Guided by Ali! Ten Thousand Islands Boat Shelling Tours!
colorful vibrant seashells collected on tour with SWFL Shell Guide
Where will you display the prizes you collect on tour with SWFL Shell Guide?
Guided by Ali! Ten Thousand Islands Boat Shelling Tours!
GUIDED
SHELLING
BOAT TOUR
10K ISLANDS
4hr & 5HR PRIVATE & shared
Are you looking for a unique and exciting way to spend a day in beautiful SWFL? Come join me for a shelling tour in the Ten Thousand Islands, via boat by a friendly, experienced and licensed/insured local captain!
The Ten Thousand Islands are a stunning chain of small islands located near Marco Island, Florida. These mangrove islands are known for their abundant marine life. They are also home to a wide variety of shells, including conch, scallop, and the prized Junonia. The tour will start with a briefing from the Captain on safety procedures and an overview of the island we'll be shelling. The Captain will then take us out onto the water in a comfortable, stable boat, equipped with all the necessary safety equipment.
On our shelling tour, we'll have the opportunity to explore one or more of the Ten Thousand Islands, searching for shells along the shores. I'll be your Shell Guide and will point out the best spots to look for shells and help you identify any shells you find.
Our shelling destination will be decided based on the season, tides, time of day, and recent shelling history to ensure your shelling experience is the best it can be! We'll either go to sand flats (usually the best choice for summertime low tides) or to Kice Island (usually best in the winter months).
Kice is an uninhabited island, part of the Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge! While the sand flats are just that, an expansive flat sandy terrain, usually only accessible during low tides, Kice's terrain is unique. Kice is more "dangerous" in that it is very rugged and thick with tree roots, stumps, mucky peat, and shells. Both areas contain many shell species where you are free to collect as many empty (unoccupied) shells as you can carry!
In addition to shelling, you may encounter wildlife while on tour, including dolphins, manatees, and a wide variety of birds.
So why wait? Join me for a shelling tour in the Ten Thousand Islands and spend a memorable day in the sunshine, exploring the natural beauty of this unique and fascinating region!
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU BOOK
To ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment, please take note of the Guest Requirements & Recommendations:
1. Boarding and Disembarking:
-
Guests should be able to easily step on and off the boat, occasionally climbing ladders for access.
-
Comfort in the water and basic swimming skills are necessary.
2. Mobility:
-
Participants should confidently embark and disembark from the boat with minimal assistance.
-
A HIGH level of fitness and endurance is recommended
-
Participants should be able to hike 1-3 miles, sometimes navigating in shallow, mucky or murky water and oftentimes over challenging tree-filled terrains and soft or sloping sandy terrains.
-
Be ready to hike in diverse weather conditions and varying landscapes.
3. Health and Fitness:
-
Guests should be in good health, capable of handling extreme elements like heat, cold, sun (no shade available), rain, humidity, rough terrain, and insects.
-
Given the nature of the tour, individuals with health factors like age, obesity, heart disease, poor circulation, mobility challenges, and severe allergies are advised NOT to book.
-
The weight limit for boat tour participants is 300 pounds. Exceptions may be considered for individuals in optimal shape and fitness. If unsure, feel free to reach out for clarification.
4. Self-Sufficiency:
-
While water and snacks are provided, guests should actively stay hydrated and maintain optimal blood sugar levels.
5. Understand How to Stay Safe In Hot Weather:
-
Shelling on shore in extreme heat poses risks to the body's cooling mechanisms. Factors like individual health conditions can amplify these risks. Click Here for some essential tips.
These guidelines are designed to prioritize your well-being and the overall quality of the tour.
Shared Tour Policy:
In order for our Shared Tours to take place, we require a maximum capacity of 6 guests to be reached. Should the number of guests in a shared tour not reach capacity, the tour may be subject to cancellation or rescheduling.
Private Tour Policy:
A Private Tour reserves the entire boat with a single flat-rate booking and can accommodate up to 6 guests. This booking secures both the boat and captain, ensuring a confirmed tour without reliance on additional guests to fill remaining seats.
