Search for dolphins, birds, and shells on a naturalist-led island cruise
2 hours
Boat tour, guide, shelling bags
Explore the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge with a Florida Master Naturalist. Search for coastal wildlife, then step ashore on an uninhabited barrier island to collect shells.
Cancel more than two weeks ahead for a full refund. Cancel 72 hours to two weeks ahead for a refund less your deposit. Cancellations less than 72 hours before departure are forfeited. If the operator cancels due to weather, choose a full refund or reschedule; departures may be delayed. Weather-shortened tours receive a partial refund if less than half is completed; none if more than half is completed.
Arrive 20–25 minutes early to park and use the restrooms. Boarding starts 5 minutes before departure so the boat can leave on time.
Meet your guides under the pavilion to the left of the main building.
Goodland Boat Park charges a parking fee, and the source lists it as $10. Free parking is also mentioned outside the gate to the left along the fence.
Goodland Boat Park, 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140
Everglades boat tours through this crew consistently earn glowing praise, with guides like Don, Dale, Glen, and Captain Tony standing out as the real stars of the show. Reviewers repeatedly highlight their deep knowledge of the area's wildlife, history, and ecosystem, and many guests say it was the single best experience of their entire trip. Photographers especially appreciate how captains will slow down, circle back, or position the boat to get that perfect shot. Wildlife sightings are a genuine highlight, with dolphins, birds (including a baby bald eagle!), rays, and manatees all making appearances across various tours. Some trips venture out to shell mounds and remote keys, giving guests a chance to explore on foot and swim. One reviewer did note that a particular captain seemed less warm and welcoming at the start, leaving them unsure they were in the right place, so it's worth confirming your booking details ahead of time. Overall, the vibe here is more relaxed and immersive than your typical tourist attraction. These tours feel personal and unhurried, with guides who genuinely seem to love what they do and are happy to share it.
We had a blast. We'll worth the 4 hour drive round trip. We saw many types of birds, dolphins.turtle nest, 2000 year old conch shells plus much more. Don our boat captain was very knowledgeable and kept us entertained for over 2 hours.
Jim Kime
June 12, 2026
We had a blast. We'll worth the 4 hour drive round trip. We saw many types of birds, dolphins.turtle nest, 2000 year old conch shells plus much more. Don our boat captain was very knowledgeable and kept us entertained for over 2 hours.
Jim Kime
June 12, 2026
Cruise to a remote barrier island for shelling in the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge
Reach remote Everglades National Park areas by boat, then kayak and walk with your guide
Cruise the Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge and shell remote beaches
Explore remote Everglades waters by quiet power boat
Explore Everglades National Park’s 10,000 Islands coastal ecosystems by boat
Quiet power-boat access to seldom-reached Everglades birding areas