https://www.captivaecotours.com/welcome daily 1.0 2026-11-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1722121337338-1LQV9ZTWV7HXRB5S005U/DJI_0107.JPG Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/462a818d-d642-4dd4-9acc-dcbb519ddded/IMG_7256.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1610900554215-Z3MVEQLOZDWNCH85W2BT/image-asset.jpeg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/004b5366-1684-4d5f-af95-4f5624d05151/IMG_5038.jpg Welcome - What to Expect Our tours are always private, with a maximum of 6 passengers as set by the US Coast Guard. Get ready for a day immersed in nature. Our private tours take you on a scenic journey through Southwest Florida’s pristine waters, with wildlife encounters around every bend. Your Adventure Includes ✔ Wildlife spotting. Search for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, sharks, rays, large sea snails, and coastal birds as we cruise along the mangroves and nearshore waters. No two tours are the same. ✔ Barrier island beaches. Head north to secluded barrier island beaches, covering roughly 30 nautical miles on a full-day tour. ✔ Seasonal snorkeling (April to November). In the warmer months, explore the grass flats and beaches, search for beautiful shells, and watch marine life up close. ✔ Waterfront lunch stop (full-day tour). Enjoy a meal at the iconic Cabbage Key or Tarpon Lodge, with island views all around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/a05037c9-b64d-4b7d-b07d-e98a24cba09f/IMG_5059.jpg Welcome - Mobility & Accessibility Our tours are active and require a moderate level of mobility to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Please note: ✔ Boarding and exiting. You’ll use a ladder (with assistance) to get on and off the boat. ✔ Walking through water. Expect to wade through knee- to thigh-deep water to reach the beach. ✔ Getting wet. Come prepared to get wet! Water shoes are recommended but not required. We welcome guests of all ages. If you have any mobility limitations or special needs, please let us know in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you and plan a safe, enjoyable day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1542818275719-3IBN23TMTT64KMMM0L27/36322749_2056162984648521_4756731565139034112_n.jpg Welcome - Snorkeling for Seashells When the water is calm and clear, we provide a variety of snorkel gear so you can explore the shallows just off the beaches. It’s one of the best ways to spot seashells, sand dollars, and other marine treasures that most beachgoers walk right past. Snorkeling Details ✔ Shallow water. Less than 5 feet deep, ideal for all skill levels. ✔ Weather dependent. Snorkeling is only possible in calm conditions, and strong winds may limit access. ✔ Fins not required. Enjoy a relaxed snorkel without the extra gear. ✔ Seasonal. Snorkeling is typically available from April to November. Respect Local Conservation Laws ⚠ It is illegal in Lee County, Florida, to collect live shells (mollusks), sand dollars, or sea urchins (echinoderms). Please look, admire, and leave live marine life where you found it. Snorkeling is a bonus when conditions allow, and Mother Nature makes the final call. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1559082063599-5VH3II9AX6TJ9XLO5E3P/PP_00015_2019_COE-2.png Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1548356164407-WY36CBG1DQ37A08FBODR/27709603_1983108965287257_2494245529261656201_o.jpg Welcome Bald eagle on North Captiva Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1548350945232-4QZ1IF53LOEHW3VO5N1A/IMG_9078.jpg Welcome Shelling with New Wave https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1548350835694-9YG3AOBOZITZ4AI77VIU/IMG_4132.jpg Welcome A sand dollar as large as your head https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1570148110131-M4PSWWO1ATXX7IX2F1ZP/66797027_10114033999105230_1545660551172980736_o.jpg Welcome - Media Comeback couple: Husband, wife lost home and business after Ian. Not their dreams The Washington Post x Washington Post Creative Group x Visit Florida - Secrets of Florida Matador Network x Visit Florida x Crocs x The Hambrick Family - A sweet stay in Sanibel Wanderlust Travel Magazine - The ultimate guide to the wildlife of Florida Wanderlust Travel Magazine - Florida: The wildlife destination you didn’t know existed Wanderlust Travel Magazine - The best outdoor experiences in Fort Myers Wanderlust Travel Magazine - Secret Florida: Rediscovering the Sunshine State https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/3330bc1a-c472-4fed-9344-551f34ad8fbd/67504715_2315714448693372_3989812051462586368_n.jpg Welcome Island Sun Newspaper - UK Magazine to Feature Captiva Eco Business Times of the Islands - Captiva's New Wave Eco Charters Aims To Navigate Waters As 'Stewards Of The Sea' FlightNetwork - The 42 Absolute Best Eco-Adventures in the United States This Year Sanibel-Captiva Islander Stephen Plein leads by example Sugar and Soul - What to do in Fort Myers Beach, Florida Prior to co-founding New Wave Eco Charters with her husband, Stefanie Plein (née Wolf) spent 3.5 years working as a Marine Naturalist for