10K Islands vs. Keewaydin: What’s the Difference?

If you’re planning a tour with SWFL Shell Guide and trying to choose between the Ten Thousand Islands Tour and the Keewaydin Island Tour, you’re not alone—this is one of the most common questions I get. Both are gorgeous, boat-access-only shelling destinations, but they offer very different experiences.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right tour for your shelling style:

🐚 Ten Thousand Islands Tour

Remote. Peaceful. Classic shelling.

This is my most popular tour. The boat ride is 10-15 minutes each way. We land on a wild barrier island (like Kice Island). It's undeveloped, uncrowded, and could be packed with shells that have already washed ashore.

Key Details:

• Ride time: ~10-15 minutes each way

• Shelling type: Mostly land shelling — shells are found well up on the island. Protective and supportive footwear is a must. Prepare to hike a few miles.

• Main shells you're likely to find: small whelks, olives, banded tulips, murex, fighting conchs

  
  

Pros:

✅ Consistent shelling, year-round

✅ Quiet and remote

✅ Great variety of smaller, more colorful, high-quality shells

✅ Quick boat ride

Cons:

⚠️ Uneven terrain—requires good mobility

⚠️ No amenities, no shade, this is a true nature outing

Southern tip of Dickmans Island SWFL Shell Guide

Kice Island is part of the Ten Thousands Islands

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🌴 Keewaydin Island Tour

Scenic. Busy. Great on negative tides.

Keewaydin is a long, sandy island just north of Marco Island. It’s stunning—and on the right tide (especially a negative low), it can produce huge shells. You’ll spend most of your time shelling in very shallow water, where BIG horse conchs and alphabet cones may be just below the surface.

Pro tip: Bring a clear water pitcher to help you see underwater shells more easily!

Key Details:

• Ride time: ~30–45 minutes each way

• Shelling type: Mostly shallow water shelling — bring a pitcher and plan to get your feet wet

• Shells you might find: LARGE horse conchs, alphabet cones, banded tulips

• Atmosphere: Expect lots of boaters and beachgoers, especially on weekends

Pros:

✅ Potential for very large shells

✅ Best conditions on negative low tides

✅ Beautiful beach and sandbar environment

Cons:

⚠️ Long boat ride

⚠️ Very short shelling window (length of time the tide is out far enough)

⚠️ Crowds, especially weekends (party boats, music, etc.)

⚠️ Parking tip: Bayview Park fills up quickly on weekends—park at Gulf Gate Plaza and take an Uber/Lyft to the dock

Extreme negative low tide at Keewaydin! May 2025

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Ten Thousand Islands	Keewaydin Island
Boat Ride Time	~15 minutes	~30–45 minutes
Shells Usually Found	On land, up on shore	In shallow water
Shelling Conditions	Consistent year-round	Best on negative tides
Shell Types	Olives, murex, tulips, small whelks, fighting conchs, scallops	Giant horse conchs, alphabet cones, tulips, scallops
Crowds	Quiet and remote	Busy, especially on weekends
Mobility Needs	Walk involves maneuvering thru tree roots and stumps, uneven, slippery terrain	Easier walking, mostly flat sandbars
Best For	Focused shellers & nature lovers	Big shell hunters & beachgoers

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Which Tour Should You Book?

Choose the Ten Thousand Islands Tour if you're after a quiet, remote shellventure with great land finds and minimal crowds.

Choose the Keewaydin Island Tour if you're okay with a longer boat ride and want a chance at big shells—especially if you're booking on a negative tide day and don't mind a more social, lively atmosphere.

Still not sure? Contact me and I’ll help you decide based on the tides, weather, and what kind of shelling day you’re hoping for.