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.
Where should I park and how much is parking?
A $10 parking fee must be paid inside the boat park facility store and the receipt placed in clear view on your dashboard. If you have a Collier County Beach Permit, you are not required to pay for parking.
When you arrive, at 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140, do not park in a spot marked “Trailered Vehicles Only” as these are strictly enforced. Overflow parking is available nearby along the roadside. Uber, Lyft rideshare or drop off is highly recommended if going out on an afternoon tour.
What are your cancellation and late policies?
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.
What happens if there is rain, lightning or high winds?
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.
How long of a boat ride is it to the beach for shelling?
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.
What is the boat boarding and departing process like while shelling?
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.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
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.
Do tours include food and drink?
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.
What should I bring on my tour?
- 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.
What supplies are required for shelling?
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.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
What is the beach terrain like while shelling?
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.
Is there a weight limit for the boats?Â
What are life jacket requirements for children?
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.
What conditions are best for shelling? High tide or low tide?
What is a Florida Master Naturalist?
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!
What shells might I find on my shelling tour?
What tips do you have for finding a Junonia shell?
How should I clean shells?
What restaurants and retailers are nearby Treasure Seekers Shell Tours?
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.