Private Ten Thousand Islands Eco & Shelling Tour
Private island shelling and wildlife exploration with a naturalist guide
Duration
2 hours
Ideal For
Up to 6 people
Includes
Guided tour, boat ride, water
Highlights
Explore the Ten Thousand Islands by private boat, with a focus on wildlife viewing and beginner-friendly shelling. Learn about the estuary from your captain and guide while beachcombing uninhabited islands.
- Watch for dolphins, Roseate spoonbills, and shorebirds along the waterways
- Beachcomb uninhabited islands and collect shells responsibly
- Learn about the local ecosystem from knowledgeable guides
- Travel through shallow mangrove waterways aboard a 25-foot boat
Itinerary
- Arrival: Arrive 15 minutes before departure at Goodland Boat Park.
- Boat ride: Cruise 15–20 minutes into the Ten Thousand Islands while watching for wildlife and learning about the ecosystem.
- Shelling and exploration: Spend about 1 hour on a pristine, uninhabited barrier island learning shell identification and collecting responsibly.
- Return: 15–20 minute ride back through mangrove channels with naturalist commentary; shuttle returns you to your vehicle at the Engle Dentistry Building.
What's Included
- Guided tour
- Boat ride with onboard restroom
- Bottled water
- Tea
Important details
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure
- A $10 parking fee is not included in the listed price and is settled by credit card; Collier County Beach Permit holders park free
- Display your parking receipt on your dashboard and avoid spaces marked "Trailered Vehicles Only"
- Complete the required digital waiver before the activity
- Requires boarding and disembarking via a ladder unassisted and walking at least 1 mile on uneven sand, around tree stumps, and through possible mud
- Expect boarding on sand or in water, with possible wading up to waist depth
- Bring water shoes; flip-flops are not allowed
- Bring a bag or bucket for collecting shells; grocery bags and zip-top bags are not allowed
- Smoking is not permitted in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
- Tours may be canceled or modified for weather or safety conditions at the captain's discretion
- Gratuity is not included in the listed price; cash tips for the crew are accepted
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 7 days before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable. Changes more than 7 days ahead are subject to availability; changes within 7 days incur a $50 per-guest fee. Same-day changes aren't available. No-shows and late arrivals receive no refund.
Product ID: VQRJ3Z
FAQs
Park at Goodland Boat Park. Parking costs $10 and you must pay by credit card only. If you have a Collier County Beach Permit, you do not need to pay the parking fee.
Be prepared to board on sand or in the water since the islands are uninhabited and have no docks. It’s uncommon, but you may need to wade up to your waist.
You need to get on and off the boat unassisted using a ladder. Expect to walk at least one mile on uneven sand and potentially around tree stumps and through mud.
Meeting details
Goodland Boat Park, 750 Palm Point Dr, Goodland, FL 34140
