Manatee & Eco River Tours, Fort Myers

About Manatee & Eco River Tours

Manatee & Eco River Tours operates guided boat tours through Southwest Florida's waterways near Fort Myers. The Eco River Tour takes visitors through oxbows and winding riverbanks of the Caloosahatchee River, led by a certified Florida Master Naturalist who explains native wildlife, plant life, and regional history. The tour passes through the W.P. Franklin Locks, where visitors observe the transition between fresh and brackish water ecosystems, and includes eco bingo where spotting wildlife on a card can win prizes. The Manatee Tours focus on observing manatees in their natural habitat, with guides sharing facts about their behaviors and conservation efforts. A Sunset Cruise offers views of dolphins, birds, and other native species as the sun sets over the river. Tours suit visitors interested in wildlife observation and learning about Southwest Florida's natural systems. Captain John C. Cookman, a USCG Master Captain and Florida Master Naturalist, and Kathy J. Cookman, also a Florida Master Naturalist with manatee expertise, lead these experiences.