Custom Boat Charter Tours

“Enjoy a Day on the Water at an Affordable Price”

½ day (4 hours)

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$500

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Up to 4 people

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$50 extra for each additional over 4

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Full day (9 hours)

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$900

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Up to 4 people

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$50 extra for each additional over 4

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Meet Your Captain

Coast Guard Licensed Captain, Michael Porter offers 20 years of knowledge and experience navigating the beautiful, clear-blue waters of the SW Florida Barrier Islands.

Your safety and enjoyment are always his top priority. Captain Porter will plan your charter by taking into careful account the everchanging Florida weather conditions, tides and other factors that could affect your trip. Along with being insured, he carries a current CPR and First Aid Certification.

Captain Porter is passionate about sharing the beauty and wildlife that his home waters have to offer and will introduce you to many native species including; dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, sea gulls, osprey, and the occasional bald eagle. He will also be your guide to the little-known, remote beaches that are prime for shelling and picnicking.

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About the Boat

Barrier Island Excursions, LLC operates from a Sea Hunt Bx24 Bay Boat powered by a reliable Yamaha 250 engine. She is a 24-foot center console with plenty of comfortable and padded seating. The boat can fit up to 6 people but we do recommend 4 people for a comfortable experience. A hard t-top will prove some shade.

Normal cruising speed is between 25 and 30 mph with a top speed of about 50 mph. Designed with higher sides to ride safely off-shore and with a shallow 18’’ draft that allows her to ride in the more shallow waters closer to shore.

The boat is equipped with all required safety equipment. Both the boat and the captain are licensed and insured.

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Boat departs from:

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Cape Coral:

Address:
116 SE 34th Lane,
Cape Coral, FL 33904
(Main boat depart site)
(Parking is available on the street in front of the location.)

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St.James:

Monroe Canal Marina and Boat Rentals

Address:
3105 Stringfellow Rd
St James City, FL 33956

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Cape Coral:

Tarpon Point Marina

Address:
6179 Black Marlin Lane
Cape Coral, FL 33914
(Parking available, 239-549-4900)

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Fort Myers Beach:

Snug Harbor Restaurant

Address:
645 Old San Carlos Blvd.
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

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Captiva Island:

The Green Flash Restaurant

Address:
15183 Captiva Drive
Captiva Island, FL 33924
(Parking available, 239-472-3337)

Our Charters

SUNSET DOLPHIN, BIRD, AQUATIC, AND MANATEE CRUISE:

The boat is a 24-foot Sea Hunt Bay boat powered by Yamaha 250 designed to perform in shallow areas of 18-inch draft and gulf side for medium size waves up to 4 feet. The boat has a hard T-top for shade and six comfortable padded seats.

The Custom tour starts at Miserable Mile in Caloosahatchee River, through Pine Island Sound, Sanibel, Red Fish Pass, South Sea, Captiva, North Captiva, Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key turning at Boca Grande then back on the Gulf of Mexico side. (Weather and water activity permitting)

This will allow us to view the white sandy beaches of the secluded outer islands. Along the way, we will be seeking out dolphins, manatees, seagulls, pelicans, osprey, storks, and water turkeys.

Lunch is whenever time allows and wherever you like. If you would like to include a special restaurant or set up a picnic just let us know. 9-hour cruises are well suited for stops that could include lunch on Cabbage Key, Captiva, North Captiva, or other areas. (lunch is on your own)

My passengers have cloned it as ‘The ride of their life’. If you want we can cut through Charlotte Harbor, go around Bokeelia then south through Matlacha, and back to the ‘Miserable Mile’.

All Custom tours have access to fishing at no additional cost, The group is only restricted by the time they have on the Custom tour.

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CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER CRUISE “MANATEE HAVEN”:

This awesome leisurely cruise starts around ‘Miserable Mile’ and then heads north upriver. Coast past ‘Cape Coral Bridge’, slide under “Midpoint Bridge”, then slow down and view the Fort Myers skyline. Three more bridges to pass and then on our way to our first stop just past the ‘Highway 75 Bridge’.

