Barrier Island Shelling Tour
Naples, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore the "shellers" island of Kice Island
- Tour the barrier islands of the 10,000 Islands
- Discover the beauty of Marco Island
- Experience the mangrove estuary of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
- Cruise by Cape Romano and see the famous Dome House
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Duration 2 hours 30 minutes
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Small Group Tour
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Expert Florida Master Naturalist
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Includes shelling tools & bags
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Cooler with Ice provided
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Guided in English
Discover the hidden treasures of the Gulf of Mexico on our Barrier Island Shelling Tour. Spend three hours exploring the pristine shores of Caxambas sandbars, Kice Island, Morgan Island, Cape Romano, and Second Chance Shell Bar (aka Shell Island) in search of the most sought-after and rare shells. Our experienced US Coast accredited master captains and certified Florida Master Naturalist guides will ensure your safety and provide you with expert knowledge on where to find these exquisite shells, including the infamous Junonia. With small group sizes and intimate tours, this shelling experience is truly unforgettable. Cruise by the famous Dome House on Cape Romano, visit the charming fishing village of Goodland, and marvel at the beauty of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Book now and embark on a memorable adventure filled with natural wonders and the thrill of discovery.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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2 hours 30 minutes
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Discover the beauty of barrier islands on a shelling tour, guided by experts in search of rare and exquisite shells along the stunning Gulf Coast.
Included
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Shelling tools including buckets, baskets, and shelling scoopers -
Cooler with ice
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Complementary shelling bags
Excluded
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Restroom on board -
Parking fee $10
Meeting Point
Free parking across the street from Stan's Idle Hour Restaurant in the gravel lot behind the white fence.
220 Goodland Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145 , United States
End Point
Free parking across the street from Stan's Idle Hour Restaurant in the gravel lot behind the white fence.
220 Goodland Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145 , United States
What to expect
Kice Island
Kice Island is regarded as the "shellers" island near Marco. The barrier island has fantastic shells on the gulf shore but is a notoriously difficult anchorage with a shallow mangrove shoreline, and is open to wind and waves. Our expert captains know where to go, and our certified Florida Master Nauturalist guides know where to find the rarest and most exotic shells.
60 minutes
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Boat tours explore barrier islands of the 10,000 Islands.
60 minutes
Admission Included
Marco Island
Tour the barrier islands surrounding Marco Island Florida. Marco Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off Southwest Florida, linked to the mainland by bridges south of the city of Naples. It’s home to resort hotels, beaches, marinas and golf courses, as well as a network of inland waterways. A long, sandy beach covers most of the west coast, with resort hotels in the south. Tigertail Beach Park has a tidal lagoon, popular for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Experience the mangrove estuary of the Rookery Bay Preserve. Rookery Bay is a National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples, Florida supported by the Friends of Rookery Bay.
Southwest Gulf Coast
Our tour includes Gulf waters weather permitting. Florida's Southwest Gulf Coast contains a constellation of enticing coastal gems. Stunning beaches, including Ft. Myers Beach, Tigertail Beach and Pensacola Beach, fringe the Gulf, down the I-75 from Tampa to Naples.
Cape Romano
The boat tour will cruise by Cape Romano to see the famous Dome House. The Cape Romano Dome House is an abandoned house consisting of six dome-shaped modules on stilts, located approximately 300 feet offshore from Cape Romano Island, south of Marco Island, in the Ten Thousand Islands of Collier County, Florida.
15 minutes
Goodland
See the quaint fishing village of Goodland. Goodland is a census-designated place in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 267 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness -
Children 6 and under are required to wear life vests (provided).
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Beaches can require walking long distances on uneven terrain, walking through water, and navigating areas around mangrove trees and stumps.
What our experts say
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Arrive early; parking fills quickly. -
Kice Island offers the best shells.
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Bring water shoes for uneven terrain.
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Cooler provided for your snacks.
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Consider visiting nearby Tigertail Beach.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Welcome to the Barrier Island Shelling Tour, a three-hour adventure that will take you to some of the most pristine and secluded locations in Florida. Led by experienced and knowledgeable captains, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore barrier islands and search for remarkable shells. Whether you're a seasoned shell collector or just starting out, this tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with beauty and discovery.What to expect?
During the Barrier Island Shelling Tour, you can expect to uncover an array of beautiful and rare shells. Your experienced captain will guide you to the best shelling spots, ensuring you have the opportunity to find coveted shells like the Junonia. With small groups and intimate tours, you'll have plenty of time to explore and discover the hidden treasures of these remote islands. The tour destinations may include Caxambas sandbars, Kice Island, Morgan Island, Cape Romano, and Second Chance Shell Bar (aka Shell Island), depending on the time of year, weather conditions, tide, and wind.Who is this for?
This tour is for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature and wants to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Florida's barrier islands. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this tour offers something for everyone. From avid shell collectors to those simply looking to relax and enjoy the serenity of the beach, this experience is designed to cater to a wide range of interests and preferences. Everyone is welcome to join and create unforgettable memories on this shelling adventure.Why book this?
The Barrier Island Shelling Tour stands out from other shelling experiences due to its exceptional guides and intimate group sizes. With US Coast accredited master captains at the helm, you can trust in their expertise and years of experience to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. The added bonus of having a certified Florida Master Naturalist as your guide provides a unique opportunity to learn about the shells, their habitats, and the local ecosystem. The small group setting allows for a more personalized experience, ensuring you receive individual attention and have ample time to explore each location.Good to know
When booking the Barrier Island Shelling Tour, you can expect to be provided with all the necessary shelling tools, including buckets, baskets, and shelling scoopers. A cooler with ice is also included, so you can keep your collected shells fresh during the tour. However, please note that parking fees of $10 are not included in the tour price, and restroom facilities are not available on board. It is advisable to arrive early and consider alternative transportation options such as Uber, Lyft, or Taxi to avoid any parking issues.Reviews
Customers who have taken part in the Barrier Island Shelling Tour have shared their positive experiences and satisfaction with the tour. They praised the expertise of the captains and guides, highlighting their ability to locate and identify rare shells. Many reviewers mentioned finding shells they had only dreamed of discovering before. The small group size was also appreciated, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. Overall, customers expressed their delight with the tour, describing it as a truly memorable and educational adventure on Florida's beautiful barrier islands.
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