OUR CAPTIVA ECO Tours
Full DaY Eco Charter (6 hours)
From snorkeling shallow grass flats and sandbars to shelling miles of natural, unspoiled beaches, experience what other travelers call the highlight of their vacation. This is an immersive, hands-on learning experience for all ages. Explore the beaches and bay of our islands on an unforgettable natural adventure.
We offer a full day experience that covers all of the natural "must-see's" of our marine habitat. Explore hard to reach beaches, shell, snorkel, grab lunch or drinks at iconic island outpost restaurants only accessed by boat, and view the plentiful wildlife that makes our islands come alive. Let us show you the best that our islands have to offer!
-Lunch Options-
Cabbage Key: A 100 acre island accessed only by boat with a special charm that draws you in at first sight. Cabbage Key Inn is a world famous restaurant that has hand-crafted a timeless menu that ranges from delicious pink gulf shrimp to juicy cheeseburgers that can put a hungry sailor at ease. Adult libations include the infamous “Cabbage Creeper” a mix of rum, piña colada mix and coffee liqueur topped with maraschino cherries.
Following a delicious lunch enjoy a walk around the quiet trails or to the top of the island’s water tower where the Gulf of Mexico can be seen over the tree tops of nearby Cayo Costa. Friendly native gopher tortoises roam the grounds and reside in their deep burrows that penetrate the Calusa shell midden on which the Inn sits atop.
Tarpon Lodge: A tranquil “Old Florida” oasis on the western shores of Pine Island. Even in the height of Florida’s busy season the Tarpon Lodge offers a peaceful, secluded dining experience far from the crowds of the Fort Myers area. With locally sourced seafood and a generationally owned and operated tradition, Tarpon Lodge is a breath of fresh air in an era of “tourist trap” restaurants that seem to have overrun the sunshine state.
Following lunch take a step back in time with a walk across the street to the Randell Research Center where a Calusa Shell midden can be accessed by a set of stairs that brings you to one of the highest points above sea level in Lee County.
We like to get out early before the crowds and heat of the day to give you the best experience possible. On our full day trip we’re at our lunch stop in the shade or indoors for roughly 1-1.5 hours. In the warmer months we do plenty of swimming or snorkeling at the beach to keep cool. In the cooler months we ask that you bring extra layers to wear on the water. Our 6 hour trip goes by very fast!
We offer half day (4 hour) eco tours which do not include a lunch stop.
“We have been coming to Sanibel Captiva regularly since 2010 and this is by far our favorite thing we have done.”
“Highlight of our 3 week vacation in Florida. The tour provides an amazing way to experience the area, we made so many stops and the list of highlights is long. The boat is beautiful, comfortable and has everything you need.”
“Steve and Stefanie’s love of environmental science and exploration inspired our kids (and us!) - all passionate about wildlife conservation. Thank you Steve and Stefanie! Can’t wait to do this again!”
What to Expect
You can expect a fantastic day in nature! The trip will start off by searching for wildlife along the mangroves. On our tours we head north towards our final destination of the barrier island beaches. We cover about 30 nautical miles on our full day tour, staying near shore. We will look for various wildlife along the way (dolphin, manatee, birds, sharks, rays, sea turtles, large snails). Every day is different and you never know what you will find.
During the warmer/calmer months (April-November) snorkeling the beach for shells or the grass flats to observe our local sea creatures is certainly a highlight.
On our full day tour we will stop for lunch at either Cabbage Key or Tarpon Lodge.
Our tours are always private for up to 6 passengers as set by the US Coast Guard.
Our tours require you to be mobile. You will need to be able to get on and off of a boat assisted using a ladder. Water shoes are recommended, but not necessary. You will need to walk in roughly thigh/knee deep water to reach the beach. Please come prepared to get wet.
This is an active tour so if you have any limitations please let us know ahead of time so we can do our best to accommodate your needs. All ages are welcome.
Private excursion with Marine Biologist
Learn the in's and out's of the estuarial marine habitat on a guided tour with Stefanie Plein, M.S.. This is your chance to dive deeper into our local habitats further than ever before. From the grass flats, mangrove habitats, and sprawling natural beaches, marine biologist Stefanie Plein will walk you through an unforgettable experience that will leave you with an all encompassing understanding of how our marine systems function in Southwest Florida. Interested in shelling? Stefanie has you covered! When you book an eco charter, you can “add on” Stefanie to the trip.
Snorkeling for Shells and other Natural Treasures
When the water is calm and clear we have assorted sizes of snorkel gear for you to enjoy the shallow waters right off of the beaches. This is one of the best ways to search for dead shells, sand dollars, and other organic marine materials that often go unseen by the common passerby on foot. Due to the shallow nature of our snorkeling locations (less than 5 feet) it is completely weather dependent. If the weather is windy, snorkeling will not be possible. It is great to have the expectation of snorkeling on your trip but please note that it does not happen if Mother Nature has other plans. Fins are not needed.
