New Wave Eco Charters, LLC

Erin Moore

2024-03

We had an awesome time with Capt. Kellen for a 1/2 day cruise around Captiva and Sanibel! The boat was very clean and comfortable and the ride was really enjoyable and fun. He knew exactly where to look for wildlife and could answer almost every question the two very curious 7 year old kids in our group asked. Shelling on one of the islands led to an amazing osprey sighting as well as huge shells everywhere you looked. It was definitely a highlight of our trip!

Howard Cantor

2024-01

This is the second time I’ve been on a New Wave trip, and it was just as amazing as the first! Kellen is an outstanding guide and captain, sharing lots of great history of the islands and information about the wildlife. He took us out on the Gulf side and we were lucky enough to be surrounded by 20-30 dolphins for a solid 15-20 minutes! It was amazing!

Alyssa Beyrodt

2022-05

BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE!!!!!! Man oh man where do I even begin?! We spent the week in Captiva for my 30th birthday and I really wanted to see manatees, so I started researching how to make that happen. I came across New Wave Eco Charters and after reading the glowing reviews, we booked a half day tour with Captain Steve. Captain Steve and his wife run the tours. They met in Sanibel and she is a marine biologist (Nicolas Sparks needs to write a novel). He was so welcoming and kind and what a beautiful and comfortable boat. I loved hearing all of the knowledgeable things he had to say about the area and the wildlife. We saw tons of manatees ( ), dolphins came right up to the boat, we saw a massive sea turtle, bald eagles, an eagle ray leap out of the water, so many fish, and we even got to see a black tip reef shark when we were snorkeling - ok it was more of a really fast moving shadow but it was there and I feel cool now. We loved getting to visit north Captiva island and Cayo Costa island. The shelling was EPIC and the fish were abundant. Thanks so much for one of the best days of my life, Captain Steve, and we will see you next year 🙏🙌!

Nicole Webb

2022-05

This was an amazing day with Captain Steve! We did the 6 hour tour which I was worried would be too long, but when it was over, none of us wanted to leave!! Our three kids, ages 3, 7, and 9, were engaged and excited the entire time. We saw tons of wildlife including dolphins, manatees, cow-nosed rays, spider crabs, fighting conchs, gopher tortoises, a bald eagle and so much more! Steve took us snorkeling twice and even though none of us had been before, it was an amazing and easy experience. He had everything we needed on board and he even found tons of great shells and let our kids have them! We went to lunch on Cabbage Key at the restaurant there which was just amazing. Couldn’t have been happier!

Joshua Davidson

2022-05

A truly wonderful experience. We got to see dolphins, manatees, tons of birds and a great trip to a beach where no one else was there so we got lots of great shells. Captain Jenni was really terrific and knew all of the great spots to go. She completely customized the trip for us, had all kinds of facts and knowledge about the environment and made us all feel very special. Highly recommend the tour and was worth the fee paid. Much better than the group tours we went on.

Katherine O'Brien

2022-05

Adventuring out with Captain Steve (marine naturalist) and Stephanie (marine biologist) was an unforgettable experience that we loved so much, we can't wait to come back to Captiva and do this again with our extended family and friends. Would totally make the trip just to do this. So worth it!We saw everything we hoped to find - even the elusive juvenile sharks, a sting ray, many dolphins (and close enough to photograph without a zoom lens!), loggerhead turtles, and five manatees that swam right up to the boat to say hi.Lucked out shelling at low tide, full moon, after a storm and this was a shelling adventure highlight. Incredible to walk the surf with Stephanie while she identifies every single shell. Could have done this all morning.She and Steve were able to find and spot things, just knowing where to go, and being so familiar with and passionate about exploring this unique area -- that we could never have seen elsewhere. Loved that they could tell us everything we wanted to know. So knowledgable and fun to hang with, they are both fantastic teachers and great at vibing the folks they're with.Snorkeling for sand dollars was another highlight. We found spider crabs, sponges, sand dollars - dead to collect, and live ones too. Having snorkel gear and shelling gear on the boat was awesome and it was great that the snorkeling, even with some wind and current, was shallow and safe for young kids to do, too.Lunch at Cabbage Key was fun - spotted gopher tortoises lunching as well, which was cool!It felt like we explored the entire area by boat, swim, snorkel, stroll - and returned to the dock so happy with all we'd been able to see and do that day.Steve and Stephanie's love of environmental science and exploration inspired our kids (and us!) - all passionate about wildlife conservation. Thank you Steve and Stephanie! Can't wait to do this again!

Aimee Light

2024-04

These folks are AMAZING!!!! Went 1000% above and beyond. Their boat got vandalized the night before our trip and they actually had their father, brother and nephew get another boat from dry dock in fort myers, get the snorkel gear and take us out. Unheard of generosity and kindness. And we saw LOTS of manatees and dolphins, and went to a secluded island where we found starfish, while sand dollars and tons of conchs and welks. I can’t recommend this trip highly enough!!!!