Once in the Orange River estuary, we will go into stealth mode with a trolling motor to sneak up on the largest herd of Manatee. We will spend about an hour or so floating with the Manatee and counting their calves.

We will explore ingrates, storks, osprey, and if we are lucky maybe spot a bald eagle nesting.
Then travel further north past highway 31, through some of the most beautiful farmland of Florida. As we pass multimillion-dollar homes, we will finally get to the first damn lock of the river. Here we can talk about the history of the Caloosahatchee River and start our return.

Depending on our schedule, we can stop at “Fort Myers Boat House” to take a quick swim, eat lunch, or enjoy a flavorful adult beverage of your choice. We can stop on the way home and visit the manatees again to bid our farewell.

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ISLAND HOPPING/ SHELLING CUSTOM TOUR:

The island hopping and shelling Custom tour is one of our most popular. Visitors on our shelling trips experience some of the most abundant areas for beachcombing anywhere on Florida’s coast. We try to hit the lowest tide and most productive spots such as Captiva and Sanibel. For longer excursions, we can include North Captiva and Kayo Costa only accessible by boat.

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FAMILY-FRIENDLY TROUT FISHING CHARTERS

Our custom 24’ Sea Hunt can accommodate up to 4 passengers and 4 can fish at the same time. The boat is considered a unique Florida Classic, a comfortable ride, with plenty of space and shade. The trout and shark are the primary target fish for our tour. It is focused on the family, especially children. Four top-quality Shimano fishing rigs along with four fishing licenses will be provided.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the boat depart from?

116 SE 34th Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33904 Parking available on street in front

How long are trips and how much do they cost?

All chartered events are customized to fit your needs. Times can be personalized as well: Essentially, you are charting the boat for a period of time, we will custom to fit your adventure!

We have some popular charters and cruises to offer listed on the website. They normally break into half day or full day charters every Saturday and Sunday.

Half Day: 4-5 Hours $500 for a party of up to 4 people. $50 for each additional person with a maximum of 6 people in the party.

Full Day: 8-9 hours $900 for a party of up to 4 people. $50 for each additional person with a maximum of 6 people in the party.

Weekday charters are available for full-day tours only when booked two weeks in advance.

Half Day Manatee tours up the Caloosahatchee River can be scheduled during the week with a two week notice. (January through March)

What is included on all personal cruises and charters?

Boat
All required safety equipment
Fuel
Captain
Cooler with ice
Complimentary bottled water and energy bars
Fresh water hose and raw water access for showers
4 fishing license
High quality fishing gear, including:
5 Shimano fishing poles
Cast net
Live wells

What should you bring along for the trip?

Hat, shirt, sunblock, sunglasses, beach towel if swimming, Food/snacks Your favorite beverage — NO BOTTLES Ask about bringing your own cooler (cooler with ice and water will be provided) Water shoes Camera and binoculars Light jacket, sweatshirt or long sleeve shirt Life jacket for any children under the age of 3

Can the trip be extended once you are out on the water?

Yes they can as long as the schedule allows, for an extra charge of $100/hour. As an example: If you purchase half day and want to extend two more hours charge would be $200 as long as the time has not already been reserved.

How many passengers can go on the trip?

Maximum of 6 passengers, regardless of age. Passengers under the age of 13 are required to wear a life vest while on board. Children under 3 require that you bring their own life jacket.

Is there a restroom on board?

No, sorry there is not. There are methods.

Will other groups be on the boat with us?

No, this is a private experience for your group only.

Do you allow pets on the boat?

Unfortunately, we do not.

What is the cancellation policy?

We require a minimum of 72 hours for cancellation notice prior to your trip. If the trip is canceled by the Captain for weather or any other reason you will receive a full refund.

What type of payment do you accept?

Cash or major credit cards. Payment in advance secures your reservation.

Are there life vest aboard the boat?

Yes, according to Coast Guard regulations. If you have a child under 3 you must bring their life jacket.

Is the boat handicap accessible?

No, I am sorry!

