He Followed His Love of The Sea

It has been almost four decades since Roger Parcelles and his crews have been pushing off the docks around Marco Island and exploring the waters with fishing, shelling and eco-tours to the delight of locals and visitors.

Sunshine Tours, which began in 1984, is Parcelles' original company and is still operational and offering various tours and fishing charters. In November of 2002, Parcelles began the Marco Princess operation, which offers various luncheon and dinner cruises. 

Parcelles was one of the youngest Collier County individuals to obtain his official captain’s license, having received it at the age of 18. That started his long career as a fishing guide, something that would always be in his blood. 

He came from a large family that relocated to Marco Island from Fairfax, Virginia, in the early days of Marco after his father sold his restaurant, which the family members had also originally worked in over many years. Roger ended up graduating from Lely High School and became an entrepreneur himself after working with several other local fishing guides to follow his passion for being on the water.

Parcelles himself saw what he believed was the need for a dinner cruise opportunity here on Marco and always believed if he didn’t pursue that opportunity someone else would, said his sister. He would therefore work out a lease deal on just that style of craft and they were off and running.

Twenty-plus years later, visitors and guests alike all agreed that a visit to the island is less than fulfilling if a sunset cruise is missed. The Marco Princess has filled that void over the last two decades with those that visit and many who live here. He’s never forgotten his roots, and several times each year he’ll open his craft for a local event at greatly reduced sales to say thank you and make special sailings available to local charities and organizations. 

His fishing fleet has grown to five crafts, ranging from smaller backwater boats as well as offshore fishing to a 36’ Yellow Fin, which sports triple 300 hp Mercury outboards. Today, Sunshine Tours employs 25 personnel, part-time and full-time individuals.

Whether it's backwater fishing, offshore day trips or booking a special event aboard the Marco Princess with a delicious roast beef dinner the folks at Sunshine Tours can meet your every need. You can reach them simply by calling 239-642-5415 or check them out at www.sunshinetoursmarcoisland.com.