Thank you for visiting Island Runner Tours. Our goal is to provide excellent service, and a fun, memorable experience you can't get anywhere else. All our tours are private so you are assured personal service and attention.
On your private tour, we will cruise along and search for Dolphin, Manatee, and Tropical birds. Your captain has been in the Fort Myers area for over 20 years and will be pointing out interesting sights, sounds, and little-known historical facts as you cruise through the islands of paradise known as SW Florida.
Welcome to Island Runner Private Tours & Excursions
Welcome to Island Runner Private Tours & Excursions
Thank you for visiting Island Runner Tours. Our goal is to provide our clients with excellent service, and a fun, memorable experience you can't get anywhere else. All our tours are private so you are assured personal service and attention.
What time should we arrive at the boat?
Why Choose Island Runner Tours?
Part of what sets Island Runner Tours apart is our experience and personal attention. A private, chartered excursion assures you'll see and experience things not found on crowded, noisy tours. We are able to adjust the excursion and explore unique, hidden areas known by your captain from years of exploring. It's like having your own private chartered yacht.
Meet Your Captain
Ray holds a USCG OUPV Captains license certification to 100 miles offshore. Originally from New Jersey, Captain Ray has over 40 years of boating experience on the the east coast United States, including Barnagat Bay NJ, offshore to Atlantic City, Chesapeake Bay Maryland, Hudson River, Lake George NY and Florida.
Ray has been in Florida for over 20 years boating and exploring Ft. Lauderdale, Islamorada, Marathon, SW FL Gulf of Mexico, Estero Bay, Sanibel, Marco Island, Naples, Captiva, and points north as far as Englewood and Palm Island.
As a 2nd mate, Captain Ray also served on customers 82 Viking to Marathon and the Bahamas. Ray lives here on the Island here with his wife and sometimes 1st mate Donna.
In their 40 years of marriage Donna has accompanied Capt Ray in many hours the aforementioned .
Meet Your Captain
Ray holds a USCG OUPV Captains license certification to 100 miles offshore. Originally from New Jersey, Captain Ray has over 40 years of boating experience on the the east coast United States, including Barnaget Bay NJ, offshore to Atlantic City, Chesapeake Bay Maryland, Hudson River, Lake George NY and Florida.
Dolphin Dancer
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Accommodates 1-6 Guests
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Private Restroom & Shower
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Shaded seating area
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4-Speaker stereo sound system
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Island music of your choice
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Vhf Radio
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GPS - chartplotter
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Swim ladder
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Cooler w/ice
Mandy Girl
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Accommodates 1-6 Guests
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24' Robalo Center Console
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Twin 150 Yamaha engines
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Hard top (1/3 cockpit of boat)
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Private electric toilet
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Stereo sound system
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Island music of your choice
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Vhf Radio
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GPS - chartplotter
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Swim ladder
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Cooler w/ice
Your Boats For The Day
Your private tour will take place on one of two boats. Dolphin Dancer (Departs from Bonita Springs), or Mandy Girl (Departs from Snook Bight Marina Fort Myers Beach). Each boat comes with full amenities including restroom facilities, music, GPS, swim ladders, coolers, VHF radio, and shade for those who want to just sit back and relax.
Your Boats For The Day
Your private tour will take place on one of two boats. Dolphin Dancer (Solid Craft) or Mandy Girl (Robalo). Each boat comes with full amenities including restroom facilities, music, GPS, swim ladders, coolers, VHF radio, and shade for those who want to just sit back and relax.
Cruises, Trips, & Excursions
When you choose Island Runner Tours you get a unique experience that you won't find anywhere else. Your private charter includes history, a flexible agenda, and the experience of a captain who has been in the area for over 20 years. Browse our options below or create your own excursion.
Fishing Charters
Dolphin/Sunset/Bay Tours
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Lunch - Dinner - Bar Hopper - Booze Cruise
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Beach & Shelling Trips
Island Runner Charter Club
A must for frequent visitors or snow birds.
Tired of boat expenses , repairs and being the "host " while your friends enjoy your boat?
Love the water, but don't want to own , or worry about running the boat and where to go?
Island Excursions
Estero Island Circumnavigation Tour
2.5 or 3.5 hour excursion with history and hurricane Ian narrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Any other questions or concerns
You can click the link to email us, visit us on Facebook, or call us at 239-777-3058.
Will we go fast?
Back bay trips and harbor tours are all “no wake” this means we go slow to protect the manatee and wildlife in that particular area. Island trips we will “jump on plane “ in the gulf and intercoastal and cruise at 25-30 mph to our destination.
Does the boat have shade?
Both boats have some shade – see boat descriptions
What time should we arrive at the boat?
We appreciate your arrival 15 minutes prior to sail time, this will give time to board and stow your gear. Our goal is to give all allotted time on the water. We must keep to a schedule on short or ½ day trips.
What if I get sea sick?
If you are prone to sea sickness we suggest taking Dramamine the night before and possibly morning of according package directions. We may suggest avoiding the island excursion trips as the gulf may get choppy at times.
Can we smoke?
Smoking is not permitted on board for safety reasons, however we can stop along the way if you wish. Illegal substances are strictly prohibited, in the event of an infraction, we will return to the dock without refund and trip will end.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Yes there are marine “heads” on both of our boats, and they should be used only for liquid waste. There are also places along the way where we can stop.
Will we definitely see dolphin?
These friendly creatures are wild, we cannot predict where or when we will see them, however there are so many here in Estero Bay it is rare that we don’t.
On short trips (2 hrs or less) we see dolphin at least once 90% of the time.
On longer trips (over 2 hours) we see dolphin at least once 99% of the time.
Manatee are harder to spot and not as plentiful as the dolphin but we do see them frequently.
What if it rains?
We will go in light rain as our rains don't typically last very long. If there is a threat of lighting, we won't go and we will need to reschdule.
What should I bring?
You may bring anything you like to eat or drink on any trip ( we will have a cooler with ice for your use) we suggest canned beverages – no bottles or glass please.
Sunscreen and Hat - lotion only (no sprays please )
Towel and extra clothes for beach trips
Jacket or sweatshirt for winter trips