10,000 Islands Shelling Tour: Uninhabited Barrier Islands

Hunt shells on islands most people never reach

This 3.5-hour shelling tour takes you by boat to the uninhabited barrier islands of the 10,000 Islands, where a Florida Master Naturalist Guide teaches you about the shells you find while Marco Island sits in the background. The tour departs at 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., and every departure is different depending on what your guide finds worth exploring that day. No two trips follow the same route or stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin and shelling boat tour

• Depart for 10,000 Islands
• Shell on remote island beaches
• View Marco Island in background
• Explore uninhabited barrier island beaches
• Enjoy Gulf of Mexico views
• Return from tour

The experience

The boat leaves from Goodland and heads out to the remote beaches of the 10,000 Islands, where you'll spend the bulk of the tour shelling on sand that doesn't get picked over by hundreds of people each day. Your naturalist guide points out what lives in the shells you find and what the shells tell you about the Gulf. You're on a large, stable boat the whole way, which means you can move around and get the angles you want for photos without fighting for space.

This is a hands-on experience, not a narrated drive-by. You get in the water, you walk the beach, you pick up shells and ask questions about them. The guide knows the islands and the wildlife (birds, dolphins, whatever shows up that day), and adjusts the route based on what's happening. Some days the tour hits one island. Some days it hits two. Some days the light and the tide make one stretch better than another. That's why the operator asks you to talk with your guide before you board about what you're hoping to see.

The whole outing runs 3.5 hours. Arrive 20–25 minutes early to park and use the facilities. The boat boards 5 minutes before departure. Morning departures (8:30 a.m.) are recommended June through October because of the weather. Bring a camera: the views of the Gulf and the barrier islands are the kind you want to have on film.

What’s included

• Florida Master Naturalist Guide leading the tour.
• access to the uninhabited barrier islands of the 10,000 Islands.
• a large, stable boat for the full 3.5 hours.
• opportunities to see dolphins, birds and other Gulf wildlife.
• photo opportunities throughout the day.

Information

Lasts 3h 30m, from US$ 159.95 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 2 Jan 202711 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 19 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Marco Island Boat Tours

Is this one for you?At 3.5 hours, the tour fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming your whole day. The morning departure leaves your afternoon free, and the 1:30 p.m. start works if you have a morning commitment. Every tour is different based on what your guide finds that day, so if you want a fixed itinerary with guaranteed stops, this unpredictable route won't suit you. If you want to follow the naturalist's knowledge instead of a schedule, this is the one.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of shells will I find on the 10,000 Islands?

The 10,000 Islands shelling tour takes you to uninhabited barrier island beaches where you'll find a variety of shells. The specific species depends on the tide, the season and where your guide decides to explore that day. Your naturalist guide teaches you about the individual shells you pick up and what they are, rather than just collecting them blindly.

How long is the 3.5-hour tour and what time does it depart?

The tour runs 3.5 hours total and departs twice daily at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. You'll need to arrive 20–25 minutes early to park and use the bathroom, and the boat boards 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Will I see dolphins and wildlife on this shelling tour?

Yes, the tour includes opportunities to see an amazing variety of birds and other wildlife, including dolphins. What you encounter depends on the day and the conditions, and your guide will take you where the activity is happening.

What should I bring and what's included on the tour?

Bring a camera for photo opportunities on the large, stable boat and the beaches. The tour includes a Florida Master Naturalist Guide, access to the uninhabited barrier islands, and the chance to learn about the shells you find. Bottled water and gratuities are not included.

Is parking available at the Goodland boat launch?

Parking is available outside the gate for free. A $10 parking fee applies if you use the Goodland Boat Park lot. Public transportation options are also available nearby.