Ten Thousand Islands Pontoon Tour: Private Shelling Excursion

Island hopping through mangrove forest and Gulf waters with a beach shelling stop.

A private 2.5-hour pontoon boat tour explores Ten Thousand Islands and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, stopping at Keewaydin Island to collect shells and swim. The tour departs directly from the marina into 110,000 acres of protected mangrove forest and coastline, with an English-speaking guide and the option to customize the route. Soda and bottled water are included. Children must be at least 2 years old.

The experience

The pontoon leaves the marina and heads straight into Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 110,000-acre stretch of mangrove forest and protected waters that covers 40% of Collier County's coastline. The boat navigates through this landscape toward the Gulf of Mexico entrance, where it stops at a pristine beach on Keewaydin Island for shelling and swimming. Because the tour is private and accommodates up to 6 guests, the guide can adjust the route based on what you want to see, whether that means lingering longer at the beach, exploring the surrounding area, or taking in the homes that line the waterfront.

Soda and bottled water come with the tour. The 2.5-hour excursion works for all fitness levels, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. The guide speaks English and knows the reserve well enough to point out what makes this corner of Florida distinct: the mangroves, the protected waters, the Gulf access, and the shells that wash up on the island beaches.

What’s included

• Soda and bottled water.
• English-speaking guide.
• private boat for up to 6 guests.
• shelling stop at Keewaydin Island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 17:00

GroupPrivate

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendly

Operated by Cool Beans Cruises Catamaran Sailing Charters

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a private boat to yourself and your group: the guide adjusts the route to your interests, so you're not following a fixed schedule or sharing the pontoon with strangers.

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Top questions

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 is Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?

Rookery Bay is a 110,000-acre protected area of mangrove forest, uplands and shallow waters that stretches across 40% of Collier County's coastline. The pontoon tour passes through it on the way to Keewaydin Island and the Gulf of Mexico entrance.

Can I customize the tour route?

Yes. Because the tour is private, the guide can adjust the itinerary to your interests: spending more time shelling, exploring the surrounding area, or viewing the homes along the beaches.

What happens at Keewaydin Island?

The boat stops at a pristine beach on Keewaydin Island where you can collect shells and swim.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Children must be at least 2 years old. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the 2.5-hour tour.

What's included with the tour?

The pontoon tour includes soda and bottled water. The guide is English-speaking and leads the entire excursion.