Captain Jim is a great host and guide. He is so nice and lots of fun. He had a vast knowledge of…read morethe area and the history. We took the fun lunch at Cabbage Key trip. The ride was smooth with several stops along the way to point out wildlife and points of interest. He allowed us enough time on the island to enjoy lunch and thoroughly explore. If we are back in the area we would definitely do another tour with Pine Island Boat Tours.

We had a fantastic time with Captain Jim. He is extremely knowledgeable about all the local…read morebeaches, and history of the area. He knew exactly where to take us and show us where all the dolphins and manatees were. My kids loved Captain Jim. They thought he was very friendly. I would highly recommend this boat ride. The 4 hour trip is the best value , as the day flew. I can't give enough praise . 5 stars isn't enough. This was definitely the highlight of our vacation.

Tried booking a cruise to Cabbage Key on their website but experienced problems. Submitted an…read moreinquiry including my phone number asking for someone to call. The next day (2/16) Captain Will called, said he had room for us on the next day's cruise, and we made small talk about where I was staying in Bokeelia, how we both love ospreys, etc. He said he was driving and would write our name in his reservation book just as soon as he stopped. He asked for nothing further, only that we show up at 9:15. The next day (2/17) we show up for the cruise - lo and behold our name is not in the reservation book. Capt. Will didn't seem to recall talking with me ... I repeated some of our conversation which he seemed to vaguely recall (even though it happened only 24 hours prior). He said he was waiting for a group of people who booked through GetYourGuide (which means more money for him) and didn't have room for us. He gave us the name of another boat captain to contact, but that doesn't negate the fact that he screwed up our reservation. Capt. Will responded to my Google review, basically calling me a liar & saying we spoke several days in advance (which I can refute with the attached photo), saying he asked for a text and deposit which he most certainly did not.

This is the best! Captain Will is amazing! Kind, knowledgeable, friendly and loves what he does. He…read moretook us to Cabbage Key, had us seeing dolphins, a few stops to take photos on islands and so much more. I was hesitant to write a review as I don't want this secret about how great he is to get out. (Ha ha!) But I just had to share my rave review! Thank you Captain Will! We can't wait to join you again!

A great trip to Cabbage Key with Island Girl. On time, great staff, excellent boats & a friendly…read morefun ride. I hope people tip big, as these guys work hard with Everything people bring....so much stuff. We will use Island Girl again, on our next Cabbage Key Vacation .

We took the boat to cabbage key. They were on time, and courteous. It was a short fun ride.read more

Caveat Emptor - Extremely Disappointing Experience with Tropic Star (Pine Island, FL)…read moreIf you're considering booking a "private nature tour" with Tropic Star, I strongly suggest you think twice. On March 23rd, my group paid $350 for what was clearly marketed as a private, multi-hour nature tour experience: lunch at Cabbage Key followed by a relaxing nature cruise with stop at Cayo Costa, wildlife viewing, dolphins, and a scenic return to the dock around 2-2:30 PM. What we got instead felt like a complete bait-and-switch. The ride to Cabbage Key was rushed, and after lunch, we were picked up at 1:00 PM only to be sped straight back to the dock at full throttle--arriving before 1:30 PM. No nature tour. No stops. No wildlife. No relaxation. Just a high-speed return trip where we were bracing ourselves on coolers and folding chairs instead of enjoying anything remotely close to what was promised. Prior to leaving the dock, my friend heard Captain Steve had multiple other groups scheduled and needed to rush back. So much for a "private" experience. It was clear our trip was cut short to accommodate their overbooking and miscommunication from staff. Customer service was just as frustrating. After multiple attempts to get a response from Vincent, the owner, we finally received a generic apology with "We have a great reputation and it's rare that I get confronted with any negativity and I sincerely apologize. We have not been able to run our big boats since Hurricane Ian 3 years ago. We're doing our best to accommodate some passengers with our smaller boats" and a vague offer for "free passage next time." When I asked for clarification--no response. I then requested a full refund to resolve the issue privately and avoid posting a review... and completely ignored. At this point, it's not just about a bad tour--it's about misleading advertising, poor communication, and zero accountability. Save your money and your time. There are plenty of reputable operators in the area who actually deliver what they promise.

What a great crew, what a great experience. The vote was comfortable and easily accessible. Finding…read morethe place was a little bit of a challenge. However, when you make the reservation they do fill you in on the GPS coordinates, and tell you that they are not necessarily correct. I would definitely do this again but I would spend all day at the beach I would not bother to go to the restaurant on the itinerary.

Had an amazing private dolphin and shelling tour this week with Jessica & Rob. Jessica was…read morefantastic to work with throughout the booking process and was communicative, prompt, and helpful! Our day on the water was wonderful - we saw 4 dolphins (including one baby!), white pelicans, and enjoyed shelling at the end of Lover's Key State park! Jessica and Rob made the experience memorable, fun, and safe. Highly recommend for your charter needs!

Had a great time taking the kids out on a dolphin cruise in the back bay, Jessica and Rob are very…read moreknowledgeable and we had dolphins jumping out in the boat's wake.

If you're looking for something that's equal parts chill and a little adventurous, this sunset…read morecruise with Beyond Boundaries Excursions is exactly that. Whether you're out with friends or family it feels like the perfect way to wind down. The crew was super friendly and made the whole vibe feel easy with no pressure, no rush, just good energy and a great time. It didn't feel like a tour, more like a relaxed evening out on the water with people who love what they do. Honestly, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

From the owner: Beyond Boundaries Excursions offers fully accessible boating adventures for individuals with…read morephysical disabilities, providing a safe and inclusive way to experience the water. Our custom-designed charter boat accommodates those who cannot board traditional vessels, ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can enjoy Boating, sightseeing, and nature exploration. What makes us unique is our commitment to creating truly barrier-free experiences. Unlike standard charters, we prioritize comfort, safety, and personalized trips tailored to each guest’s needs. Whether it’s a child experiencing the ocean for the first time or an adult rediscovering the joy of boating, we make unforgettable moments possible. Beyond Boundaries Excursions isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about adventure, inclusion, and proving that the water is for everyone.

