MARCO ISLAND · TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS 239-348-5551
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Seashell collection from a Ten Thousand Islands adventure
YOUR LOCAL TEAM · MARCO ISLAND & THE TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS

Marco Island 4-Hour Shelling Tour

Explore the Ten Thousand Islands on a four-hour shelling boat tour from Goodland near Marco Island. Enjoy time on island beaches with a local guide. Shell finds vary with tides and conditions.

REAL ADVENTURES. REMARKABLE PLACES.

A little glimpse of your adventure.

A glimpse of the scenery, discoveries and time together. Tap a photo for a closer look.

EXPLORE WITH FLORIDA ADVENTURES AND RENTALS

Ten Thousand Islands Shelling Tours

Travel by boat into the islands, then enjoy time walking the beach and searching for shells. Your guide helps you notice shapes, patterns and the stories behind your discoveries. Shell finds vary with tides and conditions, making each trip a different experience.

TIME ON THE WATER4 hours
YOUR EXPERIENCEGuided boat adventure
PRICEVIEW CHILD & TODDLER FARES ↗Shared-tour starting fare. Check child & toddler fares for your departure.

Location & address

Goodland Boating Park750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140
VIEW DATES & AVAILABILITY
★★★★★6,000+

Five-star reviews

REAL ADVENTURES. HAPPY GUESTS.

Memorable days.
Stories worth sharing.

Guest experiences with Florida Adventures and Rentals.

Google top-rated business, 5.0 ratingTripadvisor ranked number one badge
FAR BOAT TOUR GUEST HIGHLIGHTS

Jen described a memorable dolphin tour with Captain Colleen, highlighting her local knowledge and a shelling stop enjoyed by her young son.

Jen SJanuary 13, 2026 · GoogleRead review source ↗Paraphrased from real guest reviews. Ratings may change.
1 / 3
Seashell collection from a Ten Thousand Islands adventure
GET TO KNOW YOUR DAYA little planning.
A lot to look forward to.
TOUR DETAILS & WHAT TO EXPECT

Your adventure at a glance

Duration
4 hours
Departure times
Current times shown when booking
Location
Goodland Boating Park
Ages
Family-friendly: 20 lbs and up
Equipment
Shaded tour vessels
Private options
Available — contact our team

What to expect

Travel by boat into the islands, then enjoy time walking the beach and searching for shells. Your guide helps you notice shapes, patterns and the stories behind your discoveries. Shell finds vary with tides and conditions, making each trip a different experience.

What to bring

  • Refreshments and snacks
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and sun-protective clothing
  • A camera for wildlife and island memories

Follow your confirmation for arrival instructions, inclusions and current conditions.

What’s included
  • USCG Master Captains
  • Florida Naturalist guides
  • Bottled water
  • Cooler with ice
  • Shell bags
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE COAST

Discover more around every bend.

Look closely, stay curious, and discover the beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands. Wildlife sightings vary naturally.

Tap a photo to learn what to look for on the water.

● Caxambas Pass tide predictions

Seven days of island possibilities.

Explore the lowest predicted tide each day, then select a date to see its tide curve and high/low table.

Connecting to NOAA…

15-minute prediction curve

Marco Island · Caxambas Pass

Predicted high and low tides for the selected date
TideLocal timeHeight

NOAA CO-OPS station 8724967 · Feet relative to MLLW · America/New_York (EST/EDT). Predictions, not observed water levels. Weather can change actual conditions.

View NOAA source ↗

For visitor planning only. Tide predictions do not determine tour availability; check the booking calendar for departures.

LOCAL ADVENTURES. LASTING MEMORIES.

Local knowledge.
A deeper connection.

Florida Adventures and Rentals is the local team behind your Marco Island experience. Spend more time exploring the barrier-island beaches of the Ten Thousand Islands on our Ultimate Shelling adventure. Discover beautiful shells with guides who know this coastline.

