Marco Island Shelling Tour: Collect Rare Shells

Hunt for rare shells on remote barrier islands where the Gulf meets mangrove estuaries.

A guided boat tour departing from Goodland explores the barrier islands of the Ten Thousand Islands near Marco Island, where you collect shells including sand dollars, alphabet cones, lightning whelks and the elusive Junonia. The 2.5-hour tour visits Kice Island and Rookery Bay, passes the abandoned Cape Romano Dome House, and includes shelling bags and cooler with ice. A certified Florida Master Naturalist guide leads the way to the best shelling hotspots in this remote, wind-exposed terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ten Thousand Islands1h · entry included
2. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Guided shelling tour and island exploration

• Depart from private docks at 220 Goodland Dr
• Explore Kice Island shelling spots
• Boat tour of Ten Thousand Islands
• Tour barrier islands around Marco Island
• Experience mangrove estuary at Rookery Bay Preserve
• Cruise by Cape Romano Dome House
• See fishing village of Goodland

The experience

The boat departs daily at 8:00 am, 10:45 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:00 pm from the private commercial docks at 220 Goodland Drive, across from Stan's Idle Hour. Kice Island is the centerpiece: a barrier island known as the "shellers' island" near Marco, with fantastic shells on the Gulf shore but a notoriously difficult anchorage and shallow mangrove shoreline. Expert captains navigate the tricky approach. Certified guides know exactly where to find the rarest and most exotic shells in these untouched locations.

The route takes you through the Ten Thousand Islands and into Rookery Bay, a National Estuarine Research Reserve where mangrove estuary and Gulf waters meet. You'll cruise past the famous Cape Romano Dome House, an abandoned structure of six dome-shaped modules on stilts about 300 feet offshore, then past the quaint fishing village of Goodland. Beaches here require walking long distances on uneven terrain, through water, and around mangrove trees and stumps. The terrain that keeps casual visitors away and leaves the best shells for those who come prepared.

You collect your finds in complementary shelling bags and keep them cool in the provided cooler with ice. Parking is included. Bring your own food and drinks if you want them (no red wine, please). There's no restroom on board. Children 6 and under wear provided life vests. A moderate level of fitness helps with the uneven ground and water crossings, but this is a laid-back hunt, not a strenuous expedition.

What’s included

• Complementary shelling bags.
• cooler with ice.
• parking fees.
• certified Florida Master Naturalist guide.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:00, 10:45 and 13:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Child (under 7)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Florida Island Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want scheduled departures throughout the day (8:00 am, 10:45 am, 1:30 pm, 4:00 pm) that let you pick a time slot matching your schedule, and you're starting from Goodland's accessible docks rather than launching your own boat.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 7).

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 shells can I actually find on this tour?

Sand dollars, alphabet cones, lightning whelks, and the elusive Junonia are the main targets. Kice Island and the barrier islands of the Ten Thousand Islands are known for rare and exotic shells because they're remote and less picked over than busy public beaches.

How difficult is the walking and wading on these barrier islands?

Beaches require walking long distances on uneven terrain, wading through water, and navigating around mangrove trees and stumps. A moderate level of fitness is needed, and you should wear shoes that can get wet and handle rough ground.

What is the Cape Romano Dome House that we pass?

The Cape Romano Dome House is an abandoned structure made of six dome-shaped modules built on stilts, located about 300 feet offshore from Cape Romano Island south of Marco Island. It's a quirky landmark visible from the water and a photo stop on many tours of the Ten Thousand Islands.

Can I bring food and drinks on the boat?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. The tour does not include food or beverages, and there is no restroom on board, so plan accordingly for the 2.5-hour outing.

What's included in the tour price?

Complementary shelling bags to collect your shells, a cooler with ice to keep them fresh, and parking fees are all included. A certified Florida Master Naturalist guide leads the tour in English.