Captain Marian E. Schneider
Founder and President

As a native Floridian, Captain Marian E. Schneider has spent her life exploring, sharing and enjoying the beauty of Boca Grande. She inherited her father's love of this beautiful and unspoiled paradise on the Gulf of Mexico.

 

After a 20 year career in the health field, including a two-year stint as a volunteer in the depths of Africa, she was eager to rekindle that part of her life that she loved so much.

To fulfill her dream of a lifetime, Captain Marian founded Grande Tours. Since 1989 she has shared the beauty of this Florida paradise with thousands of passengers.

She is the first lady member of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association, and a member of the Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce and numerous wildlife and ecological organizations. She is also a Florida Master Naturalist Instructor and American Canoe Association Instructor.

Come and join her on one of the many types of sightseeing and eco-tour journeys that Grande Tours offers into the back country of Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve and the Gulf of Mexico.

 

HONORS

 

 

Captain Marian honored by PBS,"Makers: Women Who Make America".
Television series 2013.

Captain Marian has been chosen to be one of Florida Monthly Magazine's twenty one "Most Intriguing Floridians".

First and only permit holder from the Florida Parks Department to operate Ferry Service to Don Pedro Island State Park.

University of Florida certification as a Master Naturalist

Certified by the State Society for Ethical Eco-tourism. We are the first outfitter in Charlotte County to receive this recognition.

Grande Tours was chosen by Mote Marine Laboratory to participate in the 2002-2003 Education Series

Official Tour Boat for Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce Tarpon Tournament

Voted "Business Educator of the Year" by the Charlotte County School System

Special Recognition Award by Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve

2001 Hospitality Award: Charlotte County Tourism Bureau.

All our kayak staff and guides are A.C.A. certified

Voted Best Kayak & Boat Tour Company by Reader's Choice - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011.

Paul Harris Fellow Rotary Award, 2010.

American Canoe Association Certified Kayak Instructor

Punta Gorda Police Department's "Do The Right Thing" program; Grande Tours has been a Platinum Donor since 2001.

Email us at info@GrandeTours.com