What to Wear on Tour When SWFL Temps Drop — and How to Keep Warm While Shelling

Ali, Guide
6 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Florida might sound warmer than home on the forecast - “48°F!”- but trust us… Florida-cold hits different when you’re out on a boat, in the water standing in tidal flats, and dipping your hands in the chilly ocean snatching up those shells.

For folks from the North, cold here doesn’t mean snow and ice, but the wind off the water, wet feet, and cold hands can make it feel like it goes straight to your bones. Here’s how to layer up and stay warm on tour, even when temps drop.

The Reality of “Florida Cold”

It’s not blizzards. It’s cold wind + cold water + Humidity - and that chill is hard to kill!

Dress for:

The boat ride
Standing in water
Wet + windy conditions

and you’ll be comfortable, focused, and still excited about that next amazing shell instead of just trying to survive the cold!

1. The Cold Boat Ride — This Is Where People Get Shocked

Even if the air temp doesn’t look terrible, the boat ride is usually the coldest part of the day.

You’re:

Moving fast
Surrounded by open water
Getting hit with wind + occasional spray
Sitting still (not generating body heat)

That combo = wind chill that cuts right through you.

What to Wear on the Boat (Even If You Take It Off Later)

Windproof outer layer (CRUCIAL) - A light hoodie is not enough. You want something that blocks wind:

Waterproof or windproof shell jacket
Rain jacket (even if it’s not raining)
Packable puffer under a shell on very cold days

👉 Search on Amazon: “packable windproof rain jacket men” or “women’s waterproof shell jacket”

Beanie or insulated headband - You lose a lot of heat from your head, especially in wind.

👉 Search: “fleece beanie” or “thermal ear warmer headband”

Neck gaiter / buff / scarf - This is a game changer on the boat. Pull it up over your chin and cheeks when the wind hits.

👉 Search: “fleece neck gaiter”

Gloves or hand warmers for the boat ride (separate from shelling gloves) - Even basic insulated gloves make the ride way more comfortable. Rechargeable hand warmers work great too!

👉 Search: “insulated waterproof winter gloves”

Kinco HydroFlector gloves (sold at Rural King, Tractor Supply, Walmart, etc) are the best gloves I've found for cold weather shelling, as they are high-performance, water-resistant, and thermal - designed for cold, wet conditions.

Pro tip: You might peel layers off once you’re walking and shelling - but you’ll want them again on the ride back.

2. Layer Your Clothing - The Key to Staying Warm

Start with thermal base layers that keep your core warm without bulk:

Men

Under Armour Men's ColdGear Leggings – Great thermal base layer for cold days on the water.
(Also consider a wool or synthetic long-sleeve top underneath your layer.)

Women

Under Armour Women's Authentics Leggings – Warm and moisture-wicking.
90 Degree by Reflex Cold‑Gear Fleece‑Lined Leggings or Baleaf Cold Weather Leggings – Excellent budget-friendly insulation.
For a luxury option: Frost Duralite Women's Merino Wool Thermal Leggings keeps you cozy even in really brisk weather.

Tip: Avoid cotton - it traps moisture and chills you faster. Go for synthetics or wool blends instead.

3. Footwear & Socks - Critical for Cold Water Shelling

Feet get cold fast when wet, and regular shoes just aren’t enough. Pair insulation with water resistance:

Stormr Heavyweight Neoprene Socks – Great neoprene insulation layer for cold water.
Bare Exowear Socks – Premium thermal socks if you need serious warmth under boots.
Yikayin Neoprene Socks or CAPAS 2mm Neoprene Water Socks – Budget neoprene options that add warmth and grip.
omgear 3mm Neoprene Water Socks – A slightly thicker sock-style neoprene bootie.

Cold-water footwear tip: Traditional hiking boots or sneakers will get soaked and chill you faster. Neoprene booties or waterproof water-sport socks trap heat better and dry quickly. For deeper water or longer exposure, a full neoprene boot (5mm+) with a sole gives even more warmth and traction on wet sand/rocks.

4. Gloves - Protect Your Extremities

Cold hands make shelling painful. Regular gloves won’t cut it when wet, so aim for insulated, waterproof options:

Kinco HydroFlector gloves (sold at Rural King, Tractor Supply, Walmart, etc) are the best gloves I've found for cold weather shelling, as they are high-performance, water-resistant AND thermal - designed for cold, wet conditions.
Gounod Thermal Insulated Cold Weather Gloves – Great affordable pair for anyone.
Toolant Waterproof Winter Work Gloves – Warm waterproof insulated gloves.
3M Winter Gloves – Thinsulate lining for extra warmth.
Re-chargeable Hand Warmers

Cold-water hand hack: Consider waterproof gloves or even neoprene dive gloves for shelling. Better yet, bring a long shell scoop so you’re not dipping bare hands in cold water as often!

5. Head & Neck Warmth - Don’t Forget Them

A hat can make all the difference:

Winter Balaclava Face Mask – Covers head and neck.
Ski Mask Balaclava – Great value insulated cap with mask.
M‑Tac Watch Cap Elite Fleece – Simple fleece beanie that blocks wind.

Keeping heat from escaping your head helps your whole body stay warmer.

6. Other Warmth Tips for Shelling Tours

Bring a Shell Scoop or Tongs

Putting your hands in cold water repeatedly is going to be painful. A shell scoop, tongs, or waterproof gloves help you collect shells without constant cold exposure.

Add Warm Layers

Bring an insulated jacket or fleece for pre- and post-tour warmth. A windbreaker over layers can block that chilly water breeze without overheating you.

Pack a Thermos

Hot coffee, tea, or cocoa before (or after!) your tour helps your core temperature feel toasty.

Warm Towels & Changing Layers

Have a dry towel and dry base layers ready for after the tour - once you’re wet, changing into warmth fast prevents chills.

7. Cold Water Keeps Draining Your Body Heat

Even if you “feel fine,” standing in cool water slowly pulls warmth from your body. That’s why people suddenly feel frozen after 30–60 minutes. To slow heat loss: