Join us for shelling adventures through Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands, where island beaches, turquoise waters, and small discoveries make a day unforgettable.
OUR MOST POPULAR SHELLING TOUR
4-Hour Shelling Adventure
More time for the shell hunt.Slow down on the beach, follow the shell line, and enjoy the discoveries along the way.
Your people. Your shelling wish list.Make space for your shelling wish list. Ask about a private outing from two to eight hours, shaped around your group.
A little of everything.A mix of island scenery, wildlife possibilities, and beach discoveries. An easy introduction to the coast for curious explorers.
Your island day, your way.Ask about Keewaydin, a longer beach day, or a custom island experience. Our team helps shape your outing around your group, tides and conditions.
From colorful scallops to a sought-after Junonia, every shell sparks a little curiosity. Tap a shell photo to look closer.
A photographic introduction, not an identification guarantee. Shells vary in color, size and condition. Collect empty shells only where permitted; leave living animals undisturbed.
Shell photo credits & sources
Reference photographs via Wikimedia Commons. Resized and converted to WebP; each photograph retains its original license.
More than a shelling tour— it’s a true Florida adventure.
Pristine Beaches
Dolphin Sightings
Naturalist Education
Unforgettable Experiences
1 / 5
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.
THE RIGHT BOAT. THE RIGHT CAPTAIN. A BETTER SHELLING DAY.
Dedicated shelling machines. Serious about your experience.
Your shelling day deserves more than a seat on a fishing boat. Come aboard a vessel set up around the things shellers appreciate: a comfortable ride, easy beach access, and a crew that knows why you came.
Made for the ride. Ready for the shell line.
COAST GUARD-INSPECTED VESSELS
High standards. From dock to discovery.
Our passenger vessels undergo U.S. Coast Guard inspections. Licensed Master Captains lead the way, choosing routes and beach approaches around the day’s conditions.
Local knowledge at the helm.
U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Master Captains bring professional seamanship and a love of these island waterways.
Comfortable, cushioned bench seating and shade make the journey part of the pleasure.
More beach. Less fuss.
Easy on-and-off access helps you move from the boat to the beach and back for your next shelling stop.
Built for the shallows.
Our shallow-draft boats can float in inches of water, helping us approach island beaches closely when tides, access and conditions allow.
A bag for your finds. Water for the way.
Complimentary shelling bags and bottled water are included. Bring your curiosity—we’ll help with the little essentials.
Small finds. Big memories.
Bring a little. Discover a lot.
Water shoes · sun protection · polarized sunglasses · a hat · snacks for a longer outing · your curiosity.
Complimentary shelling bags and bottled water are provided.
YOUR DAY, FROM DOCK TO DISCOVERY
A boat ride. A beach walk. A story to bring home.
Your adventure begins in Goodland. Meet your captain, settle into shaded seating, and watch the everyday slip away as you head into the island waterways.
☀
Start with a little preparation.
Arrive 30 minutes before your tour for check-in. Complete online waivers before you arrive, and follow your confirmation for your exact meeting instructions.
≋
Let the coast set the course.
Your captain selects stops around conditions, access, and your chosen tour. Watch the water and mangrove edges along the way—wildlife sightings happen naturally.
✧
Slow down at the shell line.
Explore at your own pace, ask questions, and look for the colors and patterns that catch your eye. No particular shell or island stop is guaranteed.
The best finds aren’t always the biggest.
A SHELLER’S FIELD NOTES
Look small. Find wonder.
Notice the ridges, spirals and tiny flashes of color. Ask your guide about your finds—and leave every living shell right where it belongs.
Shelling bag includedLocal naturalist guidesEmpty shells only
YOUR NEXT MEMORY STARTS HERE
Ready for your shelling adventure?
A beach to explore. A shell that catches your eye. A day in the Ten Thousand Islands you’ll keep talking about.
Private trips are arranged with our team and subject to availability, weather, tides, and access. Tell us your group size and interests so we can help you choose.
A LITTLE GLIMPSE OF YOUR ADVENTURE
Colors you’ll keep coming back for.
Island waterways, coastal discoveries, and memories together. Tap a photo for a closer look.
★★★★★6,000+
Five-star reviews
REAL ADVENTURES. HAPPY GUESTS.
Memorable days. Stories worth sharing.
Guest experiences with Florida Adventures and Rentals.
Jean enjoyed a shelling outing with helpful, informative crew, plenty of discoveries and a dolphin sighting at the end.
Jean GMay 6, 2026 · GoogleRead review source ↗Paraphrased from real guest reviews. Ratings may change.
1 / 2
● Caxambas Pass tide predictions
A little tide knowledge. More possibilities.
Check the lowest predicted tide each day to help plan your shelling outing.
Connecting to NOAA…
YOUR GATEWAY TO THE ISLANDS
Goodland is where the day begins.
Goodland Boating Park750 Palm Point Drive Goodland, FL
Please follow your booking confirmation for your exact meeting point and arrival instructions. Parking details and current payment instructions are posted at the park.
Shelling Adventures is part of Florida Adventures and Rentals. Our local captains and guides share the waterways, wildlife, and beach discoveries that make this coast so special.
Our Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessels offer shaded seating, and our team helps you settle into a day made for discovery.
Choose a topic, then open a question for the details.
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 beautiful shelling destinations we may explore, depending on your selected tour, tides, and weather conditions. Our Captains choose locations that offer the best combination of accessibility, safety, and shelling opportunities.
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.
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. 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?
Our boat tours range from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the experience you choose. Our most popular shelling option is the 4-hour Shelling Tour, with more time to explore island beaches and search for shells. Choose the duration that suits your group and the kind of shelling day you have in mind.
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.
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.
Is there shade on the boats?
Yes. Our tour boats have covered passenger seating that provides shade during the ride.
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.
ONE LOCAL TEAM. SO MANY MEMORIES.
More ways to explore with Florida Adventures and Rentals.