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Florida eco-boat tours: science and pleasure.

By Colette Bancroft

It’s a glorious day to be out on the water, a sunny morning with fresh breezes and little jade-green waves rippling across Sarasota Bay.

The Sarasota Bay Explorers eco-boat tour at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is more than a sweet ride, though. It’s an up-close way to learn about natural Florida.

The aquarium itself is a delight to visit, especially with youngsters, and it’s easy to combine a trip here with this boat tour in one day. Eco-boat tours let visitors see marine creatures and other wildlife in their natural habitats, with low-key science lessons on the side.

A little girl and an otter share a moment at Mote Marine Laboratory.

- Conor Goulding

The aquarium is the public face of the Mote Marine Laboratory , an internationally renowned marine research organization founded in 1955 by a famed shark researcher. It’s now the base for more than 200 employees in 20 diverse research programs aimed at helping us to understand the watery parts of our planet.

The aquarium and several of the laboratory facilities are on City Island, between St. Armands and Longboat Key, west of downtown Sarasota .

The tour group gathers in front of the aquarium (lots of free parking there) and meanders through a back lot to the dock. The steady, comfortable pontoon boats hold about 45 passengers on bench seats. There’s a restroom on board. A canvas roof keeps off the sun’s glare, but if you go, you’ll still want sunscreen – the bay reflects the rays.

As the captain turns the boat to head south into Sarasota Bay, a cheerful young marine biologist named Leah starts a running commentary. Keep an eye out, she said, for dolphins and manatees.

“How many of you think manatees are fat?” she asks, and all the little kids’ hands shoot up. (Some of the adults’, too).

“No,” Leah said, “they’re big-boned.” Manatees have much less body fat than humans. Ours runs about 15 percent of our total weight; a manatee’s fat is as low as 2 to 5 percent. Because they’re herbivores, they consume very little fat. That’s why, in cold weather, manatees cluster in warm waters, especially near warm springs and around power plant water outlet areas – they have almost no body fat to keep them warm.

She asks the passengers to guess the average depth of Sarasota Bay, and the estimates start at 25 feet and go up (or down) to 75 feet. Not even close – the average depth of the bay is only 6½ feet. Veer out of the channels of the Intracoastal Waterway while boating and you might run aground.

But the shallow bay also is ideal for dolphin spotting – visitors can easily see their sleek, muscled bodies and curved dorsal fins arcing out of the water, often as they race each other in a boat’s wake. Watch for them along the seawalls of residential areas, Leah said. They have learned to use those walls to catch fish, driving a school into the concrete and stunning them for easy pickings.

Sarasota Bay, an estuary more than 50 miles long, is home to about 200 resident dolphins, Leah said. Mote Marine Laboratory is home base for the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, which began in 1970 and is the world’s longest-running study of dolphins in their natural habitat. It is a collaboration between Mote, the Chicago Zoological Society and scientists from around the globe.

The long-term study has produced a wealth of information about dolphin behavior. Scientists have learned that dolphins form different kinds of groups, such as nursery groups of mothers and calves. There are also bonded male pairs that hunt together and serve as each other’s “wing men” in seeking mates – and, Leah tells us, those pair bonds are formed for life when the dolphins are young calves. “If a male loses his partner,” she said, “he’ll seek out his nursery group to find another one.”

The boat makes a landing on Little Edwards Island, a park off Siesta Key, for a lesson in conservation gone haywire. In 1960, the island and its twin, Big Edwards (which is actually smaller), were created when the bay bottom was dredged. But the sand kept slipping back into the water, so officials planted Australian pine trees and Brazilian peppers to stabilize the land. The trees not only did that; they took over the islands, outcompeting almost all native plants.

Those two trees are now understood to be aggressively invasive species that are very difficult to get rid of. Leah leads the group down a shady path to show us some mid-sized Australian pines and explains that their wood is so dense that cutting down one of them can use up three chainsaw blades. And right behind those trees is a grove of dozens of saplings springing up. The pines and peppers cover almost all of the islands; the only native plant with much presence is a vigorous hem of black mangroves, with their strange little roots rising out of the water. Those mangroves, Leah reminds the group, are essential nurseries for marine life.  If you ate seafood for dinner, it almost certainly began its life among mangrove roots.

Still moving south, the boat passes near a rookery island where hundreds of seabirds nest. Brown pelicans and great blue herons fly by with bundles of twigs in their beaks, landing next to their squawking mates among the branches. Cormorants dry their wings, a glimpse of pink means a roseate spoonbill, and here and there above the greenery the distinctive white crown of a snowy egret waves in the breeze.

