PRIVATE GROUP TOURS
to 10K ISLANDS FOR SANIBEL RECREATION
SHELLERS
4 hr tour
The Ten Thousand Islands are a stunning chain of small islands located near Marco Island, Florida. These mangrove islands are known for their abundant marine life. They are also home to a wide variety of shells, including conch, scallop, and the prized junonia. The tour will start with a briefing from the Captain on safety procedures and an overview of the island we'll be shelling. The Captain will then take us out onto the water in a comfortable, stable boat, equipped with all the necessary safety equipment.
On our shelling tour, we'll have the opportunity to explore one or more of the Ten Thousand Islands, searching for shells along the shores. I'll be your Shell Guide and will point out the best spots to look for shells and help you identify any shells you find.
Our shelling destination will be decided based on the season, tides, time of day, and recent shelling history to ensure your shelling experience is the best it can be! We'll either go to sand flats (usually the best choice for summertime low tides) or to Kice Island (usually best in the winter months).
Kice is an uninhabited island, part of the Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge! While the sand flats are just that, an expansive flat sandy terrain, usually only accessible during low tides, Kice's terrain is unique. Kice is more "dangerous" in that it is very rugged and thick with tree roots, stumps, mucky peat, and shells. Both areas contain many shell species where you are free to collect as many empty (unoccupied) shells as you can carry!
In addition to shelling, you may encounter wildlife while on tour, including dolphins, manatees, and a wide variety of birds.
So why wait? Join me for a shelling tour in the Ten Thousand Islands and spend a memorable day in the sunshine, exploring the natural beauty of this unique and fascinating region!
Shared Tour Policy: In order for our Shared Tours to take place, we require a maximum capacity of 6 guests to be reached. Should the number of guests in a shared tour not reach capacity, the tour may be subject to cancellation or rescheduling.
TOUR LAUNCH
The 10k Islands Boat Tour launches from Goodland Boat Park.
Address: 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140.
Parking Fee: $10
Car spaces are extremely limited! All guests are strongly urged to ride-share, taxi/uber, or get dropped off at the park!
October-April Morning Tours: If you must drive, be sure to arrive as early as possible. The park opens at 6:00am. Try to arrive then.
April - October Afternoon Tours: May not have an issue finding parking!
There are restrooms at the Goodland Boat Park, but no showers nor washdown stations.
WHAT TO BRING
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WATER! AND MORE WATER!
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LONG-SLEEVE WATER SHIRT
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GOOD HIKING SHOES WHICH CAN GET WET
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DRY BAG FOR PHONE/KEYS
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SUNSCREEN
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SUNGLASSES
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HAT
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PREFERRED FOOD/SNACKS
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PLASTIC BOX FOR FRAGILE FINDS (OPTIONAL)
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CHAIR/UMBRELLA FOR REST/SHADE (OPTIONAL)
Be sure to wear close-toed water shoes or old sneakers or rubber boots! The terrain may be rough and rugged. Even if you're headed to the sand flats there are still several sharp shells and objects you don't want to step on barefooted! Kice is not your typical white sandy beachfront; it's teeming with tree roots and stumps, and sometimes slimy slippery muck! Sometimes shelling requires you to cover a lot of ground on foot, both in and out of water - make sure your shoes are broken-in and fit well to avoid rubbing and blisters! Footwear is so so important!
There's no shade from the blazing sun on the island or sand flats! Be sure to bring sun protection: long-sleeve water shirt, lotion, cream, sunglasses, hats, even an umbrella to create your own shade if needed - whatever you use!
Of course, feel free to bring your own desired food and beverages.
No tools are really necessary, but you're free to bring your preferred shelling tools such as rakes, scoopers, diggers, snorkels, goggles, walking sticks, etc! (Awesome hand rakes and Sand Dippers are available for purchase right at the Goodland Boat Park Ship Store we the tour launches from!)
If you love fragile beach finds (sand dollars, urchins, crab carapaces) you'll want to keep them separate from the shells which can easily break them. Bring a plastic box to keep the fragile stuff safe!
Good idea to bring insect repellent if those pesky no-seeums love you. No-seeums can be problematic during very early morning or near-sunset evening times of day, and seem to be especially prevalent whenever there are shell piles.
Check out a few of my fav shelling gear, tools, products, and displays listed HERE! (Not necessary to bring with you, but helpful if you want your own or to know where I got mine!)
WHAT YOUR GUIDE PROVIDES
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SOUVENIR SHELLING BAG
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SHELL ID CARD
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SHELL STICKER SHEET
You'll be given a mesh shelling bag to collect any beachcombing finds you wish to keep! (Collect only empty shells!)