Share the experience with people who love this coast, and enjoy a closer look at the islands and their wildlife.

Meet Florida Adventures and Rentals ↗
Guest showing a seashell discovery on an island beach
YOUR NEXT MEMORY STARTS HERE

Ready for your next adventure?

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PLAN YOUR MEETING POINT

Your adventure starts here.

Your confirmation provides the exact meeting point and check-in instructions for the experience you select.

Goodland Boating Park
750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140
BOOK YOUR SHELLING ADVENTURE →
BEFORE YOUR ADVENTURE

FAQ’s

Choose a topic, then open a question for the details.

Need help choosing a date or planning a private outing?
Call 239-348-5551

Your shelling adventure

What should I bring on a shelling tour?

Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent and a camera. Comfortable water shoes are strongly recommended for uneven sand, shallow water and occasional muddy areas. We provide complimentary shelling bags and bottled water. You may also want sandwiches or snacks, especially on a longer outing.

What is the best time of year to go shelling?

Shelling is rewarding year-round around Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands. Each season brings different conditions and discoveries; tides, wind and recent weather often matter more than the month on the calendar.

What is the best time of day for shelling?

Lower tides often expose more beach and shells that were underwater. Early departures may also offer cooler temperatures. Our captains plan beach stops around local conditions whenever possible. See our live tide predictions for planning information; the booking calendar shows actual departures.

Will we visit Kice Island?

Kice Island is one of the destinations we may visit, depending on your selected tour, tides, weather and access. Our captains choose stops for a suitable combination of safety, accessibility and shelling opportunities. A particular island is not guaranteed.

How much walking is involved?

Expect natural beaches with uneven sand, scattered shells, shallow water and occasional muddy areas. You can explore at your own pace, but beach landings and walking require suitable mobility. Please speak with us before booking if you have concerns about boarding or the terrain.

Is shelling suitable for children?

Yes. Shelling gives children a hands-on way to explore nature and discover the coast. Parents and guardians should closely supervise children around water, uneven ground and mangrove shorelines. Boat-tour age and life-jacket information appears below.

Shells & discoveries

Will I find a Junonia?

A Junonia is an exciting and rare find, so we can never promise one. Our destinations offer a rich variety of shells, and your guide can help identify what you discover. Come for the hunt and enjoy the surprises each day brings.

What kinds of shells might I find?

Possible finds include scallops, cockles, alphabet cones, tulips, lightning whelks, angel wings, murexes, horse conchs, Scotch bonnets, Florida fighting conchs, crown conchs, nutmegs, worm shells, lettered olives, gaudy naticas, shark eyes and sand dollars. Availability varies with location and conditions; specific finds are not guaranteed.

Can I keep the shells I find?

You may collect empty shells where collection is permitted. Leave living animals and occupied shells undisturbed, including live sand dollars. Your guide can help distinguish living animals from empty shells and explain any restrictions at the landing location.

Does weather affect shelling?

Yes. Wind, tides and recent weather influence where shells collect and which beaches are accessible. Our captains choose locations for the conditions on the day, and stops may change to keep the outing safe.

Do I need special equipment or shelling experience?

No. Beginners and experienced collectors are welcome, and complimentary shelling bags are provided. You may bring a sand dipper or other suitable shelling tool if you prefer. Our captains and guides can share identification tips and responsible collecting practices.

Can I arrange a longer or private shelling trip?

Yes. Ask about private two-, three-, four-, six- or eight-hour arrangements. Tell us your group size, preferred date and shelling interests. Total trip time includes boat travel, so we will help you compare the options and expected beach time.

What accommodations are nearby?

Marco Island and nearby Naples offer hotels, resorts and vacation rentals. Staying on Marco Island puts you within a drive of our Goodland departure point. Contact our office if you would like local suggestions and help planning travel time.

Does the tide display show tour availability?

No. NOAA tide predictions are visitor planning information. Available departures, trip options and booking details come from our live booking calendar.

