By: Gillian Birch
If you think eco tours are just for naturalists and bird spotting enthusiasts, think again. Backwater Adventure puts eco tours into a new light with their champagne eco tours. Now offered out of Goodland on Marco Island, these swanky boat tours start from the Little Bar Restaurant.
Ideal for romantic couples, families celebrating a birthday, or just because… each boat tour combines a relaxing half-day on the water with wildlife spotting, a swim, and the chance to step ashore on a sandy cay. We’ll toast to that! 
Luxury Cruise Aboard an Avalon Pontoon Boat
Not all boats are suitable for sitting back and sipping champagne from long-stemmed glasses as the sights slide by. Speed boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards may be a no-no, however, Backwater Adventure offers boat tours aboard a luxury pontoon boat which is known for its comfort and stability. Sit back on the plush seating, put your feet up in the bow, and enjoy the ride. Champagne Eco Tours’ 23 foot Avalon Pontoon provides a relaxing 2 ½ hour boat trip enjoying all the sights along with a glass of bubbly, sweet treats, and complimentary bottled water.
A shady bimini can provide shade and there’s a stereo for playing some nice tropical beach music or reggae hits to sing along to as you glide along. There’s dry storage for valuables and a cooler for keeping refreshments icy so you’re welcome to bring additional drinks and snacks for your private party.
What to See and Do on your Private Marco Island Boat Tour
This private tour is for parties of up to six persons (aged 5 and above), so you can enjoy socializing with family and friends on your own private tour. The fully qualified and licensed captain will make sure you see all the points of interest and will point out local wildlife that is likely to pop up during the trip. Leaping dolphins, herons and ibis, manatees, and turtles may be spotted as you cruise the warm clear waters around Marco Island and Naples, Florida.
As well as cruising through the protected mangroves which are a natural nursery for nesting birds and fish, your luxury champagne boat tour will include a stop on your own desert island. Come suitably dressed with towels, snorkeling equipment, and water shoes (optional) and you can swim right from the boat.
Alternatively, paddle ashore with a net bag and go shell hunting along the pristine high tide mark looking for large shells to take home as a souvenir of your day.
As a final memento of your champagne cruise, photos will be taken by the captain showing you, the scenery, and exciting wildlife encounters. They will be emailed for you to keep and share as a lasting memory of this great trip.
Other Boat Tours with Backwater Adventure
As one of the top boat tour companies in the Naples, Florida area, Backwater Adventure offers other adventures around Marco Island’s waters. The Craig Cat Tour allows you to drive your own two-seater mini speed boat as you follow your guide around The Ten Thousand Islands. Reaching speeds of up to 30mph, these stable Craig Cat boats are more like waverunners and come with a complimentary cooler of bottled water, ice, and whatever else you want to bring along on the ride.
Photo credit Mary Carol Fitzgerald
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also a new addition to the Backwater Adventure’s fleet if you don’t fancy the luxury champagne pontoon adventure tour. 
