239.571.2331
FAQ

What to
Expect

We can’t wait to host you on a Treasure Seekers tour! Our tours are unique experiences that truly showcase Southwest Florida’s natural beauty. In preparing for your tour, please review the commonly asked questions and answers below to provide a better understanding of what to expect and how to prepare for your trip.

Morning Tours

Report to 1845 San Marco Road, Marco Island, FL 34145 to be shuttled to the boat ramp.
– The shuttle runs from 6:30 am to 1:30 pm daily.
– Shuttle service is free.

Afternoon Tours:

Drive directly to the Goodland Boat Park at 750 Palm Point Dr. Goodland, FL.
– There is a $10 parking fee that must be paid by credit card only.
– Place your receipt in clear view on your dashboard.
– If you have a Collier County Beach Permit, you do not need to pay for parking.
– Do not park in a spot marked “Trailered Vehicles Only.”
– Overflow parking is available nearby along the roadside.
– Uber, Lyft, or ride-sharing is highly recommended for afternoon tours.

Cancellation & Tour Change Policy

At Treasure Seekers Shell Tours, we understand that unexpected circumstances may arise, and we strive to be flexible and accommodating. We assess each situation individually to ensure the best possible experience for our guests.
 
Cancellation:
– 72 Hours Notice: To avoid any charges, we kindly request a minimum of 72 hours notice if you need to cancel your tour.
– Less Than 72 hours Notice: If you cancel within 72 hours or fail to notify us, your credit card will be charged the full tour amount.
 
Private Tour Changes:
– For private tours, please provide at least 72 hours notice if you wish to change the length or cancel.
– Same-Day Changes: Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate same-day changes to private tour lengths for scheduling purposes.
– No Changes After Booking: Once your tour is booked, no changes can be made unless we receive a 72 hour notice.
 
Rebooking:
– Rebooking is free if done at least 72 hours before the scheduled tour.
– Less Than 72 Hours: If rebooking is done less than 72 hours before the tour, a $35 rebooking fee per guest will apply.
– Price Changes: If pricing has changed, the new price will be charged at rebooking.
 
Late Policy:
– Prompt Departure: To optimize every guest’s experience, our boats will depart promptly at the scheduled time.
– Arrival Time:  Please arrive at least 30 minutes early, accounting for potential traffic.
– Tardiness: If you are tardy, the boat may need to depart without you, and a refund will not be provided.
– Rescheduling: In some situations, we may be able to reschedule your tour.
 
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with our policies as we strive to provide the best possible experience for all our guests.

Please see our weather policy.

Cancellation & Tour Change Policy

We understand things happen which are unavoidable, and we will certainly be mindful of each situation and assess each request individually.

In the event that you need to cancel your tour, we ask you to give us 3 days’ notice and you will not be charged a fee. If for any reason you are unable to make your trip and do not notify us three days prior to the tour your credit card will be charged the full amount.

If you have scheduled a private tour, please provide at least 3 days’ notice if you would like to change the length of your tour or cancel. For scheduling purposes, we cannot accommodate same-day changes to private tour lengths (for example, adjusting a 6-hour private tour to a 4-hour private tour). Once you book your tour no changes can be made unless we have been given 3 days’ notice.

Late Policy

To maximize each guest’s experience on the water, fishing or shelling, the boat will depart promptly at departure time. Please arrive at least 30 minutes early and account for traffic so that we can provide the best experience possible. If you are tardy, the boat may need to depart without you and a refund will not be provided. We may be able to reschedule your tour in some situations.

Please see our weather policy.

Rain Showers
We do not cancel tours due to rain showers alone. Rain showers commonly occur in the summer in Florida so plan on possibly getting wet. If your gear isn’t waterproof, ask the crew to store it in the boat’s dry storage areas. Our Captains utilize mobile weather monitoring systems with active alerts throughout the tours to stay apprised of any developing weather conditions. Weather changes rapidly and storms often pass in a matter of minutes. If the storm is more than simple rain showers, tour launches may be delayed for a few minutes to let any rough weather pass, or we may change the destination and route to avoid the rough weather.

Lightning
Lightning is very dangerous in Florida. We do not launch during storms with lightning. When there is lightning in the area we may cancel, reschedule, or delay the launch of tours. Our policy after a lightning strike is to shelter in place for 30 minutes and reevaluate after it has passed.

