Cruise the Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge and shell remote beaches
3.5 Hours
Shelling bags, Naturalist guide
Explore the natural world around Marco Island on a 3.5-hour, two-part boating excursion in the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge. Search for wildlife with a Florida Master Naturalist guide, then walk a remote barrier island beach for shelling and tidal-pool exploring.
The Goodland Boat Park charges $10 for parking; free parking is available outside the gate along the fence. All guests must complete a waiver before the tour.
If you cancel more than 2 weeks in advance, you receive a full refund. If you cancel within 2 weeks to 72 hours prior, you can get a refund less your deposit. Deposits are non-refundable. Less than 72 hours: fees are forfeited. If the operator cancels, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
Arrive 20–25 minutes early so you have time to park and use the restrooms. You’ll board the boat 5 minutes before departure so the tour can leave on time.
Yes. The Goodland Boat Park charges a parking fee, and free parking is also available outside the gate along the fence. Confirm current parking details when you arrive.
Bring water, a hat, sunblock, sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing.
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