Duration, boats and rates
Private-group pricing
Two-hour private Dolphin & Wildlife Tour on Lemon Bay. The listed price reserves the selected boat for your group rather than charging each guest separately.
- Deposit
- 50% to reserve
- Balance
- Due before departure
- Arrival
- 30 minutes early
- Departure
- Private Lemon Bay dock
What happens during the wildlife tour
The outing follows habitat rather than a staged animal schedule. The group may watch mangrove edges, seagrass areas, feeding birds, surface activity and open water where dolphins or manatees sometimes travel. A meaningful tour still explains Lemon Bay when a marquee animal does not appear.
- Two private hours
- Habitat and wildlife interpretation
- Patient observation
- No guaranteed sightings
Choose the right boat
Rora² carries up to six at the lower private rate. Louise offers a pontoon layout for groups up to 12. Duques is the premium 38 ft vessel for up to 12 and costs $100 more than Louise. The confirmed captain and boat must both legally and practically fit the group.
- Rora²: $350 for up to 6
- Louise: $475 for up to 12
- Duques: $575 for up to 12
What is included
The private-group price includes the captain, fuel, bottled water, cooler, ice, shade, Bluetooth music, life jackets, dry storage and charging ports. Restroom access is available before departure. Guests who want photographs should bring a camera or binoculars with a secure strap.
- Fuel and captain
- Bottled water, cooler and ice
- Adult and children's life jackets
- Shade, dry storage and charging ports
- Restroom access before departure
What to bring and what stays ashore
Bring polarized sunglasses, sun protection, a secure camera and a light layer when needed. Food, drinks, alcohol and a personal cooler may come aboard when safely stowed, but glass is prohibited. Do not bring anything intended to feed, attract or touch wildlife.
- Polarized sunglasses or binoculars
- Camera with a secure strap
- Food and drinks in non-glass containers
- No glass
- No wildlife food or attractants
Departure from Lemon Bay
Departing from a private dock at the mouth of Gottfried Creek where it meets Lemon Bay. Exact address provided after booking. Parking and restrooms are available, and guests should arrive 30 minutes early. Discuss limited mobility before booking because the dock can be difficult for some guests.
- Private dock with direct bay access
- Exact address after booking
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Ask about boarding needs before paying
Deposit and weather terms
A 50% deposit reserves the boat, and the balance is due before departure on embarkation day. Requests made at least 72 hours ahead may qualify for a refund or booking credit. Inside 72 hours, the deposit is non-refundable. If the operator cancels before departure for unsafe conditions, the group may reschedule, receive credit or receive a refund.
- Read the cancellation policy
- Read the weather policy
Request the wildlife tour
Use the availability form or call (941) 841-9660 with the date, group size and preferred boat. Published rates are private-group prices before tax and were last reviewed on September 2, 2026.
Questions, answered
Dolphin & Wildlife Boat Tour in Englewood FAQ
Specific reservation details are confirmed in writing before your trip.
Will we definitely see dolphins or manatees?
No. These are wild animals moving through a natural estuary, so no sighting is guaranteed.
How long is the Dolphin & Wildlife Tour?
The private wildlife tour is two hours, with arrival required 30 minutes before departure.
How much does the wildlife tour cost?
The private-group rate is $350 on Rora² for up to 6, $475 on Louise for up to 12, or $575 on Duques for up to 12, before tax.
Does the boat approach dolphins or manatees?
The captain observes wildlife without chasing, feeding, touching or crowding animals and follows posted protection zones.
What birds might we see?
Herons, egrets, pelicans, ospreys and other coastal birds may be present, but no particular species is guaranteed.
Can we bring a camera or binoculars?
Yes. Use a wrist or neck strap and keep equipment secure while the boat is moving.
Can we bring drinks?
Yes, including alcohol, when containers are safely stored and not made of glass.
What payment is required?
A 50% deposit reserves the boat. The remaining 50% is due before departure on embarkation day.
Reserve your private experience
Ready to request Dolphin and Wildlife Boat Tour?
Send your preferred date, group size, duration and boat choice. Availability is confirmed before the 50% deposit is collected.