LAUNCH LOCATION
& PROCEDURE
All boat tours to the 10k Islands all launch from
Goodland Boat Park
750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140
Parking is very limited! We highly recommend carpooling, taking a taxi/uber, or arranging a drop-off at the park to avoid parking issues.
If you do drive, here are some important tips:
-
Arrive 45-60 minutes before your scheduled launch time to ensure you find parking.
-
Try to park in a short, single-car spot—there are very few available.
-
Parking in longer spaces is allowed, but be aware that someone could park behind you, blocking you in for when you return.
-
Look for other tour guests in the parking lot, double park with them to save space and avoid being blocked in. Make sure you're both returning from tour at the same time!
-
Once parked, go into the Ships Store to pay for parking (card only). The fee is $10.00—place the receipt on your car dashboard.
-
15 minutes before launch, check in with Ali at a table under the Pavilion. I'll have your complimentary shell bags and any pre-purchased merchandise for you there. We'll all walk down the ramp to board the boat together no later than the scheduled launch time.
Important Note for Afternoon Tours:
The Ships Store and restrooms close at 4PM. If you arrive after this time, there will be no facilities available. For tours returning at sunset, restrooms will also not be available upon your return.
There are restrooms at the Goodland Boat Park, but no showers or washdown stations.
WHAT TO expect & BRING
-
PHONE - REQUIRED
-
WATER
-
LONG-SLEEVE WATER SHIRT
-
WATER SHOES
-
DRY BAG FOR PHONE/KEYS
-
SUNSCREEN
-
SUNGLASSES
-
HAT
-
PREFERRED FOOD/SNACKS
-
PLASTIC CONTAINER FOR FRAGILE FINDS
-
CAMERA FOR PICS**
-
CASH TIP FOR CAPTAIN/CREW
A little prep goes a long way! Here’s what to keep in mind before your tour:
-
Hydrate in advance! I’ll provide two water bottles per guest, but it may not be enough, especially if it heats up quickly. Bring a large water bottle if you can carry it to stay ahead of dehydration.
-
Sun Protection! There’s no shade on the island or sand flats, so pack plenty of sun protection—sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, or even an umbrella to create your own shade.
-
Footwear matters! Closed-toed shoes with sturdy soles are a must—no flip-flops or Crocs. The terrain can be rugged, with sharp shells, tree roots, and slippery muck. Whether on Kice Island or sand flats, you'll need well-fitted, broken-in shoes to prevent blisters.
-
Shelling Gear! Tools aren’t necessary, but feel free to bring your favorites (scoopers, rakes, snorkels, etc.). A long-handle shell scooper can be handy to avoid bending down repeatedly.
-
Bug Protection! Noseeums and mosquitoes can be an issue, especially near shell piles during early mornings or near sunset. Bring bug spray and consider wearing lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.
-
Be ready to hike! We might cover a few miles over different terrains, with possible island hopping. Travel light, as you'll need to carry your belongings, and the boat won't have extra room for storage after we disembark.
-
Pack light! Only bring what you can comfortably carry. Anything unnecessary should stay in your car.
-
Bring your phone! It’s required to stay reachable in case you need to contact Ali or the Captain—or vice versa.
-
Consider tipping! Tipping the captain is optional but appreciated. If you pre-tipped online, it's been received—thank you!
Check out a few of my fav shelling gear, tools, products, and displays listed HERE! (Not necessary to bring with you, but helpful if you want your own or to know where I got mine!)
**Tour Photo Policy Update:**
Tour photos/album links will no longer be provided. However, guests are welcome to download/screenshot any edited images posted on our social media platforms!
WHAT YOUR GUIDE PROVIDES
-
WATER BOTTLES
-
PEANUT BUTTER CRACKERS, FRUIT GUMMIES, RICE KRISPY TREATS
-
SOUVENIR SHELLING BAG
-
SEASHELL STICKERS & ID CARD
You'll be given a mesh shelling bag to collect any beachcombing finds you wish to keep!
(Collect only empty shells!)
