Banyan Charters

Captain Austin clearly knows these waters like the back of his hand, and travelers consistently rave about his ability to deliver on the dolphin promise. Nearly everyone mentions getting up close views of dolphins playing in the boat's wake, and Austin's local knowledge means he knows exactly where to find them. The three-hour tours blend dolphin watching with shelling expeditions and exploration of the 10,000 Islands and mangroves, creating a well-rounded Marco Island experience that families particularly love. Beyond the wildlife encounters, what stands out is Austin's approachable, laid-back demeanor. Guests appreciate how knowledgeable he is about local history and marine life without being overly scripted, and several mention he's genuinely easy to talk with. The boats are clean and comfortable with both sun and shade options. Whether you're after a sunset cruise or a morning adventure with the possibility of spotting manatees and stingrays, this consistently earns praise as a must-do Marco Island activity that often becomes the trip highlight.