WE ARE THE MANATEE EXPERTS!

FLORIDA'S WILD SIDE: GUIDED BY THE EXPERTS

Join Captain Sterling’s eco experts for an unforgettable, up-close journey into the heart of the Everglades — where manatees, dolphins, and wild Florida await.

Why Tour With Captain Sterling?

We’ve been running these waters for over 35 years, taking folks out in small groups so they can experience the quiet magic of the Everglades the way it’s meant to be. And after all that time, we’ve gotten to know a thing or two—like where the manatees like to spend their day when the world’s not watchin’.

Small Groups & Private Tours

No crowds. Just you, the water, and the wild. No crowds. Just nature.
Captain Sterling’s small group tours give you a quiet, personal way to explore the Everglades—and watch manatees where they truly belong.

Expert Wildlife Spotters

Especially manatees, dolphins & birds.
Our local guides know the tucked-away places around Key Largo where the wild things still wander—dolphins playing, birds wading, and manatees easing through the water like they own the place.

Everglades Ecology Tours

Respectful wildlife encounters.
Our eco tours in the Florida Keys are all about respect—moving slow, keeping our distance, and letting the Everglades be just as wild tomorrow as it is today.

Top Rated On Trip Advisor

4.5+ stars from over 900 reviews.
Named one of Key Largo’s top Everglades tours, with hundreds of five-star reviews from folks who loved the calm waters, the quiet moments—and the manatees that showed up to say hello.
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What you might see:

No two tours are ever the same—what you’ll see depends on the season and the tide. But one thing’s for sure: we’ll make sure it’s a trip you won’t forget.

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Manatees

Gentle giants of these waters, manatees are a seasonal sight around Key Largo—drifting slow and easy, grazing in the shallows like they’ve got all the time in the world.
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Dolphins

Playful and full of curiosity, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins sometimes swing by to ride our wake—cruising right alongside us in the wide-open waters of the Everglades.
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Wild Birds

From soaring birds of prey to graceful waders along the shoreline, the skies out here are alive—perfect for anyone who loves a good bit of birdwatching with a side of wonder.
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Mangrove

Glide beneath the canopy of the mangroves—those tangled, salt-loving trees that make this part of Florida feel like another world. It’s quiet, shaded, and full of life if you know where to look.
REVIEWS

What our guests are saying

"He was hands down the best captain we could have gotten."
My sister, mother, and I all went on this tour with Capt Dave. He was, hands down, THE BEST captain we could have gotten. Incredibly knowledgeable about the red mangroves, Everglades, John Pennekamp state park, and life here in Key Largo. He even went out of his way to ensure we saw a manatee although this is not a common occurrence during this time of year. Extremely friendly and down to earth as well. We wish we could have stayed on the tour longer!
Rachel S
June 21, 2025
"Interesting and beautiful sunset"
Captain Russ was wonderful. Very knowledgeable. Knew alot about the area, the Mangroves and local birds. We went out for a sunset cruise and saw some amazing birds and a wonderful sunset. Can't wait to come back again.
Eileen R
May 2025
"Captain Dave was a wealth of knowledge"
Captain Dave was a wealth of knowledge! So much fun and great stories and answered questions methodically. A wonderful education and insightful tour.
Ann H
May 2025
"Worth every penny"
Captain Russ was great. We loved the tour, explanations were great and humor spot on! I very much recommend the tour and they were able to accommodate us at the last minute.
Robert R
May 2025
"Book it - Great day on the water"
We had a great time on this Eco tour with Captain Tony. We traveled all around Key Largo and saw beautiful birds, a dolphin & stringrays. Captain Tony was very knowledgeable and had a great personality. I would totally recommend this two hour boat tour if you are in the Key Largo area. Bring sunscreen, they provide water. You also get a wristband to go watch their dolphins get cared for. Book this tour, best in the area.
Krissy C
April 2025
"Don't miss this experience"
This trip was amazing. Capt Dave is full of interesting information and took us places to see the dolphins and manatees. We would go again if we got back to Key Largo.
Linda M
March 2025
AVAILABLE TOURS

Pick Your Perfect Everglades Experience

Whether you’re after a quiet sunset on the water, hoping to spot a manatee up close, or ready for a private ride through the backcountry, we’ve got a tour with your name on it. We head out daily from Key Largo, guided by locals who know these waters like the back of their hand.