Please understand that it is illegal to collect live seashells (mollusks) and sand dollars/sea urchins (echinoderms) in Lee County, Florida.
Snorkeling usually happens April-November
Bald eagle on North Captiva Island
ANSWERING ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CHARTER BOAT IN SANIBEL-Captiva, FLORIDA
How many passengers can you accommodate? Per US Coast Guard regulations, we can only take up to 6 passengers. This is strict and there are no exceptions.
We have 7 passengers but one is a baby. Can we all fit on your boat? The US Coast Guard 6 passenger maximum is based on souls aboard, regardless of age. We can not take 7 passengers.
Do you have an age limit? All ages are welcome.
Can I bring drinks and snacks on board? Yes, we have a cooler with ice on board. Feel free to bring any snacks and drinks that you would like while we are out on the water. In an effort to reduce single-use plastics in our waters, we do not provide bottled water and ask that you please remember to bring a reusable water bottle!
Shelling with New Wave
Are your rates per person? No, our rates are per private trip. The cost is the same whether it is 1 or 6 people.
Do you provide snorkel gear? Yes, we provide snorkels and masks but feel free to bring your own. Snorkeling is done in shallow water where you can stand and there isn’t a need for fins. Snorkeling happens in the warmer, calm months of April-November.
What type of payment do you accept? We accept cash or credit card.
Do you offer military, senior, or kids discounts? As our guest count is limited by the coast guard and not by age, each guest is equal and we do not currently offer any discounts.
What is your cancellation policy? We collect a deposit to reserve your date and time slot. This deposit is non-refundable unless the trip is canceled by the Captain due to bad weather or unforeseen boat problems. In the case of inclement weather, we will try to re-book your trip for a better day if your schedule allows. Otherwise, we will cheerfully refund your entire deposit. If you fail to show up for your charter or cancel within one week of departure, you forfeit the entire charter amount.
Is there shade on the boat? Yes!
Is there a bathroom on board the boat? We do not have a restroom available on the vessel, but we will never be more than 10 minutes away from one.
A sand dollar as large as your head
Where do you depart? We are currently departing from Tween Waters Marina (15951 Captiva Drive)
What will we see? We will see birds, historical landmarks, undeveloped beaches and islands, and miles of unspoiled mangrove and seagrass habitat. Our resident bottlenose dolphin are a main attraction, and we will observe their natural behaviors from a safe distance never pursuing or altering their behavior. We do not attempt to get them jumping in our wake as this is a form of harassment which is illegal under the MMPA of 1972. Manatees can be spotted in the warmer months. We will provide you with a very memorable tour.
Where do we go? We explore the largely undeveloped barrier islands of northern Pine Island Sound.
Are you licensed and insured? Yes! We are licensed under the US Coast Guard. We are also insured.
Contact us today to get underway on your unforgettable Gulf exploration. We proudly serve Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Florida.
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.
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 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
Dawson & Rackham, 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.
Evolution
For the past eight years we have been operating daily eco charters in the waters of Southwest Florida under the name New Wave Eco Charters and have met thousands of wonderful clients, many of whom have become great friends through the years. We have enjoyed sharing with folks our passion for the estuary and natural beaches of the local barrier islands however we have often found ourselves looking towards the horizon yearning for what’s just over the other side. Following the destruction and personal loss from Hurricane Ian we have made the decision to evolve our business and explore new cruising grounds.
We look forward to sharing with you our thirst for exploration and ocean going adventure. We hope you’ll be a part of our new chapter as we chase new horizons, one sunrise at a time.
Captain Steve and Stefanie Plein
Follow the adventure ON INSTAGRAM @CaptivaEcotours
Let’s get in touch!
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
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
Ellemen magazine in China
Visit Florida & Share a Little Sunshine
Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce
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)
Hire us for your next creative project!
We are able to act as talent, mode of local transportation, local guides, photographers, videographers, and content creators. Please contact us with your specific requests.
Captain Steve rescued 3 sick/injured sea turtles in the span of 5 weeks. They were transported by SCCF and rehabilitated at Crow Clinic on Sanibel.
See the news link here.
Ocean Conservation Apparel Partnership
We partnered with an inspiring ocean conservation-driven apparel company, Waterlust. Stefanie has been wearing their whale shark leggings for six years and absolutely loves the quality, design, and giving back to marine conservation. The company was started as an experimental project by ocean science graduates at the University of Miami, Captain Steve’s alma mater.
They offer unique prints inspired by and designed to advocate for conservation of marine species and ecosystems. Ten percent of profits are donated to marine science research and education that the specific design represents. Their apparel is made with the environment in mind from soft, quick-dry, ultra chlorine, saltwater, and sunscreen resistant recycled fabrics. UPF 50+ sun protection.
If you want to support marine conservation while you free-dive, scuba, hike, kayak, sail, swim, surf, practice yoga, run, or whatever it is that gets you out in nature, please click the button below to shop.
We hope you love the apparel as much as we do!
