Ten Thousand Islands: 4hr Shelling Trip by Boat & Island Stops

Summary

Shelling adventure by boat to Kice & Dickmans Islands with local guide

You’ll set out by boat from Goodland with a local guide who knows every curve of the Ten Thousand Islands. Walk remote beaches on Dickmans and Kice Islands, hunt for unique shells with all gear provided, and hear stories about Florida’s coastal wildlife. Expect laughter, sandy hands, and those small moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen so many shells in one place?” That’s what our captain, Mike, asked as we stepped off the boat onto Dickmans Island. I just shook my head. The ride out from Goodland Boat Park was breezy—wind tangling my hair and that salty Florida smell everywhere. We passed these little keys (Neal Key, Ramsey Key, I think?) where ospreys were circling. There was this moment when the engine cut and it got quiet except for water lapping and someone’s laugh drifting over from the bow. It felt like we’d left regular life behind for a bit.

I didn’t expect to care about shells, honestly. But then our guide handed me this battered shell guide and started pointing out weird little details—tiny holes bored by some hungry creature, or how you can tell a fighting conch from a lightning whelk (I still mix them up). The sand on Dickmans Island was warm but not hot yet, and every few steps there’d be something new at my feet—a spiky tulip shell or these delicate pink things I kept picking up even though I had no idea what they were called. Mike told us stories about the animals that used to live in them; he made it sound like each shell had its own secret life.

After a while we drifted down to another beach—Kice Island maybe? Time sort of blurred together with the sun getting higher and my pockets filling up. There was bottled water in the cooler (thank god), and someone found a perfect sand dollar which turned into a mini celebration right there on the shore. I liked how nobody rushed us; we could wander as long as we wanted before heading back toward Marco Island. The boat had plenty of shade too, which saved me—I always forget sunscreen behind my ears.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Shelling trip through Ten Thousand Islands

• Depart from Goodland Boat Park
• Cruise past Neal Key, Ramsey Key, Little Tide Key
• Observe wildlife south of Marco Island
• Stop at Dickman’s Island and Sandbars
• Walk beach and collect shells
• Explore shoreline on north side island
• Find unique shells on beach

Top questions

Where does the Ten Thousand Islands shelling trip start?

The tour departs from Goodland Boat Park at 750 Palm Point Dr., Goodland, FL 34140.

How long is the shelling trip?

The trip lasts approximately 4 hours.

Which islands do you visit on this tour?

The tour stops at Dickmans Island, Kice Island, and other nearby beaches accessible only by boat.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and both new and experienced shell collectors.

What’s included in the price of the tour?

Bottled water, complimentary shelling bags, a shell guide, shaded boat seating, and a cooler with ice are included.

Do guides share information about shells during the trip?

Yes, guides explain details about different shells and the creatures that lived in them.

How do you get to the islands?

You travel by fully shaded boat from Goodland through the Ten Thousand Islands area.

Are there restroom facilities on the islands?

No restroom facilities are mentioned for island stops; plan accordingly before departure.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Goodland Boat Park before cruising out on a fully shaded boat with plenty of seats. You’ll get bottled water to stay cool, complimentary shelling bags to collect your finds, a handy shell guide for identifying treasures along the way, plus access to a cooler packed with ice while you explore those remote beaches around Marco Island.