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UNFORGETTABLE
ADVENTURES Embark on a Journey Like No Other – Discover Hidden
Gems on the Water with Our Exclusive Boat Tours LEARN MORE

About US

USCG Master Captain John C. Cookman, PS, FMNP

Born in 1954, he grew up on the Ohio and Scioto River’s where he began boating at the age
of 8 years old. Along with being an avid USCG Master Captain, he is also a design engineer,
professional surveyor, Florida Master Naturalist and Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger. John has
been on the water the large majority of his life and he enjoys sharing his passion for
southwest Florida, nature and stories of boating.

Kathy J. Cookman, BS, CSTR, CAISS, EMT-P, FMNP

Born in 1959, she grew up in central Ohio and has always enjoyed sailing and has a passion
for manatees.  For several years, she was a Docent and “Manatee Coast” Region Leader at
the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. She is a Florida Master Naturalist and Calusa Waterkeeper
Ranger along with being a volunteer of CROW (Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife).

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Tours

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Eco River Tour
Discover the natural beauty of Southwest Florida with our immersive Eco River Tour. Led by a certified Florida Master Naturalist, this guided experience takes you through the serene oxbows and winding riverbanks that make our region unique. You'll learn about native wildlife, diverse plant life, and the rich cultural history tied to the Caloosahatchee River. Journey through the W.P. Franklin Locks to witness the contrast between fresh and brackish water ecosystems. Don’t forget to join in on our fun and educational eco bingo! Spot the wildlife on your card — and if you get a bingo, call it out for a chance to win an exciting prize!
Sunset Cruise
Experience the magic of Southwest Florida’s golden hour on our relaxing Sunset Cruise. As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy a peaceful ride along the river while taking in the breathtaking colors of the evening sky. Our cruise offers the perfect setting for couples, friends, or families looking to unwind and connect with nature. You’ll learn about the local wildlife and scenic landmarks as you glide past calm waters. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins, majestic birds, and other native species. Bring your camera — the views are picture-perfect and memories are waiting to be made!
Manatee Tours
Get up close with one of Florida’s most beloved gentle giants on our Manatee Tours. These peaceful creatures, often called sea cows, thrive in our warm local waters — and our guided tour offers you the best chance to observe them in their natural habitat. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you'll learn fascinating facts about manatees, their behaviors, and the efforts in place to protect them. Glide quietly through the calm waters where manatees feed, surface, and sometimes even greet the boat. It’s a heartwarming and unforgettable experience perfect for nature lovers of all ages!

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Reviews

What They Say!

View Southwest Florida’s flora, fauna, and learn about its cultural heritage. Take a tour narrated by a Florida Master Naturalist in and around the oxbows and uniqueness of our environment. Traverse through the W.P. Franklin Locks to see the difference in the brackish water environment and the fresh water environment.  And if you’d like, participate in our eco bingo game!  The bingo card is full of pictures of things you might see along the way.  If you achieve a bingo, shout it out and win a fabulous prize!

What They Say!

View Southwest Florida’s flora, fauna, and learn about its cultural heritage. Take a tour narrated by a Florida Master Naturalist in and around the oxbows and uniqueness of our environment. Traverse through the W.P. Franklin Locks to see the difference in the brackish water environment and the fresh water environment.  And if you’d like, participate in our eco bingo game!  The bingo card is full of pictures of things you might see along the way.  If you achieve a bingo, shout it out and win a fabulous prize!

What They Say!

View Southwest Florida’s flora, fauna, and learn about its cultural heritage. Take a tour narrated by a Florida Master Naturalist in and around the oxbows and uniqueness of our environment. Traverse through the W.P. Franklin Locks to see the difference in the brackish water environment and the fresh water environment.  And if you’d like, participate in our eco bingo game!  The bingo card is full of pictures of things you might see along the way.  If you achieve a bingo, shout it out and win a fabulous prize!

What They Say!

View Southwest Florida’s flora, fauna, and learn about its cultural heritage. Take a tour narrated by a Florida Master Naturalist in and around the oxbows and uniqueness of our environment. Traverse through the W.P. Franklin Locks to see the difference in the brackish water environment and the fresh water environment.  And if you’d like, participate in our eco bingo game!  The bingo card is full of pictures of things you might see along the way.  If you achieve a bingo, shout it out and win a fabulous prize!

