Four Hour Private Shelling Tour
Step aboard a private boat for a shelling tour that navigates through Florida’s scenic coastal waters. With expert guides, explore remote islands known for diverse shells and marine life. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you learn
Book NowSafety Briefing Included
Experienced Crew Support
Quality Gear & Vessels
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Private charters
Up to 6 guests
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$765 |
Overview
What's Included
- Expert Local Guide: Led by experienced local guides providing shell identification and Florida Master Naturalist–level insights.
- Comfortable Boat Transport: Smooth, scenic ride aboard clean 25-foot Sea Pro bay boats featuring an enclosed onboard restroom.
- Complimentary Beverages & Ice: Bottled water, tea, and ice provided in a large onboard cooler for your group.
- Remote Island Access: Boat-only access to secluded, highly productive shelling beaches in the Ten Thousand Islands.
- Hands-On Shelling Tips: Expert assistance spotting, identifying, and safely gathering empty Gulf shell finds.
- Eco-Friendly Stewardship: Responsible, 100% ethical shelling practices focused on protecting living coastal marine habitats.
- Family-Friendly Experience: Tailored, small-group outing suitable for all ages with a focus on comfortable exploration.
Explore the Ten Thousand Islands with experienced local captains who share fascinating stories, wildlife insights, and area history.
What to Bring
- Credit Card: Required for the $10 Goodland Boat Park parking kiosk (unless you hold a valid Collier County Beach Permit).
- Shelling Bag Bucket: Bring a mesh bag or bucket for collecting empty shells.
- Sturdy Water Shoes: Required for walking on shell beaches and mud flats (no flip-flops).
- Sun Protection: Hat, polarized sunglasses, and lotion sunscreen (no aerosol sprays).
- Waterproof Phone Case: To protect devices during boat transfers and wading.
- Seasonal Clothing: Light jacket, sweatshirt, or towel during cooler winter months.
- Personal Snacks: Feel free to bring food to keep in our onboard cooler with provided water.
- Cash for Gratuity: Optional cash tips for your captain are greatly appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions
All of our guided shelling tours and private charters depart from Goodland Boat Park, located at 750 Palm Point Dr., Goodland, FL 34140—just minutes from downtown Marco Island and Naples.
Parking at Goodland Boat Park is managed by Collier County. There is a $10 daily parking fee per vehicle, which must be paid by credit card at the automated park kiosk pay station upon arrival. If you hold a valid Collier County Resident Beach Parking Permit, parking is free.
We recommend arriving 15 to 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to allow plenty of time to park, use the landside restrooms, and meet your captain at the boat ramps for check-in and safety briefing. Overflow parking is available along the outer fence line if the main lot is full during peak seasonal hours.
No. Treasure Seekers Shell Tours strictly enforces a 100% ethical, eco-friendly shelling policy. Guests are only permitted to collect empty seashells.
In accordance with Florida wildlife conservation regulations and federal rules within the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, any shell containing a living organism—including live Junonias, Lightning Whelks, Florida Horse Conchs, True Tulips, or Olives—must be gently returned to its natural ocean habitat immediately. Living marine species such as sand dollars, sea urchins, starfish, and horseshoe crabs are strictly protected and may not be taken.
Our local guides are Florida Master Naturalist–trained and will gladly teach you how to safely inspect your finds to ensure no living creatures are harmed while enjoying your beachcombing adventure in Southwest Florida.
We operate premium, standardized 25-foot Sea Pro 248 Bay Boats designed specifically for navigating the shallow passes, tidal flats, and mangrove channels of the Ten Thousand Islands.
Every vessel in our fleet features a fully enclosed, private onboard marine restroom for total guest comfort and convenience during your time on the water. Our boats are equipped with wide, cushioned seating, shaded T-tops for relief from the sun, freshwater washdown hoses to rinse off salt and sand, and built-in coolers stocked with ice, complimentary bottled water, and tea.
Built to handle coastal waters smoothly, our 25-foot Sea Pro bay boats provide a safe, stable, and comfortable ride for shell collectors of all ages, from young children to seniors.
Our tours bring guests to remote, uninhabited barrier island beaches, exposed sandbars, and shallow tidal flats deep within the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge—secluded shelling grounds accessible only by boat.
Because these remote beaches are isolated from mainland crowds, beachcombers routinely find prized Gulf shell species. Common finds include Lightning Whelks, Alphabet Cones, Florida Horse Conchs, True Tulips, Banded Tulips, Fighting Conchs, Calico Scallops, Pear Whelks, Nutmegs, Lettered Olives, and Sunray Venus clams.
Extremely rare treasures like the legendary Junonia wash up periodically along tidal tide lines. While shell distribution varies daily with changing tides, currents, and winds, our experienced local captains utilize real-time tide data to navigate directly to the most productive shelling spots during your trip.
To ensure a safe and comfortable outing, sturdy closed-toe water shoes or neoprene booties are strictly required. You will step directly out of the boat into shallow water and walk on sharp shell beds, soft mud flats, and uneven sandbars. Flip-flops, slides, and leather sandals are strongly discouraged.
We recommend bringing a mesh shelling bag or bucket (custom Treasure Seekers logo bags are available at check-in), a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses (to reduce water glare and spot shells easily), and a waterproof phone case or dry pouch.
Sunscreen is essential, but we require lotion-based, environmentally friendly sunscreen only—aerosol spray sunscreens make boat decks slippery and are prohibited on board. You are welcome to bring personal snacks or drinks to store in our onboard cooler alongside provided ice and water.
Guest safety is our absolute highest priority. Our tours operate rain or shine during mild coastal weather, but departures are contingent on safe water and marine conditions.
If your captain determines that weather conditions are unsafe due to severe lightning, heavy squalls, high winds, or dangerous seas, the trip will be delayed or canceled. If Treasure Seekers cancels your scheduled tour due to inclement weather, you will have the choice to reschedule for another date/time or receive a 100% full refund.
We closely monitor weather radars and tide charts at Goodland Boat Park leading up to every departure. If weather looks questionable prior to your tour, our team will communicate directly with you via text or phone call to discuss options before you head to the marina dock.
We specialize in small-group, personalized eco-tours. Shared shelling trips are strictly limited to a maximum of 6 guests per boat to ensure an uncrowded, comfortable experience with direct access to your captain and guide.
For families, photography groups, or serious shell collectors seeking an exclusive experience, we offer Private Shelling Charters. On a private charter, your group reserves the entire 25-foot Sea Pro boat exclusively for up to 6 passengers.
Private charters provide total schedule flexibility, allowing you to set the pace—whether you want to spend extra time hunting for rare shells along remote tide lines, watching wild bottlenose dolphins play in the boat wake, or cruising scenic mangrove channels inside the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
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Cast your line, hunt for unique shells, and explore secluded islands on an unforgettable coastal adventure. Enjoy pristine waters, beautiful beaches, and the perfect blend of fishing, shelling, relaxation, and Southwest Florida’s natural beauty.
Self Guided Shelling Tours
Explore Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands on a 3-, 4-, or 6-hour self-guided shelling adventure. Cruise to secluded barrier islands, discover unique shells, enjoy pristine beaches, and explore at your own pace while your knowledgeable local captain remains nearby.
Ready When You Are
Ready to Plan Your Day on the Water?
Book your experience or contact our team for help choosing the right option.