Keewaydin Island shelling cruise from Naples: 3 hours sailing

Three hours sailing, shelling and watching for dolphins on a 53-foot catamaran

A three-hour beach island shelling cruise from Naples aboard the Sweet Liberty, a 53-foot sailing catamaran that holds up to 44 passengers, takes you through Gordon River and Naples Bay to Keewaydin Island, a 7-mile barrier island where you spend an hour searching for shells on white sand and swimming. A Coast Guard licensed captain narrates the route, pointing out marine life and dolphin sightings. The cruise has been family-owned and operated since 1991.

Step-by-step itinerary

Beach island shelling cruise

• Board the Sweet Liberty catamaran
• Cruise along the Gordon River and Naples Bay
• Watch for marine life and dolphins
• Spend an hour shelling on Keewaydin Island
• Return cruise to Naples

The Experience

The Sweet Liberty departs from Naples with a Coast Guard licensed captain who narrates the route and watches for dolphins—sightings are common. You sail through the Gordon River and Naples Bay, passing interesting sights along the backwaters and Gulf waters of Southwest Florida. The boat holds up to 44 passengers, so you're sharing the experience with other families and groups, which means the pace is relaxed and the crew manages the stops and timing for everyone onboard.

Once at Keewaydin Island, you get an hour on the white sand to shell, swim and take pictures. Bring a small cooler with your own food, drinks and snacks—alcoholic beverages are permitted. The island is a 7-mile barrier island with pristine beaches, and the shelling is the main draw; what you find depends on the tide and season, but the crew knows the best spots. Arrive 15 minutes before departure to board and check in; boarding happens at the Naples dock.

This is a group tour, not a private charter, so the schedule is fixed and shared. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. The cruise suits all fitness levels since you're sitting and walking on sand at your own pace. Public transportation options are available near the dock if you're not driving.

What’s included

• Three-hour cruise aboard the Sweet Liberty sailing catamaran.
• Coast Guard licensed captain with narrated commentary on marine life and sights.
• one hour on Keewaydin Island's white sand beaches for shelling and swimming.
• dolphin sightings along Gordon River and Naples Bay.
• small cooler with your own food and beverages permitted onboard.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sweet Liberty Catamaran Sailing & Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a narrated cruise where the captain handles navigation and timing—you just show up, board, and spend your time shelling and spotting dolphins with your group.

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Top questions

What is Keewaydin Island like when we get there?

Keewaydin Island is a 7-mile barrier island with pristine white sand beaches where you spend an hour shelling and swimming. The crew knows the best spots for shells, and the island is a family-friendly stop with no facilities, so bring what you need in your cooler.

How often do you see dolphins on this cruise?

Dolphin sightings are plentiful on the Sweet Liberty cruises through Gordon River and Naples Bay. The captain narrates the route and points out marine life as you sail, so spotting them is part of the experience, though sightings depend on the day and season.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes, you're welcome to bring a small cooler with food, beverages and snacks. Alcoholic beverages are permitted, so pack what you like for the three-hour cruise and the hour on the beach.

What time do we need to arrive for boarding?

Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to check in at the boat. Boarding happens at the Naples dock, and the crew will direct you to the Sweet Liberty.

Is this a private boat or will there be other passengers?

This is a group tour, not a private charter. The Sweet Liberty holds up to 44 passengers, so you'll be cruising and shelling with other families and groups. The fixed schedule and shared stops are what keep the three-hour day organized for everyone onboard.