Those lovely feathers, Leah notes, almost doomed many Florida bird species a century ago, as plume hunters killed them by the millions to harvest their feathers for fashionable hats. Their robust rebound is a conservation success story.

On the way back to the dock, Leah casts a net over grass flats and hauls aboard small creatures for the passengers to examine. She passes around tubs and jars holding a tiny sea cucumber, a strange-looking sea hare (a type of sea slug), delicate jellyfish and a couple of cranky-looking crabs.

For each one, she delivers a description of its place in the bay’s ecosystem. All the specimens will go back into the water, she notes. And the tour’s passengers will go home with a better understanding of the living bay.

When you go… Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Eco-Boat Tours Up to 45 passengers can tour Sarasota and Roberts bays on a covered pontoon boat, with a captain and a marine biologist. Sarasota Bay Explorers at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota.

Here’s a selection from the many eco tours available around Florida.

(Many have lower ticket prices for children, seniors and/or veterans. And, it’s always a good idea to book in advance.)

Keyz Charters

One-hour or 2-3 hour eco tours through mangrove islands and shallow flats around Indian Key, Lignumvitae Key, Alligator Lighthouse and Everglades National State Park. Wildlife may include saltwater crocodiles, dolphins and iguanas. The captain of the 21-foot deck boat is a marine biologist. Private charter, prices vary. Robbie’s Marina, 77522 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

Sunshine Wildlife Tours

Tours of one of the state’s most diverse estuaries on a 35-foot covered pontoon boat. Captain is a Coastal Florida Master Naturalist with 20 years’ experience in Indian River Lagoon. Wildlife may include dolphins, manatees, sea turtles; each tour visits a bird rookery and nets microscopic sea life for viewing. Pirate's Cove, 4307 SE Bayview St, Stuart.

St. Johns River Eco Tours

Two-hour nature tours explore the river twice daily on a 35-foot hybrid catamaran that accommodates 28 passengers. Wildlife may include alligators, manatees, deer, raccoons, bobcats and black bears; many birdwatching opportunities. Highbanks Marina, 488 W. Highbanks Road, DeBary.

Southern Star Dolphin Cruises

Cruise the Gulf of Mexico or Choctawhatchee Bay in an 80-foot, double-decked, glass-bottomed boat that holds 149 passengers. Wildlife on the two-hour tours may include dolphins, sharks, rays and sea turles; seabird feeding is featured. Harborwalk Village, 100 Harbor Blvd., Destin.

Pure Florida Naples

The three-hour tour of Naples Bay and the waters around Keewaydin Island showcases mangrove forests, manatees, dolphins and opportunities to go shelling. 1200 Fifth Avenue South, Naples.

Florida Aquarium Wild Dolphin Tour

Take a 75-minute tour of Tampa Bay aboard a 72-foot catamaran. Dolphins are featured; other wildlife night include manatees, sharks and seabirds. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa.

Tidewater Tours

Various eco tours, ranging from one-and-a-half to four hours, take passengers through the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge, the Suwannee River and coastal marshes. Captains of the company’s vessels are historians and naturalists. Wildlife may include dolphins, sea turtles and migratory shorebirds. 302 Dock St., Cedar Key.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Sea Life Safari & Dolphin Eco-Boat Tours

Experience scenic eco-boat cruises that include searching for wild dolphins, sea birds and other marine life as CMA’s marine biologists narrate the tour of Clearwater Bay. Stop at Shell Island to collect seashells and take part in citizen science with a net pull and sea creature presentation aboard the Sea Life Safari tour, or learn about members of our local dolphin population through the  Wild Dolphin Research Program during the Dolphin Adventure tour.  249 Windward Passage, Clearwater.

Kayak Amelia 

Explore the salt marshes of Talbot Island State Park with a naturalist-led kayak ecotour. This starts a short paddle instruction and planned to go with the current. Commonly seen: Egrets, herons, rosette spoonbills, skimmers, sea turtles. Kayak Amelia  13030 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville

Everglades Area Tours

In operation since the 90's, this is one of the original tour providers certified by the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism. Offers nearly two dozen authentic  eco-educational experiences ... by walking, boating and padding.  All tours are led by formally trained Florida Master Naturalists.  238 Mamie St., Chokoloskee Island.

