Self-Guided Shelling Tour in Ten Thousand Islands

Explore the Ten Thousand Islands with a guide who helps you identify shells and understand the local ecosystem. Spend your day shelling with responsible collection practices and practical onboard comforts.

• Search island shorelines for seashells with guidance from the crew
• Learn how local shells live and the role they play in the ecosystem
• Practice responsible shell collecting in protected coastal habitats
• Relax aboard a 25-foot Sea Pro boat with comfortable seating and shade
• Use the onboard flushable toilet during your time on the water

Itinerary

1. Arrival & check-in at meeting location
2. Board boat and enjoy a 15–20 minute ride through the Ten Thousand Islands to shelling locations.
3. Spend 4-5 hours exploring uninhabited islands, walking on uneven sand and possibly wading in shallow water to collect shells.
4. Return to the mainland and Goodland Boat Park; afternoon tours may offer sunset views on the return.

What's Included

• Guided shelling tour
• Bottled water and tea
• Ice cooler
• Onboard restroom

Important details

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure; boats leave promptly
• Complete a digital waiver before the activity
• Requires boarding and exiting the boat unassisted using a ladder
• Requires walking at least one mile on uneven sand, around tree stumps, and through mud
• Boarding may require wading in water up to your waist
• Parking at Goodland Boat Park is not included; a $10 fee applies for afternoon tours and is settled by credit card or mobile payment, unless you hold a Collier County Beach Permit
• No smoking in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
• The tour may be cancelled and refunded if fewer than four people are booked