How to Stay Cool on a Summer Shelling Tour

Let’s face it—summer in Southwest Florida can be brutally hot. The kind of hot that makes even the slightest breeze feel like a divine blessing. But with just a few smart tips and a little gear, you can beat the heat and stay comfortable during your shellventure—even on the steamiest days.

Here are my top ways to stay cool on the islands:

1. Freeze a Water Bottle the Night Before

This one’s a game-changer. Pop a reusable water bottle in the freezer the night before your tour. It’ll slowly melt throughout the morning, giving you ice-cold sips and doubling as a cooling pack.

Pro move: Press it against your neck, face, and wrists during the hottest parts of the day. Instant relief.

2. Wear a Cooling Towel Around Your Neck

Don’t underestimate the power of a cooling towel! Just wet it, wring it out, snap it a few times, and drape it around your neck for a cooling effect that lasts for hours. It’s lightweight, reusable, and can make a huge difference in how you feel under that intense Florida sun.

3. Bring a Portable Fan (Especially When There’s No Breeze)

A portable fan is your new best friend. Neck fans, mini handheld fans, or even simple folding fans will save you when the air goes still. Bonus: breezes also help keep no-see-ums and mosquitoes away, since they’re weak flyers. Rechargeable models are great—just make sure they’re fully powered the night before! Good old-fashioned handheld fans work wonders too!

4. Dress for the Heat

Choose lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothing. Long-sleeve sun shirts and quick-dry shorts or leggings help protect your skin while keeping airflow moving. Skip the cotton—trust me on that. Pair your outfit with a cooling towel (yes, again!) and you’ll be feeling good even in the midday sun.

Need a full packing guide? Check out What to Wear on a Shelling Tour for more outfit inspiration.

5. Bring Shade—There’s No Shade on the Island

There’s no natural shade on most of our shelling islands, so if you're sensitive to heat or sun, pack your own! A small pop-up beach tent or UV umbrella can make all the difference during breaks or lunch stops. Even a personal sunshade gives you a place to reset and cool down for a few minutes.

6. Plan to Cool Off in the Water Before Heading Back

We usually wrap up shelling a little early so you have time to wade in the shallows, rinse off, and cool down before boarding the boat. It’s a refreshing way to reset your body temperature after a hot walk in the sun.

7. Start Hydrating Early

Start hydrating the day before your tour. The earlier, the better! On tour day, keep sipping water regularly—even if you don’t feel thirsty. That frozen water bottle you brought? Let it melt slowly and keep you cool and hydrated all morning long.

Stay Cool & Shell On 🌞🐚

Summer shelling is beautiful, but comfort is key to truly enjoying it. A little planning—cold drinks, breathable clothes, shade, and the right accessories—goes a long way.

👉 Click photo below to find direct links to Ali’s top recommended Amazon products for beating the heat while shelling!

Wearable neck fans are a great way to stay cool on tour