Frequently Asked Questions

A complimentary cooler with ice and bottled water is provided for all guests to use and keep their belongings cold! Please bring your own snacks and preferred beverages other than bottled water.

Shell bags are provided to store your treasures during the beachcombing part of the tour.

Snorkel and masks are also available for those who want to try underwater exploration. We disinfect them after each tour! For those of you who want to snorkel you must wear water shoes as the area we explore has oysters which can cut up your feet. If you have your own masks please feel free to bring them.

Fun floats, beach chairs and shade is provided for the beach stops if you like.

Underwater scooters for mangrove exploration and fun snorkeling are complimentary. Whether you're snorkeling, swimming or exploring the mangrove tunnels, the lightweight Waydoo Subnado is a fun underwater scooter that will add excitement to your tour! It's safe, portable and kid friendly!

Life Jackets are provided to anyone who wants or needs to use one. *In the state of Florida, children under 6 are required to wear a United States Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket.

We do our very best to find dolphins and other wildlife on our tours, but they're free spirited locals, not cast members in a reality show—so sightings are always on Mother Nature's schedule...which keeps things wild, real and just a little unpredictable but Captain Tammy has been called a Dolphin Whisperer so she will do her best! 🐬

We recommend bringing beach towels, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses.

Snacks, food and whatever you wish to drink besides the water we provide.

We also recommend wearing your swimwear underneath your clothing—we do have a bathroom you can change in if needed, but space is tight!

Winter months in Florida (Dec–March) at times can be cooler and we do advise bringing a sweatshirt or jacket, as it can be VERY chilly while the boat is underway.

Good water shoes for beachcombing and if you want to explore shallow sand bars.

Cash for tips (gratuities are never expected but always appreciated for excellent service).

Guests must be able to easily step on and off the boat — this can mean stepping down several feet, occasionally climbing ladders to get on and off the boat to the beach and also for snorkeling/swimming. You need to be comfortable being on a boat, getting wet up to your knees, and disembarking on uneven ground at times. Ability to handle extreme weather conditions like high humidity and heat. We do have shade on the boat but for the most part you will be in the Florida sunshine for the duration of the tour. Get ready for some tanlines and good times.

Good news… yes, we have a bathroom on board. Like most boats this size, it's compact and functional. It's not a palace, but it gets the job done when nature calls on the water.

Captain Tammy and First Mate Finn will be meeting you at Lovers Key Boat Ramp in Bonita Springs. There has been some hurricane damage so signage isn't very clear. There is a restroom to use—make sure to park in a spot that isn't intended for trailer parking. We will be waiting for you down on the floating docks. Please call us if for any reason you're running late: 239-571-2815.

At Tide & True Excursions, we kindly ask that all cancellations be made at least 7 days prior to your scheduled tour.

Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance will receive a full refund or may be rescheduled at no charge.

Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are non-refundable. This includes no-shows and late arrivals.

Because we operate a limited number of private tours, this policy allows us to best serve all of our guests.

In the event of unsafe weather or marine conditions, Tide & True Excursions reserves the right to reschedule your tour or issue a refund at the captain's discretion.