Marco Island - Dolphins

This morning, everything worked out just as we wanted. We got up on time. Then we had a nice leisurely breakfast and packed our things. After that, it got exciting to see if our new car was ready. So we had to empty the Mustang and find a gas station. That worked too. The rental car process was very fast. We drove the old car into the underground garage, then everything was checked, the mileage was read, and we had to say goodbye.

Inside, someone was waiting for us who asked us the usual questions. As seasoned car renters, we knew this routine by heart. Everything was as we had ordered the night before. No extra costs and no surprises. We were given a basic Nissan without much equipment. However, it still has cruise control and air conditioning.

Our departure was a bit difficult because our internet wasn't working properly and the route was only loaded sporadically. So we had to drive through the city alone until the map was loaded. But luckily, we headed in the right direction.

The route along the way is very monotonous. You drive a bit through Miami and leave it via the highway heading west, which you then follow straight for 160 km. The last 15 km lead through the town of Marco Island to the harbor. We were early, so we could grab something to eat before we had to be there.

We were greeted by Bob, who seemingly recognized me right away. He said, 'You must be Dennis, we talked on the phone'. 'Of course,' I replied, 'we talked multiple times'. The reception was very warm and he thanked us for sticking with it and putting in so much effort to join the tour. After a brief explanation of where to park and whether we still wanted to go to the shop, we were informed of the departure time.

The Dolphin Explorer consists of a captain and an expedition leader. Both are trained scientists, and this fact makes the boat tour simply unforgettable. Bob is also a scientist, but he is not on board today. He mainly runs the office. The venture is funded by government funds and a relatively small registration fee plus later tips, considering it's America. The organization's goal is to protect the dolphins and document them while simultaneously counting them. And that's where we as passengers come into play. Since they have to do it anyway and genuinely want to, as you can always tell, they can also take a few passengers along to assist them. Children are given a small board on which they are supposed to document how many animals they have seen and what else has been observed. A pelican or a special type of tree, for example.

Before departure, we are made aware of the safety instructions - where the life jackets are located, when we can stand and when we must sit. The last instruction is the most important: it is very hot and we should drink enough. There is a large cooler with drinks, including water, cola, and diet cola. All included in the price. Adults are given a thick folder containing photos of all the known dolphins. You can recognize each one by the upper fin. The two team members can even recognize the dolphins from a distance as soon as they surface.

We set off and within 5 minutes, we see the first dolphin next to the boat. They then give us a freshly printed picture and we are supposed to identify which dolphin it is. We can even do that with the help of the folder. We continue driving around the strip of the island and find a lot of animals.

The special thing is that they even play with each other and have their favorite spots where they hang out. They even follow us in the wake of the boat because they enjoy it, the captain tells us. The dolphins also jump out of the water from time to time. In addition, both describe an incredible amount of information about the animals and the surrounding nature. We even learn a lot, and you can tell how much love both put into this tour. We are totally thrilled.

After an incredibly fast two hours, we stop at a small island where we are allowed to take a 45-minute break, including collecting seashells. We find so many different ones that we quickly fill up the small bag we were given. There are ones with red patterns, black patterns, and we even find the small twisted ones that still have something alive in them. In the end, a photo is taken of each person.

On the journey back to the pier, we see another group of three dolphins swimming nearby, playing with each other again. They also follow our wake at the end of the boat.

The 16 people on board, including us, are completely thrilled by the end. Rightfully so, in our opinion. The whole organization does it all out of love for the animals and offers the opportunity to join twice a day. Just amazing. It can't be said enough. When we disembark, everyone receives a handful of photos taken by the expedition leader on today's trip. They are pictures of the dolphins we saw live and our picture from the beach on the island. Everything is printed on the boat, and so much is explained on the side. A big shout out to the team's performance.

We get in the car and make our way home. We use a different road for the return journey, which takes us directly through the Everglades. A national park that covers almost the entire southwestern part of the Florida peninsula. It consists of many small water and marsh areas that contain crocodiles and alligators. Most tours for viewing are offered here. Everyone is familiar with this type of watercraft with the large propellers at the back, where two people sit and steer while one stands behind and drives them through the shallow waters to see alligators or crocodiles.

The two-and-a-half-hour drive is no longer a problem for us and flies by. After circling the apartment again, searching for a parking space, we prepare our dinner ourselves again. Today's special: Mac and Cheese. Not bad at all.

Our last task for today is to pack the suitcases so that we can fly tomorrow. Not so easy to accomplish. That was also the end of our road trip and the last evening in Miami. Starting tomorrow, we have 6 days in the Bahamas, which we want to fully enjoy for relaxation. We have to return the rental car at the airport at 10 am, and our flight departs at noon. An all-inclusive package awaits us in the Bahamas. We definitely deserve it after the past two weeks :)

(I will publish the photos we received on the tour tomorrow, as they were left in the car :D)