Is smoking allowed on the boat?

No smoking is allowed onboard.

     Excellent  
     Based on 28 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   t m 
 2024-06-06
 
 
  On vacation all the way from Colorado!!! We woke up this morning and didn’t have a plan for the day. My wife Jessica decided to look for some sort of dolphin boat tour. Went down a list with no luck. Came across Barrier Island Excursions, woke me up from my nap lol and asked what I thought. Called Captain Porter and he booked us a tour on the spot. We arrived at his place and boarded his vessel immediately. He was very knowledgeable from the canal that left his place to the remote beach he took us. Naming various points of interest, history lessons and of course good boating etiquette. WE SEEN DOLPHINS!!! Not only did we see them they followed us for roughly two miles. We next stopped at a remote beach and picked some shells. We have an 11 and 9 year old. He made them feel comfortable made sure we were being safe and having fun. Captain Porter tailored our tour to our liking given they were easy asks. Never felt rushed or felt like we were o. Some set schedule. It wasn’t just a boat tour, Captain Porter gave us an experience that we’ll talk about and remember for a lifetime.
  
 
       
   David and Jamie Andersen 
 2024-05-18
 
 
  Captain Mike is awesome we loved our day on the water exploring the intercoastal. Saw lots of see life and birds, caught some fish and had a great time. Mike knows the waterways and history behind the Islands very well.
  
 
       
   Alina 
 2024-05-14
 
 
  We spent the day with Michael on his boat and it felt like having an old friend with us. You could tell how much fun it was for him to show us all the beautiful places. Thanks to Michael, we all had a wonderful day on the water together, which unfortunately went by far too quickly. As he knew many good secret spots through his long experience, we had the wonderful experience of seeing dolphins, manatees and even a shark. We are looking forward to be in Florida again… his boat tour will definitely be on our to-do list!
  
 
       
   kim lanninger 
 2024-05-12
 
 
  We had a great Time!
We wanted to see dolphins and manatees and Michael did everything in his power to make it happen. We actually saw a manatee and approximately 5-10 dolphins :). He was super friendly and open and made the trip even greater with his company. We saw beautiful beaches, houses and nature! He made sure everyone was happy and that we had enough time to enjoy the views and the beach we stopped at. I would recommend it 100% to everyone who is thinking about doing a tour with him!! I would happily do it again :)
  
 
       
   Jeffery Sleuter 
 2024-03-31
 
 
  I would like to thank Porter for the great day my family had traversing the water ways of the Florida Coast in Cape Coral, Captiva Island, Cayo Costa and Pine Island. We saw Dolphins',  Manatees and ship wrecks. We collected shells on Beaches and Atolls (sand bars). Porter was very knowledgeable of the waters ways and history of the area. Once again my family was very grateful to have such a professional guide.  Thanks again Porter for your great attitude and ability to guide.
  
 
       
   Kim Sardo 
 2024-02-28
 
 
  We had an amazing day out on the water with Captain Porter. He was very kind and helpful with a great sense of humor. I love that we departed from his dock cause we got to travel through the canals before hitting the harbor - something you can’t do with a more commercial tour. We look forward to doing this again especially that he will customize the tour to the occasion.
  
 
       
   Quinn 
 2024-02-20
 
 
  It was fun
  
 
       
   Eric Merdan 
 2024-02-20
 
 
  We had a great time on the water.  We saw lots of dolphins, caught some sea trout, went shelling and exploring.  It was a very fun outing.
  
 
       
   Erin Merdan 
 2024-02-15
 
 
  Porter provided our family with a wonderful and memorable day on the water. He catered to our every need, wasn’t in a rush. Caught sea trout, saw dolphins, went shelling and even toured cabbage key! Thank you, Porter!
  
 
       
   James Celia 
 2024-01-12
 
 
  Captain Porter did an amazing job on our nautical adventure.  He is very knowledgeable and navigated the boat well. It was a smooth ride throughout.  Thanks for tha amazing experience and I will be booking again in the future anytime I make it down to that area!