Located in Wewahitchka, situated at the northern tip of Gulf County in Northwest Florida, Dead Lakes invites you to join them on a journey back to the past, where you can experience nature in an untouched, serene state. While the Tupelo and Cypress trees may look desolate, the Lakes are full of life. Gliding through the water, you’re likely to see an osprey or an eagle roosting on a branch. Maybe a wild pig or an alligator will watch you from the shore of a tiny island that won’t be there tomorrow. And the way the sun plays with the fog, you’ll swear it’s alive, too. Check out www.visitgulf.com/wewahitchka/ and www.visitgulf.com/dead-lakes/ to find tour operators.

Paddle Florida

Paddle Florida  is a non-profit that promotes water conservation, wildlife preservation, springs restoration, and waterways protection via fun and educational multi-day paddling trips in Florida’s most spectacular river and coastal environments. Through a partnership with Florida’s State Parks System, Paddle Florida stages supported paddling events across the Sunshine State in each of Florida’s five water management districts from October to April each year. 

Places to remember

Parasailing - Siesta Key

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STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS

Reservations Open Four Weeks in Advance

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SEA LIFE ENCOUNTER ECO TOUR

Quick Details

• Users Ages: All ages
• Hour Glass Duration: Approx. 2 hours
• Clock Note: Arrive 30 min before departure
• Users Group Booking: For groups of 21 or more, please contact us at (941) 388-4200 or [email protected] to book

Observe & Handle Some of the Curious Residents of Sarasota Bay!

Join a marine biologist on this approximately 2 hour marine life and nature tour through Sarasota and Roberts Bays. Observe our Florida manatees and resident population of bottlenose dolphins while learning about the ecology, history, and folklore of the area.

Your guide will lead you on a short nature walk on an uninhabited island followed by a unique opportunity to view pelicans, herons, ibis and egrets in their nesting habitat.

The highlight of this trip is the collection of a sample of marine life with a trawl net. Observe and handle some of the curious residents of Sarasota Bay: puffer fish, sea horses, stone crabs, and cow fish to name a few.

Our 45-foot pontoon boats, the Explorer V and Explorer VI , are Coast Guard-inspected covered vessels equipped with on-board restrooms, comfortable seating, cold drinks and snacks available for purchase. This trip is suitable for all ages. Reservations are recommended, and charters are available. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure.

Departure times are 11:00, 1:30 and 4:00 daily. At this time we are not offering the combo tickets with the aquarium.

• Chevron down Itinerary

Your guide will lead you on a short nature walk on an uninhabited island followed by a unique opportunity to view pelicans, herons, ibis, and egrets in their nesting habitat. The highlight of this trip is the collection of a sample of marine life with a trawl net.

• Chevron down Reservations

We must meet a minimum passenger count to cruise. Reservations are highly recommended. We take reservations for regularly scheduled cruises no more than two weeks in advance. All scheduled cruises are subject to change. Special Charters are available.

• Chevron down Check-In Information

Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure, boarding is approximately 15 minutes prior to departure. Please allow extra time for the traffic — you don’t want to miss the boat!

RELATED TOURS

• Users Max of 40 people
• Hour Glass Custom
• Users All ages

Sarasota Private Charters - Large Groups

Great for school field trips, family reunions, weddings, and work outings. Maximum of 40 guests on the boat. Plenty of room to move around!

Home Programs Eco-Adventure: Mote Marine Laboratory

Eco-Adventure: Mote Marine Laboratory

Escape to sunny Sarasota, FL for a week of f un and discovery, including science programs, outdoor adventures, and plenty of time to explore on your own.

• April 20-27, 2024
• 7 days; 5 days with Mote (M-F)
• Lodging Included
• Adult: $2,100/pp
• Child: $600/pp

Deposit and Full Payment Requirements: Deposit of $300 per person due March 1, 2024; balance due by April 1, 2024. 

Price Includes  hotel accommodations with breakfast, unlimited Aquarium admission, all planned activities (including 2 boat tours, and 1 lunch).

Does NOT include airfare and car rental. There is shuttle service between hotel and aquarium.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Adventure prepared by Mote Marine Laboratory and Seacoast Science Center.

Join Seacoast Science Center in sunny Sarasota, Florida! Meet us at the beautiful Voco Hotel and get ready for a special week prepared just for you at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.  Our itinerary of fun and discovery includes science programs, outdoor adventures and plenty of time to enjoy sunny Florida on your own.