Everglades
Ecology Boat Tour

Duration: 2 Hours
Our most popular ride takes you straight into the heart of the Everglades—just you, a small group, and the wild all around. Keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins, and wading birds as we cruise through these calm waters, far from the noise and rush.
$69
PER ADULT
$49
Children 12 and Under
Maximum of 6 Persons
BOOK NOW
Manatee and dolphin sightings (seasonal, but frequent!)
Navigate quiet mangrove tunnels
Led by expert local eco-guides
Small group size for a peaceful experience
Ideal for families, nature lovers, and first-timers

Everglades
Sunset Ecology Tour

Popular
Duration: 2 Hours
Watch the sky turn gold and the water go still as the sun dips low over the Keys. This peaceful sunset cruise is just the thing for couples, shutterbugs, or anyone who wants to end the day wrapped in nature’s quiet beauty.
$69
PER ADULT
$49
Children 12 and Under
Maximum of 6 Persons
BOOK NOW
Golden-hour views over the Florida Bay
Incredible photo opportunities
Relaxing, crowd-free evening ride
Chance to see dolphins, birds, and more
Perfect for couples or a romantic escape

Custom Private Tour

Duration: Flexible
Want the day your way? Book a private tour and we’ll tailor the route, timing, and sights just for you. It’s a perfect fit for photographers, bird lovers, or families wanting their own slice of Everglades adventure.
CALL FOR PRICING
Up To 12 People on 2 boats
6 People Per Boat
BOOK NOW
Fully personalized itinerary
Flexible start times and trip length
Great for wildlife photographers and birdwatchers
Private boat just for your group
Personalised + priority service

Ready to see the wilder side of Key Largo?

Simple, transparent pricing that grows with you. Try any plan free for 30 days.
Find out why so many have trusted Captain Sterling’s for their Everglades adventure. Book your small group or private tour today—these trips fill up fast!

Have Questions? Let’s Talk.

Planning a visit? Not sure which tour’s right for you? Or just curious when the manatees like to show up? Whatever it is, we’re here to help—just reach out and we’ll get back to you quick as we can.
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Well hey there, I’m Captain Sterling — been runnin’ boats and tellin’ stories out here in the Everglades for over 40 years, and spendin’ time on the water even longer than that. I’ve had the honor of workin’ with folks like National Geographic and lendin’ a hand in more manatee and dolphin rescues than I can count. These waters are home to me, and I’d be glad to help you get to know ’em too. Drop me a line right here — I check every message myself. Let’s talk Everglades.
Our blog

Explore the Florida Keys with Us

Dive deeper into the Everglades, Key Largo wildlife, and eco-adventure tips through our blog. From manatee migration facts to the best times for sunset tours, we share expert insights, local stories, and travel ideas to help you plan your perfect Florida Keys experience.

Straight from the Captain: Your Questions Answered

Got questions? You’re not the first—and you won’t be the last. Here are some of the things folks ask me most before heading out on the water.

Have a different question?
CALL ME TODAY
What will we see on the tour?

Every trip’s a little different, but during the right times of year we often spot manatees, dolphins, wading birds, and all kinds of native wildlife. Some days they show off, other days they play shy—but we always find something worth seeing.

How long are the tours?

All of our tours run about 2 hours, give or take. We take our time, move with the rhythm of the water, and make sure you’re getting the full Everglades experience.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, all of our tours are personalized and booked in advance to make sure you get the best experience possible out on the water.

What should I bring?

Absolutely. This is a great experience for families, and we love introducing little ones to the wonders of the wild.

Do the tours run in bad weather?

We keep an eye on the skies. If weather rolls in and it’s not safe to go out, we’ll reschedule or refund your trip—your call.