We had an amazing experience on our dolphin tour with Captain Karl. We saw at least a dozen…read moredolphins, a couple turtles and thousands of fish. We were not fishing but Captain Karl deffinatly knows where the fish are at! This was one of our most memorable experiences in Matlacha. Florida. We went on Monday and then went back on Wednesday and rented Kayaks and had an awesome time exploring on our own. Matlacha Boat Rides and Rentals not only does boat tours, dolphin watch tours, but they also rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards, sail boat rentals, and skiff rentals. They also do fishing trips for beginners to experienced anglers. Captain Karl was so knowledgable and even showed us private beaches that had no people on them! How cool is that? Matlacha Boat Rides and Rentals boats are super clean, and well maintained and have a great selection of boats to rent. They also let you request the type of tour and they will customize one for you. They are located at Angler's Inn on Matlacha, Florida. We loved the time we spent on the water. We will defiantly come back. Captain Karl and his wife treated us like we were old friends of theirs. We loved it.

Karl and Janette are wonderful hosts! Their room rentals come with a kitchen and lanai AND they…read moreprovide complimentary kayak rentals for people staying with them. I went on a last minute boat tour with them on my birthday and had a blast. They're genuine people who provide great service.

Coastal Friends Boat Tours was an absolute highlight of our visit to south west Florida…read more My wife and our friends decided to take a sunset tour on Sunday. The boat was spacious and comfortable, very stable even amid the small swell and wakes of other boats (my wife has gotten seasick in the past, but had absolutely no problem with this trip due to the stability of the boat and the skill of Aldo the Captain/pilot). We enjoyed seeing Dolphins and Pelicans, and even a ray just after sunset.The sunset was amazing and memorable, but not the best part of our tour. What was the best part? Being hosted by the owner and captain Aldo, and his first mate (wife] Demaris. They are happy and friendly, and very skilled at operating their boat. But more than that, they are excellent hosts. We had a lot of laughs, and a very enjoyable afternoon. The opportunity to meet Aldo and Demaris, and enjoy their hospitality shouldn't be missed. You'll be glad you chose this company for your boat tour! TLDR; Relaxing and fun way to spend the afternoon. Aldo and Demaris are great people, enjoyable to be around and skilled in their business I highly recommend them as hosts and tour guides!

5 Stars - Unforgettable Charter Experience!…read more While on a recent sister vacation in Cape Coral, Florida, I had the pleasure of chartering a boat from a wonderful, family-run company--and from start to finish, the service was truly exceptional. From the moment I inquired, this husband-and-wife team went above and beyond to make us feel like longtime friends. Their warmth, hospitality, and genuine care made the entire experience feel like we were spending the day with dear old friends rather than just booking a tour. Despite some tropical weather, they created an unforgettable cruise filled with great conversation, constant laughter, and amazing memories. Their ability to keep things fun, relaxed, and entertaining no matter the circumstances speaks volumes about their dedication and passion for what they do. This is without a doubt the only charter company I'll be booking with on future visits to the area--and I recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a laid-back, fun, and truly personal boating experience in Cape Coral.

Inspiring to see this place recover from hurricanes and include local fishermen. This place MUST…read morebe preserved and protected. Always brings a smile to my face to step into the property. It's like walking through a time portal to the 1930s. Spectacular teamwork, fun and friendly staff. It's entertaining to see everybody the works there, lives nearby and visit to feel so welcome. Jug Creek gives people a place and opportunity to unwind and relax. The music is top notch and different than the same old Jimmy Buffet songs that play like a broken record around here. Joe, the highly respected Fish Monger, deserves all the success in building his dream. Please take the opportunity to support Jug Creek and local fishermen. It's more than an obscure pirate title or scruffy clothes and scuffed mullet boots. It's worth the drive (maybe carpool because parking is tight).

Perfect dive bar for an hour to pull up on your boat and enjoy a beer overlooking the serene…read moreintercoastal waterway and thats as far as it goes. Drove down a small road with older canal homes lining the right side. Continued to the dead end that had the Jug Creek Marina and tiki style bar which was filled with customers. Parking was tricky but found a spot near the front and spaces were snug for wide trucks. We were recommended to this place through an aquaintance that was raving about it. Now that I'm here, I think I was the brunt end of a joke. Hung out for ten minutes trying to figure out how to order food. Saw two bartenders inside the tiki bar serving beer from a metal tub full of ice. No greeting and still confused and still did not see a server. Went to a door behind the tiki bar and peeked into a kitchen and finally found a server who advised us to find an open table and order from the bar. I only saw three tables with baskets of food in front of them. Seemed like a place for locals only and frowned on tourists - not positive though. I made a failed attempt to simply grab a beer from the bartender from the ice chest. The guy standing next to me did not have his beer yet and just chuckled like it was normal. Noticed the "No Smoking in the Bathroom" sign posted to the wall next to the bathroom door. It was just strange why this would even be something people would do. We traveled 35 minutes to find this off the beaten path bar and felt defeated and left thirsty and hungry. The water view was amazing but the service was horrible. The experience felt like a bar you would find deep in the back woods of the Louisiana Bayou. Drove to another 30 minutes to a waterfront bar on the Fort Myers beach for a late lunch and had a great experience.