Mote Marine Laboratory is the ideal place to explore the amazing coastal habitats of the Gulf of Mexico. The Mote Aquarium displays unique and exciting ocean animals that thrive in Florida’s diverse marine ecosystems, and is home to the Dolphin & Whale Hospital and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center. Your hands-on multi-day education programs will focus on Awareness, Appreciation, and Action. Each day of your Mote adventure is themed to enhance your knowledge of a special marine science topic. Programs are best for families with children ages 8 and up.

To Book Your Trip

Please email Henry Burke, Program Director, at [email protected] for more information and to book your trip. Henry will provide payment instructions and required participation forms. 

Sustainability is a key value of all Seacoast Science Center programming including our EcoAdventures. Please know that a portion of your travel fee is applied to purchase carbon offsets from Sustainable Travel International  to mitigate the environmental impact of this tour.

Cost includes unlimited Aquarium admission; all planned activities, including 2 boat tours; 1 lunch, 1 breakfast.

Cost does NOT include airfare and car rental. There is shuttle service between hotel and aquarium.

If you have questions, or would like additional information, please contact Henry Burke, Program Director, at [email protected] .

• Weather Forecast

Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne Point State Park 570 Ocean Boulevard Rye, NH 03870-2104

• 603-436-8043
• [email protected]

Seacoast Science Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing educational experiences at Odiorne Point State Park on behalf of New Hampshire State Parks.

Platinum Corporate Partners

Seacoast Science Center will be CLOSED today: Friday, April 5, 2024. Our utilities are currently down and need to get repaired before we are able to open for visitors. Thank you for your understanding. 

Closed today..

Seacoast Science Center is closed today due to inclement weather.

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Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

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Mote Marine Boat Tour - Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

• United States    
• Florida (FL)    
• Southwest Gulf Coast    
• Sarasota    
• Sarasota - Things to Do    
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Mote Marine Boat Tour

Had a fabulous experience boating around few bays, seeing amazing birds, fish, dolphins and even just beautiful architecture! Martha, our guide was very knowledgeable, great with the kids on board as well as the seniors! The Captain was also very helpful Great time!

Mote is probably excellent for studying and saving threatened and injured animals and environmental education. I was frustrated however, in the quality of the displays of numerous fish in tanks. Videos jumped around, were poorly lit and at odd angles above the tanks. A clearer approach might be simple charts with clear photos and descriptions of each creature at eye level next to the tank. There were beautiful plants and/or corals in the tanks which were not acknowledged. I would have loved to know what they are.

One of Sarasota’s wonders. See marine mammals, sharks and local fish in a pleasant and well organized display. Well trained volunteers are there to teach and inform. Cafe serves good food!

Had a great time. Take the boat tour. Very educational and well worth the price of admission. Martha gave us a great tour.

We went on a whim with our five-year-old. The otters were adorable, the sea turtles were insane, the crocodile/alligator were creepy... and I pet a shark. Overall, a pretty cool experience.

I had not been back to the Mote Marine Laboratory in 50 years, so I decided to spurge on the 8:30AM behind the scenes tour. we deshelled and tailed shrimp and then fed them to small rays. we went behind the filtration tanks and learned how the system works, etc. For the same price we could stay and go through the museum seeing manatees, sea otters, seahorses, octopus, etc. I would recommend spending the extra bucks and doing this too.

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1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 Ph: (941) 388-4441 Hours: 10AM - 5PM A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

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Science Is The Attraction at Mote Aquarium!

Come discover our wondrous oceans and meet the scientists working to save them at Mote Aquarium, which is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway., Sarasota, FL 34236 , just a few minutes from downtown Sarasota. From downtown, take the Ringling Causeway to St. Armands Circle and head about one mile north to Mote's address, which is on City Island.

General admission includes access to Mote Aquarium and its exhibits in the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center.

Tickets MUST be purchased online to guarantee entry. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase at the admissions window. On busier days, we have sold out and we cannot guarantee tickets will be available . Members are also encouraged to reserve their tickets online in advance ( mote.org/membership ). Each ticket will be timed to a 15-minute window when the guest should arrive, and the last arrival window will be at 4 p.m. daily. All guests and members will start their experience at our main entrance. Tickets must be registered on site, in person for two admission specials: Active duty military guests (one free admission with current ID) and guests applying reciprocal partner discounts (show reciprocal partner membership card and ID). Limited tickets are available for these walkups each day on a first come, first served basis. No other special offers are accepted at this time.

Adults (13 & older): $29 Youth (ages 3-12): $21 Children (ages 0-2): Free Mote Members: Free. Become a Member !  Current members must reserve their free tickets online before visiting. Go to mote.org/membership to register your membership so you can reserve your free tickets.

