Search for shells with local guides in the Ten Thousand Islands
6 hrs
4 to 6 people
Guided tour, boat ride, water
Search for shells with knowledgeable guides who share local ecological insights and responsible collecting practices. Travel aboard a 25-foot boat designed for navigating shallow coastal waters.
Cancel at least 7 days before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days and no-shows are nonrefundable. Changes requested within 7 days incur a $50 fee per person; same-day changes are not accommodated.
Product ID: HATD5R
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Boats depart promptly and may leave without late guests.
Yes. You need to get on and off the boat unassisted using a ladder, and you should expect to walk at least 1 mile on uneven sand, around tree stumps, and through mud.
Possibly. The islands have no docks, so boarding can happen on sand or in the water. Be prepared to wade up to your waist if needed.
Goodland Boat Park, 750 Palm Point Dr, Goodland, FL 34140
The consistent theme across years of tours with this operator is genuinely friendly, knowledgeable crews who make shelling adventures memorable. Captains like Brandon, Jim, Trevor, and Richard navigate expertly to prime spots, while guides including Hannah, Caitlin, Amanda, and Dominic provide helpful direction without hovering. Many reviewers appreciate the balance of expert advice with freedom to explore at their own pace, plus thoughtful touches like water check-ins during what they call "the sport" of shelling. What stands out is how many guests return year after year, often requesting favorite crew members by name. The early morning departures get you to islands before crowds arrive, and successful finds include bucket-list shells like Junonia and horse conchs. Bonus dolphin encounters seem to happen frequently. Tours range from 4 to 6 hours hitting multiple islands, and the crew adapts to weather conditions to ensure the best experience. The responsive communication from ownership and consistent quality across all staff members creates confidence that whichever guide and captain you get, you're in capable hands.
My mom and I took our first tour with Kim and Trevor on Sunday. I’ve been shelling since I was a little kid. It was always a race of “who’s going to find the first periwinkle?!”. But if we’re talking real talk, my dream has always been to find the Queen of conchs. The Florida state shell and that’s exactly what I found! I couldn’t have done it without help. Kim and Trevor were awesome tour guides. This memory is definitely one for the books. The shelling is amazing and you’ll find all your favorites, from lighting welks to bandit tulips, to smaller conchs, to whole sand dollars. Kim was very knowledgable and Trevor was nothing shy of a good captain. I highly suggest taking this beautiful tour with the most awesome crew! Thank you guys for such an amazing day- from the tour, to getting to know our guides, to finding beautiful shells one can only dream of! A big thank you to Kim and Trevor. We’re already planning our next trip back!
Kay Morris
August 25, 2026
My mom and I took our first tour with Kim and Trevor on Sunday. I’ve been shelling since I was a little kid. It was always a race of “who’s going to find the first periwinkle?!”. But if we’re talking real talk, my dream has always been to find the Queen of conchs. The Florida state shell and that’s exactly what I found! I couldn’t have done it without help. Kim and Trevor were awesome tour guides. This memory is definitely one for the books. The shelling is amazing and you’ll find all your favorites, from lighting welks to bandit tulips, to smaller conchs, to whole sand dollars. Kim was very knowledgable and Trevor was nothing shy of a good captain. I highly suggest taking this beautiful tour with the most awesome crew! Thank you guys for such an amazing day- from the tour, to getting to know our guides, to finding beautiful shells one can only dream of! A big thank you to Kim and Trevor. We’re already planning our next trip back!
Kay Morris
August 25, 2026
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