Are these shelling tours in Sanibel?

Our tours explore Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands, departing from Goodland. We do not depart from or operate these trips in Sanibel.

Planning your visit

Where do I park for my boat tour?

Our boat tours depart from Goodland Boating Park, 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140. Daily vehicle parking is $10; follow the posted QR-code payment instructions. Vehicles displaying a valid Collier County Resident Beach Parking Permit are exempt from the daily vehicle-parking fee. Check the posted signs and your booking confirmation for current instructions.

How early should we arrive?

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure for check-in, paperwork and the safety briefing. Late arrival may reduce your tour time or cause you to miss the departure. Complete your waivers in advance and allow time for parking.

Do I need to sign waivers before arriving?

Yes. Use the waiver link in your booking confirmation email. Each adult must sign their own waiver; a parent or legal guardian signs for minors. Please finish these before you arrive, as limited cell service at the marina can slow check-in.

How long are the boat tours?

This shelling tour lasts four hours in total, including boat travel from Goodland Boating Park and time on island beaches. It gives you more beach time than our two-hour sightseeing and shelling tour. Routes and beach stops depend on tides and conditions.

Weather & cancellations

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 48 hours before departure for a full refund. Within 48 hours, guest cancellations are not refundable, but we are happy to help with rescheduling. If we cancel for unsafe weather and you cannot reschedule, we issue a full refund.

What happens if it rains?

A brief Florida shower may not prevent the tour from operating. Your captain assesses the actual conditions and may adjust the route, delay departure or reschedule when necessary. Please contact us if you have questions about your departure rather than assuming it is cancelled.

What happens if there is lightning or high wind?

Nearby lightning or unsafe winds can lead to a delay, route change or cancellation. Your captain makes the operating decision based on conditions. We do not operate tours during nearby lightning.

What if weather cuts my tour short?

If weather ends your tour before the halfway point, you may qualify for a partial refund. After more than half the tour has been completed, refunds are not available; instead, we can offer an opportunity to return on another day, subject to availability. Contact our team about the arrangements for your specific trip.

Comfort on board

Are there any age restrictions?

All ages are welcome, including infants who weigh at least 20 pounds under our company safety policy. Our crew must be able to provide and properly fit a suitable U.S. Coast Guard-approved infant life jacket before departure. Please tell us about infants when booking.

Are children required to wear life jackets?

On our U.S. Coast Guard-inspected tour boats, children are not routinely required to wear life jackets while underway in normal conditions. Properly sized, approved life jackets are available, and parents may choose to have children wear them. Everyone must follow the captain’s instructions, including any direction to put on a life jacket. Requirements can differ on other vessels; confirm the arrangements for your booking.

What should I bring on a boat tour?

Bring water shoes, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a camera. For a longer outing, consider sandwiches, snacks or a picnic-style lunch. A light jacket or sweatshirt is useful in cooler months. Check your chosen tour for any additional recommendations.

Are food and drinks provided?

Complimentary bottled water and a cooler with ice are provided. You are welcome to bring snacks and your favorite beverages, including adult beverages. Please choose cans or plastic containers instead of glass.

Is there shade on the boats?

Yes. Our tour boats have covered passenger seating that provides shade during the ride. Coverage varies by vessel, and beach stops are exposed, so bring sun protection for the whole outing.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Our boats do not have onboard restrooms. Please use the marina’s restroom facilities before departure.

Is gratuity included in the price?

Gratuity is not included in your booking. Tips are always appreciated by our captains, guides, crew and rental team. If you would like to leave a tip, cash is recommended.

YOUR NEXT STORY STARTS ON THE WATER

Ready for your next adventure?

Spend more time exploring the barrier-island beaches of the Ten Thousand Islands on our Ultimate Shelling adventure. Discover beautiful shells with guides who know this coastline.

Book your 4-hour shelling tour
BOOK NOW →Seashell collection from a Ten Thousand Islands adventure