Boat tour information below .

Veterans Day : Mote Aquarium extends complimentary admission to all United States veterans and their military dependents, with valid IDs for both veterans and military dependents, on Nov. 11 (Veteran's Day) each year. No reservation is necessary.

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, with the exeption of Thanksgiving Day on which Mote Aquarium will close at 2:00 p.m. See details about timed tickets above.

Information

Call (941) 388-4441 or email  [email protected] .

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 (on City Island). Mote Aquarium has two sections separated by an approximately 4-minute walk along Ken Thompson Parkway. The walkway is outdoor and uncovered.

Get directions .

Take exit 210 off I-75 to head west on Fruitville Road. Turn left onto Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41). At Gulfstream Avenue, turn right and proceed across the Ringling Causeway to St. Armands Circle. Exit the circle at North Boulevard of the Presidents. Proceed one mile and then turn right at the traffic signal at Ken Thompson Parkway. Main parking for Mote Aquarium will be on the right. (Parking is free.)

Parties of 10 or more are invited to take advantage of our group rates. Reservations are required and must be made at least one week in advance. Please fill out a Group Reservations Request Form or for more information, call  941-388-4441 , ext. 216, or email [email protected] . 

Adults (ages 13 & older): $23 Youth (ages 3-12): $19

For school and camp groups looking to plan a visit to Mote, please visit mote.org/education/schools-groups/field-trips .

Mote Boat: Eco-tours

Sarasota Bay Explorers, working with Mote Aquarium, offers interactive, hands-on eco-adventures on the Sea Life Encounter Cruise and private charters aboard the Miss Explorer. Reserve your spot by visiting the Sarasota Bay Explorers website .

Deep Sea Diner

Mancini Diners, Inc. has cast fine food and superior service into Mote Aquarium waters at the Deep Sea Diner!

This casual, retro, '50s style diner exclusively serves visitors and members of Mote Aquarium with a fun, affordable, family-style menu. Call 941-388-3415 .

Download the current menu (PDF)

Download ice cream menu (PDF)

Is a visit to Mote Aquarium weather dependent?

No. You can view all of our exhibits from undercover spaces. The main Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Center have both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The outdoor spaces in the main Aquarium building are covered, with open siding (which is temperature exposed). The Marine Mammal Center is mostly covered, with the exception of the first-floor viewing of Otters & Their Waters and The Teeth Beneath. These two habitats are also viewable from the second floor, which has an overhang that protects visitors from inclement weather.

Wheelchair availability

Several manual wheelchairs are available for free at Mote Aquarium on a first come, first served basis.

Service dogs

Mote will allow entry to service dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines .

Prohibited Items/Activities

The following items are not permitted in Mote Aquarium areas for the safety of our animals and guests: weapons or firearms per Florida Statutes Section 790.06(12), any hazardous items or materials, outside food and beverages (water and baby food/formula is allowed), or any other items deemed to be a safety hazard or that may be used to engage in prohibited activities. Smoking and vaping is also prohibited.

Resources for guests with sensory differences

Mote has been designated an Autism Friendly Business by CARD at University of South Florida , and our Aquarium offers a free, downloadable Sensory Guide to help you prepare for your visit. Also, a limited number of sensory-friendly backpacks are available for check-out (with ID exchange) at the front desk.

Learn more and download the Sensory Guide on this page .

• Become a Member

Happening at Mote

Environmental science scout merit badge (virtual program).

May 4 1:00pm

Homeschool Day at Mote (Sarasota)

Virtual storytime: swimming with sharks.

May 8 1:00pm

Morning Paddle - Kayaking with Mote

May 12 8:30am

Seashore SEAfari @ Anna Maria Island

May 15 9:00am

FMSEA/FWC Aquatic Species Collection Workshop

May 17 9:30am

Breakfast with the Sharks at Mote

May 18 8:00am

Seashore SEAfari (Bay Walk Adventure @ Sarasota Bay)

May 19 10:00am

Moonlit Paddle - Kayaking with Mote

Dip netting in the bay.

May 25 11:00am

Mote scientists have been pioneering marine aquaponics—farming saltwater fish and plants together in a sustainable, closed-loop system. In fact, Mote has launched an 8,216-square-foot aquaponics farm to demonstrate this exciting sustainable food technology at a scale relevant to commercial farms.

@motemarinelab #motemarinelab

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

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