Michael McMahon

2021-05

What a half day tour! Captain Steve is very knowledgeable about the wildlife we saw (manatees, dolphins and lots of birds) as well as the islands we traveled around. We got to see manatees and dolphins and to shell Cayo Costa. We definitely have New Wave Eco Charters on our list of things to do the next time we are in Sanibel.

Jennifer Aceves

2022-05

Highly recommend a personalized boat tour with Captain Steve! He is so knowledgeable of the area and the wildlife while also being very eco-friendly, making sure he uses nature safe practices while also trying to maximize your viewing experience. We learned a lot, had a ton of fun and were glad we spent the extra money for the private tour instead of a group tour with another company. You won't be disappointed!

Tim Dunker

2021-05

Great Sunset-Tour in Feb 2020 with our kids! Steve did an awesome job and has explained everything to the kids super and has quenched their thirst for knowledge. Thank you very much and again and again we are happy ...

Eric Grooms

2022-05

This tour was absolutely amazing. I can't say enough about Steve and Stephanie. They were not only awesome tour guides, but knew how to entertain the children as well. Their knowledge of all the ecosystem around us was astounding. They took us to see the manatees and dolphins, which is what I was expecting, but there was SOOOO MUCH MORE to this tour than just that. They taught us so much about the ocean and so much in it. Seriously can't say enough about this tour.

Jack Perry

2021-05

What an informative, relaxing and utterly superb venture we received from Captain Steve and his wife! For my wife's birthday we hired eco charter for a four hour excursion and her 80 year old parents came along as well. Eco charters not only embraced them but absolutely gave her parents, along with us a lifetime of information and memories for this jeweled area of Florida. We recommend for everyone and will do it again next year when we are in Sanibel!!Service: Private tours

Mick Schroeder

2023-05

We all had a great 6 hour eco cruise with Stephanie and Steve on a beautiful Florida Friday. They were both extremely personable and knowledgeable. It was like a comfortable boat ride with friends, so much so we invited them to a great lunch with us on Cabbage Key. It was enjoyable cruising with such a lovely couple. Highly recommended.

Danielle ONeil

2021-05

We did the half day tour with our family of five and absolutely loved it! Captain Steve is so knowledgable - we enjoyed all the information he shared about the islands, the birds, the shells, the animals. We saw dolphins and manatees. I feel like he took into consideration my kids (ages 6,5 &3) and catered the trip to them. They are still talking about Captain Steve weeks later. I'll also say that their website, booking, and emails leading up to our charter were super easy and helpful. I'll definitely do this the next time we're in town.Service: Private tours

Ryan McClellan

2023-05

This is an amazing family trip. Steve and Stefanie did an incredible job making the day fun, relaxing, and educational. Our 3 kids ages 9-14 loved it, and said it was one of the best excursions of many we've experienced. As a dad and educator I highly recommend New Wave to enjoy the beauty of Sanibel while learning some interesting details of the island's history and ecosystem.

Karen Shoufler

2021-05

My daughters (ages 16, 18, 20) and I were on a girls' trip to the area and I wanted to do something fun with them. I happened upon the New Wave website and loved the idea of the 4 hour tour. We ended up heading out for an afternoon on the water. Steve taught us all along the way about the area, the sea creatures and other fun facts. We got to see all of our favorite things from dolphins to manatees to starfish to amazing shells. I would highly recommend anyone to do this tour! We will be back for sure when we are in the area with other friends and family.

Lisa Mangiarelli

2022-05

We had an excellent full-day private tour of Sanibel, Captiva, and surrounding islands with Captain Jenni. Jenni managed to keep our two kids (age 6 and 8) interested while delivering everything advertised on their site. We stopped at sandbars and shoals, found the best shells, saw dolphins, manatees and lots of wildlife, and visited beautiful remote beaches only accessible by boat. Its truly the only way to really see the area. Thanks so much for a wonderful experience!Service: Private tours

Maureen Collier

2020-05

We went out with Captain Steve on a Saturday morning half day tour, a family of 6, parents and kids ages 7, 7, 12 and 14. The weather was windy and cool, but Steve made sure we still had a great time and even stopped to get a big blanket for the kids to help with the breeze. Steve was so informative and showed us dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, spider crabs and more. The boat was so clean and a fun ride, and it was so great to have our own private ride. We got to wade through the water to North Captiva and go shelling and the Steve made the kids great shell necklaces. It was a highlight of our time on Captiva Island, despite the less than ideal weather. I would highly recommend, it’s an experience my kids will never forget.

Jeannine Pendergast

2021-05

The sunset cruise with Capitan Jenni was amazing. It was the highlight of our trip to Captiva. She knew the best places to shell and snorkel. We found sand dollars galore and even a few star fish. Jenni knew all about the local birds and we even were lucky enough to see a dolphin and a few manatee. The sunset did not let down to close out the trip. We will be back on our next trip to the island.Service: Private tours

Christina Kelly

2020-05

This was the highlight of our vacation! Captain Steve was so friendly and helpful!! We saw dolphins and even a baby dolphin! We snorkeled and my kids were able to hold live sand dollars and sea stars! We found so many shells to last a lifetime and saw incredible views! He let the kids make a shell necklace and was patient with four kids on board!! Wonderful experience!!