Small Craft Advisory (High Winds)
The National Weather Service issues Small Craft Advisories when high winds and rough waves are expected in the Gulf of Mexico. Such conditions make for an extremely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous boat ride. We adhere to all Small Craft Advisories and reschedule tours accordingly. If such an advisory occurs at the time of your scheduled tour, we will do our best to reschedule your tour or refund you.

Any and all weather-related cancellations are at the sole discretion of the Captain running the boat. Weather cancellations will be made by the Captain based upon if it is safe to take the trip and you will be notified as soon as possible. In the unfortunate event the tour gets cut short due to bad weather we will refund you the difference.

Our experienced captains strive to provide not only a safe but comfortable ride through the Ten Thousand Islands waterways. It will take 15-20 minutes to get to the best shelling spots. There may be opportunities to stop to see wildlife along the way.

All of our islands are only accessible by boat and are uninhabited. This means that on the islands there are no docks and boarding may take place on the sand or in the water. While it is uncommon, be prepared to get up to your waist in the water if necessary.

Our tour requires you to be active and mobile. Guests will need to be able to get on and off a boat unassisted using a ladder.

Our 25-foot Sea Pro boats include a flushable toilet onboard. When you arrive for your tour, we recommend you take advantage of the restroom at the boat park facility before departure to the islands.

Our tours include a stocked cooler of water and iced tea to drink. Guests are welcome to bring snacks on-board. If you should require significant cooler space to accommodate your personal food or drinks, please make note on your reservation so that we can advise and prepare accordingly.

  • Snacks (water and tea are provided complimentary by our crew but you are welcome to bring your own beverages)
  • Bag or bucket for shells (no grocery bags or Ziplocs). All fishing tackle and bait will be provided.
  • Water shoes (no flip flops)
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Jacket/sweatshirt/towel (in the winter months the boat ride may be chilly)
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Gratuity has not been included in your booking fee. Please bring cash to tip your crew.

Visit our online store to add mesh shell bags to your tour! Purchase the bags in advance of your tour and we’ll have them ready for you when you board your boat. Additional recommendations include:

  • Sand Dipper: Easily scoop shells from the sand without bending
  • Shell Bucket or Bag
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen or sun protective clothing
  • Comfortable footwear: Expect to walk on uneven sandy ground, around tree stumps, roots, and through the mud for the duration of the tour. Please bring or wear sneakers, water shoes or sandals that are conducive to these conditions.

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Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

The typical terrain seen when on a tour with the Treasure Seekers.Our knowledgeable guides travel with you on and off the boat to show you the best shelling spots. Shelling tours are all about walking to those hard-to-reach areas. Expect to walk on uneven sandy ground, around tree stumps, roots, and through the mud for the duration of the tour. You will be expected to walk a distance of at least one mile in such conditions.

If you are unsteady on your feet or have a physical disability, please consult with our office before booking so we may discuss how to best accommodate you on your adventure.

Our vessels have a weight limit; if someone in your party weighs more than 250 pounds, please contact our office before booking your tour.

Children six years old and younger are required to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on the boat per Florida law. If you do not have your own, be sure to notify our office before booking your tour and one will be provided for your child.

Watch this video for tips on shelling at low tide and high tide and for a preview of the shells you may expect to find during a Treasure Seekers Shell Tour.

A Florida Master Naturalist is an individual that has received training on Florida’s natural world including ecosystems and wildlife. The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP), developed by the University of Florida, educates participants about Florida’s natural resources and provides training on how to educate others about natural resources. Treasure Seekers Shell Tours is fortunate to employ some of the area’s finest Florida Master Naturalists as tour guides! Learn more about our team!

The Ten Thousand Islands are home to shells like lightning whelks, alphabet cones, sand dollars, angel wings, paper figs, tulips, scallops, nutmegs, horse conchs and more! Watch this video for a tutorial of Southwest Florida’s most collectible seashells.
Watch our video to learn about the quest to find the rare Junonia shell!
Whether it’s brightening color, removing barnacles or getting the stink out, this video will show you all the tips and tricks for cleaning your shells.

Check out some of our favorite places while you are in the area. Whether you are looking for something to eat, something to do, or someplace to shop, we hope you will enjoy these treasures as much as we do.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

BIKE SHOPS

BOOK SHOPS

JEWELRY STORES

PHONE CASES

PRINT SHOPS

JUICE BAR AND SMOOTHIES

CLOTHING STORES

ICE CREAM SHOPS

SHELL SHOPS

RESTAURANTS