidance on reading tidal windows for safe sandbar visits. This three-hour private dolphin, shelling, and sandbar tour is a strong pick for families with kids, couples seeking a mellow day on the water, or photographers chasing low-slung light on mangroves and dolphins. It’s a compact but immersive way to encounter the ecology of Southwest Florida without the rush—just five people, a knowledgeable captain, and a long, easy afternoon on the bay. Because the trip is private and capped at six people, it’s ideal for toddlers and grandparents who appreciate short walks and easy access from shallow sandbars; Captain Tammy provides safety briefings and keeps an eye on tides so every stop suits your group’s comfort level. Tours launch from Fort Myers Beach and are available year-round, with seasonal variations in local shell variety and water temperature.