Led by USCG-licensed Captain Evan, Sand Dollar Shelling guides small groups beyond the busy beaches of Naples and Marco Island to secluded corners of the Ten Thousand Islands where rare Junonia and alphabet cone shells still wait ...
Sand Dollar Shelling's captains consistently deliver memorable experiences that go well beyond a typical boat tour. Paul S., Jamie, and Joey each earn glowing praise for their genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge of Naples Bay's marine life and ecosystems. They're not just driving boats—they're actively helping guests find exceptional shells, positioning the boat perfectly for dolphin encounters (including babies!), and sharing fascinating local history and wildlife facts along the way. The personal touch really shines through, with captains getting in the water to help collect shells and making guests feel genuinely cared for rather than rushed. Expect to visit multiple islands for shelling, with low tide timing playing a big role in your haul. Guests regularly mention coming home with buckets full of conchs and unique finds. Wildlife sightings are a major bonus, with dolphins appearing on most trips and occasional manatees and stingrays making appearances. The boats are spacious, clean, and shaded—important for Florida sun. The flexibility stands out too, with captains willing to adjust departure times for weather and extend trips when possible to maximize the experience.
Had THE best time today with Paul S! He made sure us Kansas girls took home a nice haul of good shells from Ten Thousand Island! We had some extra time and took us to another small beach area to do more shelling. Saw a small family of dolphins on our way back and he let us enjoy that, never felt rushed to get back to the dock. If your looking for some good shells and a fun day trip I highly recommend Sand Dollar shelling, I’ll also add that it rained when it was getting close to our time to head out to the beach area, we happily pushed back our start time to avoid the rain, best decision ever as we got the low tide time and waves not as rough.
Ami Montgomery
September 18, 2025
Had THE best time today with Paul S! He made sure us Kansas girls took home a nice haul of good shells from Ten Thousand Island! We had some extra time and took us to another small beach area to do more shelling. Saw a small family of dolphins on our way back and he let us enjoy that, never felt rushed to get back to the dock. If your looking for some good shells and a fun day trip I highly recommend Sand Dollar shelling, I’ll also add that it rained when it was getting close to our time to head out to the beach area, we happily pushed back our start time to avoid the rain, best decision ever as we got the low tide time and waves not as rough.
Ami Montgomery
September 18, 2025