Business Details
16 Years
experience
Eco-Friendly Wildlife Boat Tours in Stuart, Florida
Sunshine Wildlife Tours has been providing immersive eco-tourism experiences in Florida's Indian River Lagoon since 2010. Founded by Captain Nancy Beaver, a naturalist with over 20 years of expertise in coastal ecosystems, we specialize in guided boat tours that combine wildlife observation with environmental education. Our mission focuses on promoting marine conservation through hands-on exploration of critical habitats like Bird Island, a designated Florida wildlife sanctuary. We offer specialized equipment for plankton observation, expert-led interpretation of local ecosystems, and partnerships with Ocean River Institute for research initiatives.Our tours accommodate diverse groups while maintaining strict adherence to wildlife protection protocols, including designated critical wildlife areas. With a commitment to accessibility, we provide adaptive services for handicapped visitors upon advance notice. Our operational history and deep local knowledge position us as trusted stewards of Florida's coastal biodiversity.
Services
Eco Boat Tours
Dolphin Watching
Manatee Tours
Bird Rookery Visits
Sunset Cruises
Educational Expeditions
Kayaking Tours
Research Trips
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized expertise in Florida coastal ecosystems
- Our tours include educational plankton observation equipment and analysis
- We visit Florida's first designated critical wildlife area in 20 years
- Handicapped-accessible tours available with advance notice
- All proceeds support marine research through Ocean River Institute
Services
Eco Boat Tours
Explore Florida's Indian River Lagoon aboard our 35' covered pontoon boat. Observe dolphins, manatees, and endangered birds in their natural habitat. Our expert guides provide educational commentary about coastal ecosystems while using specialized equipment to examine marine life.
Bird Rookery Visits
Visit Florida's premier bird sanctuary at Bird Island. See thousands of nesting waterbirds including herons, egrets, and ibis. Our tours include binocular rentals and expert identification of protected species in this newly designated critical wildlife area.
Sunset Cruises
Enjoy scenic evening water views with guided wildlife observation. These special tours include appetizers and beverages while watching marine life activity during their most active feeding periods at dusk.
Educational Expeditions
Curriculum-based marine science field trips for students. Includes plankton analysis, water quality testing, and habitat studies. Our programs align with Florida's environmental education standards for grades 4-12.
Private Charters
Customizable multi-day excursions for special groups. Includes lodging arrangements, advanced wildlife tracking, and specialized research equipment. Minimum six participants required for full-day and overnight packages.
People
Captain Nancy Beaver
Owner/Operator
Marine naturalist with 20+ years experience in Florida coastal ecosystems. Former environmental educator and certified boat captain specializing in wildlife conservation tours.
Questions
What wildlife will we see on the tour?
Most tours observe bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Bird species include herons, egrets, ibis, and occasional bald eagles during winter months.
Are the tours educational?
Yes! Our naturalist guides explain marine ecosystems, operate plankton microscopes onboard, and discuss conservation efforts for endangered species in the lagoon.
What should we bring on the tour?
Recommended items: sunscreen, binoculars, camera, reusable water bottle, and weather-appropriate clothing. We provide life jackets and spotting scopes.
Do you offer group discounts?
Groups of 6+ receive private charter pricing. Multi-day packages include lodging arrangements and specialized equipment for research activities.
Is the boat accessible for disabled visitors?
Yes, with 24-hour advance notice. We accommodate wheelchairs and provide assistance boarding our stable pontoon boat with restroom facilities.
How do reservations work?
Call Captain Nancy directly at 772-219-0148 to book. Credit card required for reservation, charged day-of tour. 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
Reviews (4)
Betsy Young
Sep 03, 2021
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I called from Michigan several weeks in advance to make arrangements for my fiance' and myself to take my mother (who lives there in Stuart) on this cruise for her 81st birthday while we were in Florida visiting. I read the reviews, and this sounded like the perfect cruise for the occasion. When I called, I got Cpt. Nancy's answering machine and left my name and number, stating what date the 3 of us wanted to go. When she called back, I missed the call, but she left a message to confirm "reservations for 4". I called her back, she answered the phone, and I said that the reservations are for 3,
Kelly Verra
Mar 22, 2021
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We had a great adventure on this Eco Tour! We learned so much about how to be better for the environment and had a fantastic time as well. My 10YO and 8YO totally enjoyed it as well. If you're in the area, this is a must!
John Lacey
Sep 17, 2018
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Excellent boat tour for all ages, with an emphasis on trying to see as much wildlife as possible. Captain Nancy was always gracious, professional and accommodating, including involving kids of all ages. Emphasis on environmental preservation and showing off the natural beauty of the area. I have enjoyed this tour many times over a period of quite a few years while visiting my parents in Stuart, FL with my wife and kids.
B. Duerk
Dec 15, 2017
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Captain Nancy was unbelievable! She was beyond knowledgeable of the lagoon and surrounding ecosystem. The tour was fun, informative, and exceeded everything that I expected. We saw all sorts of birds on Bird Island and, while it's not a guarantee every time, a family of manatees. I even saw a loggerhead turtle on our way back to port. We brought our 4 yr old and 18 mo old, and Capt Nancy went out of her way to be accommodating and ensure that everyone had a great time.