Melissa Kisor

2021-05

Perfect half day tour, Captain Steve is very knowledgeable about the animals we saw (manatees and dolphins) and the islands. He knew exactly where to go to see manatees and dolphins and to shell on a deserted beach. The boat ride was very relaxing. We will definitely seek out New Wave Eco Charters the next time we are in Captiva.Service: Private tours

EmergencyEducator

2020-05

Captain Steve was wonderful. We got so much more than a day on the boat. He shared information about history, island formation, local animals, and the work being done to protect the turtles. His passion for animals and the environment is obvious! We thoroughly enjoyed our tour! Our shell necklaces were a great surprise!

Sean Kelly

2020-05

Great trip with the family. Captain Steve was amazing. He's very hands on and patient with the kids. We saw so many amazing flora and fauna including manatees, dolphins, sea stars and sand dollars. What a great time.

cuddles Ch

2020-05

Our tour with New Wave Eco Charters and Captain Steve was the highlight of our Sanibel vacation!We were a family of 6 ranging from 9-74, with different interests, and physical abilities. Captain Steve managed to make the tour fun for all. we learned a lot about the area, saw plenty sea life and birds, and enjoyed the beautiful day. Steve went above and beyond to make the tour right for us. This tour exited all expectation!

Katrina Turner

2022-05

I can't even begin to describe the incredible experience we had with New Wave and Captain Jenni. It was the most perfect day we have ever had from start to to end. It bordered on magical as if nature and the sea conspired to put on a show for us. From the dolphins froclicking less than a foot away from our boat to the treasure trove of sand dollars and seashells you could not have planned it any better. My 8 year old daughter said "Mommy you have no idea how happy I am right now." We could not have had a more knowledgeable and friendly captain than Captain Jenni. I would venture to call her a kindred spirit who instantly bonded with our daughter and made her (and all of us) feel like anything was possible. It wasn't just a day on the sea. It was a memory our little family will cherish for life. Worth every cent and beyond. Just. Do. It.

Tim

2022-05

Our group of 6 had an absolutely fantastic day out with New Wave and Captain Jenni. She knew a ton about the area/ecosystem and was great at spotting some really cool wildlife. We'll be booking with these folks on our next trip - it's a really relaxed and easy day on the water.

Will & Emily Simmons

2021-05

Captain Steve, you are the best. What a wonderful day on the water. Whole family enjoyed the boat, the beaches and the entire experience. Beautiful boat, room for all of us. Loved all the knowledge you shared about the Sanibel Island, the wild life and island living. Thanks for making our trip truly memorable. Hope to see you again, soon.

Aixavelisse Soto

2022-05

There are not enough to say ,PERFECT, EXCEEDED OUR EXPECTATIONS, CLEAN, THE CAPITAN PHENOMENAL!! Very knowledgeable, explained, took his time,kind, this is the BEST!!!! BEAUTIFUL PLACES HE TOOK US!!!

Linda Wurm

2019-05

Fascinating morning tour to Cayo Costa with Captain Steve and naturalist Stephanie. We saw several manatee, dolphins, upside down jelly fish and sea hares! Who knew?? Stephanie also shared her enormous knowledge of the shells and ecology of the area. A great young couple with unbounded enthusiasm. We all, ages 10 to 76! - had a super adventure.

Debbie Bridges

2021-05

I booked an all day (6 hours) charter with Captain Steve for May 24th 2020. We had 3 people. Myself and my Granddaughters, Lucy (12 years) and Sara (21 years), I had high expectations as this was a "bucket list" trip for me. A memory for my Granddaughters to have forever, an adventure with their " MaMaw". I was completely blown away. We saw dolphins that were racing in the wake beside the boat... multiple dolphins, plus a baby with her mother, super close so we could enjoy them as they leaped out of the water playing!!! We saw 2 different species of sharks in the grass flats, sea turtles, manatees just hanging out. Many sea turtle nests that had been marked by biologists. Got out of the boat on the grass flats and seined for shells , sea horses and all types of marine life that were captured and admired for a brief time before releasing them. We had a fantastic lunch at Cabbage Key...fed the giant tortoises from the beautiful papaya trees. This was an island only accessed by boat. It was "Old Florida" all the way. Pristine, ancient and timeless. We were taken to a wild area that had a boardwalk thru the "jungle" that wound thru the magnificent flora of the isolated island that opened onto a deserted beach that had some of the best swimming, snorkeling and shelling I have seen. We wound thru the Mangrove islands that were literally alive with bird life. All this plus a guide- Captain Steve- who has been in this area since childhood. He answered sooo many questions the girls and I had. So patient, knowledgeable, and very laid back and friendly. This is a "must do." If you want to see all this area has to offer. a truly unique, wonderful experience. My girls will treasure this memory forever...for the rest of their lives, as will I.Thank you Captain Steve!!!!!!