What They Say!

View Southwest Florida’s flora, fauna, and learn about its cultural heritage. Take a tour narrated by a Florida Master Naturalist in and around the oxbows and uniqueness of our environment. Traverse through the W.P. Franklin Locks to see the difference in the brackish water environment and the fresh water environment.  And if you’d like, participate in our eco bingo game!  The bingo card is full of pictures of things you might see along the way.  If you achieve a bingo, shout it out and win a fabulous prize!

What They Say!

View Southwest Florida’s flora, fauna, and learn about its cultural heritage. Take a tour narrated by a Florida Master Naturalist in and around the oxbows and uniqueness of our environment. Traverse through the W.P. Franklin Locks to see the difference in the brackish water environment and the fresh water environment.  And if you’d like, participate in our eco bingo game!  The bingo card is full of pictures of things you might see along the way.  If you achieve a bingo, shout it out and win a fabulous prize!

What They Say!

View Southwest Florida’s flora, fauna, and learn about its cultural heritage. Take a tour narrated by a Florida Master Naturalist in and around the oxbows and uniqueness of our environment. Traverse through the W.P. Franklin Locks to see the difference in the brackish water environment and the fresh water environment.  And if you’d like, participate in our eco bingo game!  The bingo card is full of pictures of things you might see along the way.  If you achieve a bingo, shout it out and win a fabulous prize!

Blogs

UncategorizedUnique Things to Do in Cape Coral, FL
November 27, 2024

Unique Things to Do in Cape Coral, FL

Unique Things to Do in Cape Coral, FL: 12 Ways to Spend Time in the Water Wonderland With Fort Myers to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Cape…
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UncategorizedNominated for Outstanding Hospitality Service Award (E-Award)
November 27, 2024

Nominated for Outstanding Hospitality Service Award (E-Award)

USCG Master Captain John Cookman was recently nominated for the Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Award (E Award) which recognizes businesses and people who have excelled at hospitality and customer…
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UncategorizedClassroom On The Water
November 27, 2024

Classroom On The Water

Hello! I’d like to mention to our teachers out there, from home schooling to public and private entities and beyond… if you are looking for a fun way to take…
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is seeing manatee’s in the Orange River “seasonal”?

The manatee’s migrate into the Orange River during the cold winter months when the waters in the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding areas fall below 70 degrees. They congregate to the warm water outflow provided by the FPL power plant, which makes for a nice tour observation. Once the waters warm up, the manatee’s will disperse seeking a more plentiful food source until the waters turn colder again.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes, you do. The boat is U.S. Coast Guard approved for 24 passengers and 2 crew, so seats are limited.

Do you do tours every day?

No, we do not. Please check our website for available dates/times and excursions.

Can we book a private tour?

Yes, you certainly can. Call (239) 693-1434 to discuss the specifics.

Where do I park?

Sweetwater Landing Marina is a very busy location and with the new Boathouse 31 Restaurant open, it is sometimes challenging to know which entrance to take and where to park. Enter the marina at the entrance which is located near the larger new boat storage building. (Coming north on Rt. 31 it is the first entrance on the left; coming south on Rt. 31 it is the third entrance on the right) Follow the paved driveway which goes behind both storage buildings and directly into the paved parking lot. Find a parking spot and head to the floating dock (directly in front of the smaller boat storage building) to board the River Queen II. DO NOT PARK AT THE RESTAURANT.

FAQ's

Is there a bathroom on board?

Yes, in case of an emergency, there is a flushable toilet and a sink with running water for your convenience.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, if your dog is friendly, we are friendly!

Can I bring food and beverages on board?

Yes you can. We provide water and during sunset tours and private events, we also provide appetizers.

Are we guaranteed to see wildlife?

It’s nature, so there are no guarantees. However, we do our best to find neat things to see. During manatee “season”, the chances are pretty good for seeing our friends the “sea cow”.

What if the trip is canceled, do I get a refund?

If the Captain cancels the trip due to inclement weather or an emergency situation, a full refund will be provided. If you need to cancel your reservation, our policy states that you must notify us 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure in order to receive a full refund.

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