Private Shelling and Fishing Tour: Marco Island, 4 Hours

Shell a remote island, fish the local flats, cruise the Marco Island waterways

A private four-hour boat tour from Marco Island combines shelling and beach time on a remote island with catch-and-release fishing at local hot spots. You cruise the waters with a live English-speaking guide, stop to walk and collect shells, then move to fishing grounds where tackle and licenses are provided. The boat holds up to six guests, or you can book a second vessel for groups up to twelve.

The experience

The boat leaves Marco Island and heads out into the waters where you'll watch for wildlife as you cruise. The first stop is a remote island where you get time to walk the beach, collect shells and swim. This is not a guided lecture on the island. You're on your own to explore and gather, with the crew ready when you're done.

After the beach, the boat moves to the local fishing flats. Bait, tackle and all licenses are on board, so you cast from the boat at spots the guide knows. This is catch-and-release fishing, so you're fishing to release: no cooler of fillets at the end. The guide handles the setup and can show you how to cast if you've never done it, but the rod is in your hands. The whole trip runs four hours from start to finish.

Groups max out at six people per boat, and everyone counts toward that number, including children and infants (who sit on an adult's lap). If your group is larger, you can book a second boat and run both trips at once. Life jackets are provided. You're welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks, as none are included with the tour.

What’s included

• Life jackets.
• bait, tackle and all fishing licenses.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 12:30

Book up to2h before

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by 4thStoryCharters

Is this one for you?This is a private boat tour, so your group has the boat to yourselves and the guide customizes the day to what you want to do. Choose it if you want to control the pace (more time shelling, less time fishing, or vice versa) without waiting for other groups or sticking to a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

What's the remote island like when we get there?

The remote island is a beach stop where you walk and collect shells. The operator does not describe the island's size, facilities or features beyond the shelling opportunity, so come ready to explore on your own for the time the boat is anchored there.

Do I need fishing experience to do the catch-and-release fishing?

No fishing experience is required. The guide is there to help with setup and technique, and tackle and licenses are all provided on the boat. You cast from the boat at the fishing spots the guide chooses.

Can we bring kids on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome and count toward the six-person capacity. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What happens if our group is more than six people?

The operator has two boats available and can take groups up to twelve people total. You'll need to contact customer service to arrange the second boat and coordinate the booking.

Is this a catch-and-release trip, or can we keep fish?

This is strictly catch-and-release fishing. You fish to release the catch back into the water. If you're looking to keep fish for a meal, this tour is not set up for that.