the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. She was featured in the below publications. Huffington Post - The Art of Shelling: Shellcationing in Sanibel and Captiva Charleston Gazette-Mail WV Travel Team: Lessons about seashells on Sanibel Island Sanibel-Captiva Islander Marine biologist’s travels led to dream job on Sanibel The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea by Jack E. Davis (Pulitzer Prize for History Winner) difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/7871985d-798f-4b0a-a590-54d5b3a452a2/Latt+and+Att.jpg Welcome - As Featured in Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1599072598685-70VF4HZ227ETYKJ0LMCI/08-16-20-08-40-44_Waterlust%2BLogo%2Bwith%2Btext%2Bblue.png Welcome We’re proud to partner with Waterlust, an apparel brand dedicated to protecting marine life. Stefanie has worn their whale shark leggings for more than seven years and loves the quality, the eco-friendly design, and the way the brand gives back to ocean conservation. Waterlust was founded by ocean science graduates from the University of Miami, Captain Steve’s alma mater. Their marine-inspired prints are designed to raise awareness and support the protection of endangered species and fragile ecosystems. Why We Love Waterlust ✔ Gives back. 10% of profits support marine science research and education. ✔ Made from recycled materials. Fabrics resist chlorine, saltwater, and sunscreen. ✔ Sun protection. UPF 50+ for long days outdoors. ✔ Built to perform. Quick-dry, ultra-soft, and durable. Whether you’re diving, hiking, kayaking, sailing, surfing, or practicing yoga, Waterlust is made to move with you. Shop Waterlust We may earn a commission on purchases made through this link. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/e6f6cc44-2e90-494b-b144-c904600c2521/tempImagerfMW4T.jpg Welcome - Captain Steve Plein A native to Southwest Florida, Stephen fell in love with the water at an early age. From exploring the mangroves behind his childhood house to swimming in the Gulf waters he developed a deep understanding and appreciation for his surrounding marine environment. It was with this foundation that he formed his dream of sharing the importance of the recognition and conservation of local marine species and their ongoing protection. After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami, Plein led private kayak excursions on the islands of Captiva and Maui, where he honed his craft as an ocean guide. Captain Steve holds a masters merchant marine credential and is a certified PADI rescue diver. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/254bc9ff-fa31-4132-a044-fa724dd24b13/421195688_10122372505646280_6389783745967072103_n.jpg Welcome - Stefanie Plein, M.S. Marine Biologist Stefanie draws from an extensive education and research in the marine biology field. She earned a Master of Science degree in Biology from Western Illinois University while studying the home range use patterns of resident bottlenose dolphin in the Adriatic Sea (Croatia). She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Animal Behavior from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Stefanie has studied manatee with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and has volunteered for nine years with Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s sea turtle nesting program and FWC’s SWFL marine mammal stranding program. Plein enjoys marine science education and has taught 3.5 years of Marine Biology to undergraduates at Florida Gulf Coast University. Her love of photography has led her to becoming a two-time award winning international sea turtle photo contest winner for the Sea Turtle Conservancy ‘s Turtle Scenes Calendar Plein is a certified PADI rescue diver. Follow Stefanie’s adventures on instagram @stefsea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/d829cc9d-58c5-4fc5-86a7-b76a288d154e/435491366_10122626652638670_8097428642350583552_n.jpg Welcome - Dawson & Rackham, Retired First Mates Dawson & his younger potcake brother Rackie love exploring endless white sandy beaches, playing with coconuts, and searching for seashells. They are both rescues - Dawson coming from the Miami shelter and Rackie from the streets of Turks and Caicos Islands. While they used to enjoy coming out on our eco tours, they are now both enjoying their retirement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1651759816094-C63YL5F76Q8IPJ0MQWH0/DJI_0472.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1651759815562-SL3XODQK6YY5462EMZUY/DJI_0470.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1651759825021-HNRELEXD1I7SDACPPIZL/DJI_0476.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1696622381445-KVCHRVWEVX2SOZ40LJVG/327794395_530300165972092_6098328646101885042_n.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1696622375113-4Z7ZBU7POXC8YPQF51LB/291136513_3231685620429579_1160514164266363968_n.jpg Welcome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5876651903596ec731ddb002/1696622370377-1EGP06NNT8E543AMUP5R/279495979_3165529577045184_8167511253251794904_n.jpg Welcome 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