Naples: Catamaran Day Sail & Shelling Excursion with Drinks

Summary

Shells in your pocket sun on your skin sailing Naples Gulf

You’ll sail from Naples on a roomy catamaran with drinks included, swim to a quiet island for shelling (floaties & life jackets ready), and share laughs with locals and travelers alike. Expect salty air, sandy toes, and maybe even dolphins if luck’s on your side—it’s more than just another boat ride.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to just drift out from Naples, Florida and leave the city behind for a couple hours? That’s what we did—me, my friend Jamie, and a handful of strangers who ended up feeling like old neighbors by the end. The catamaran (they call her Cool Beans, which cracked me up) was waiting at the dock, all white deck and soft ropes underfoot. Our captain—Mike, I think—handed out cold sodas and beers right away. He had this way of talking that made you feel like you’d known him since high school. We set off into the Gulf of Mexico with some reggae humming in the background and sunlight flickering on the water. I kept thinking: this is what “Florida” smells like—salty air mixed with sunscreen and something sweet from someone’s bag.

About halfway through our 2.5-hour catamaran day sail shelling excursion, Mike pointed out a patch of untouched sand ahead—a private island just sitting there, looking almost too perfect. Here’s the thing: you don’t dock right up on shore. We anchored maybe 100 feet out in five feet of warm water (which felt deeper when I first jumped in). You have to swim for it—Jamie squealed when she hit the water but then started laughing so hard she nearly lost her floatie. They’ve got plenty of those if you need them, plus life jackets for anyone who isn’t sure about swimming. The beach itself? Quiet except for gulls arguing overhead and that crunchy sound when you dig your toes into the shells. I found a weirdly shaped one that still sits on my desk now.

I didn’t expect to enjoy just floating there as much as I did—beer in hand (yes, included), legs dangling over Cool Beans’ edge while everyone swapped stories about their worst sunburns or best shell finds. On the way back, someone spotted dolphins off port side; Mike slowed down so we could watch them arc through the wake. There was this moment where nobody said anything at all—just wind and waves and sunburned arms resting on railings—and I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran sailing and shelling excursion

• Board the Cool Beans catamaran
• Set sail into the Gulf of Mexico
• Enjoy complimentary drinks onboard
• Listen to island tunes while sailing
• Stop near a private beach
• Swim to shore for shelling
• Return to catamaran and continue sailing
• Capture photos of local wildlife
• End 2.5 hour excursion back at dock

Top questions

Do I need to know how to swim for this Naples catamaran day sail?

You’ll need to swim about 100 feet in 5 ft deep water to reach the island for shelling; floaties and life jackets are provided if needed.

Are drinks included during the catamaran shelling excursion?

Yes, soda, bottled water, beer, and white wine are included for adults 21+ during your time onboard.

How long does the Naples catamaran day trip last?

The excursion lasts approximately 2.5 hours from departure to return.

Is lunch or food provided on this tour?

No meals are included; only drinks are provided during your cruise.

Are bathrooms available onboard Cool Beans?

Yes, there are bathrooms available onboard the catamaran for guests’ convenience.

How many people can join this Naples sailing tour?

The Cool Beans catamaran accommodates up to 20 passengers per trip.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older adults?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; floatation devices are available if needed for swimming.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary soda, bottled water, beer and white wine (for adults), use of floaties and life jackets for swimming ashore during shelling stops, plus access to onboard bathrooms—all handled by a friendly local crew before returning to Naples after around 2.5 hours at sea.