Self-Guided Shelling Tour From Marco Island
Search remote island shores at your own shelling pace
Duration
4 hrs
Ideal For
Up to 6 people
Includes
Boat ride, water & tea
Highlights
Explore boat-access-only shorelines on a self-guided shelling outing designed for experienced shellers. Search independently while your captain remains nearby with the boat.
- Search barrier island beaches, tidal flats, and sandbars for shells
- Use your captain's local knowledge of shelling grounds and tides
- Practice responsible collecting by taking empty shells only
- Bring your own beverages and snacks to enjoy on the water
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
1. Check-In & Departure
Meet your captain at Goodland Boat Park, just minutes from Marco Island. Board our comfortable 25-foot Sea Pro bay boat, equipped with an onboard restroom, freshwater washdown, and cooler space.
2. Scenic Mangrove Cruise
Enjoy a 15-to-20-minute boat ride through the tranquil channels of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Keep an eye out for wild bottlenose dolphins, manatees, and coastal birdlife along the way.
3. Independent Barrier Island Beachcombing
Step ashore onto uninhabited barrier island beaches, tidal flats, and quiet sandbars accessible only by water. Spend 2.5 to 3 hours shelling at your own pace, with the peace of mind that your captain remains on-site with the vessel nearby at all times.
4. Relaxing Return Cruise
Reboard the boat for a smooth ride back to the mainland, enjoying scenic views of Southwest Florida's mangrove estuaries as we return to Goodland Boat Park.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Iced tea
- Ice
Important details
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure
- Complete the required digital waiver before your activity
- Designed for experienced shellers who can explore independently
- Requires boarding and disembarking the boat via a ladder without assistance
- Requires walking at least 1 mile over uneven sand, tree stumps, and possible mud
- Expect to wade in water up to your waist during boarding when necessary
- Wear water shoes; flip-flops are not permitted
- Parking costs $10 and is not included in the listed price; use a credit card or mobile payment app, as cash is not accepted
- Gratuity for the crew is not included in the listed price; cash tips are accepted
- Do not smoke in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
- Expect weather-related delays or cancellations when the captain determines conditions are unsafe
Cancellation Policy
Full refund when you cancel at least 7 days before departure. Cancellations within 7 days and no-shows are non-refundable. Changes requested more than 7 days ahead are subject to availability; changes within 7 days incur a $50 fee per guest. Same-day changes are not accommodated.
Product ID: PFCCBE
FAQs
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Boats depart promptly and may leave without late guests.
Park at Goodland Boat Park. Parking may require a paid pass through Collier County’s Pay to Park system, and cash is not accepted. The source also notes a $10 parking fee for afternoon tours (credit card only) and that permit holders may park for free.
Vessels may have a flushable toilet, but it is not guaranteed for every self-guided trip. Use the restroom at Goodland Boat Park before departure.
Meeting details
Goodland Boat Park, 750 Palm Point Dr, Goodland, FL 34140
