All Keewaydin shelling tours depart from Bayview Park, located near downtown Naples: 1575 Danford Street, Naples, FL 34112 🚨 Important: Parking Is Extremely Limited Bayview Park has very few parking spaces available for passenger vehicles, so we strongly recommend: Carpooling Taking an Uber/Lyft or taxi Having someone drop you off at the park Recommended Parking + Uber Options If you'd rather not worry about finding parking at Bayview Park, consider parking at one of these nearby locations and taking a short Uber ride to the launch site: Publix at Shops at Hammock Cove 4370 Thomasson Dr, Naples, FL 34112 Approximately 3.0 miles from Bayview Park ✅ Recommended option McDonald's at Gulf Gate Plaza 2886 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34112 Approximately 2.8 miles from Bayview Park ⚠️ Less desirable area Parking at Bayview Park Feeling lucky? There are only 8 passenger vehicle parking spaces inside the park. If you choose to park at Bayview Park: Park only in designated passenger vehicle spaces. Do NOT park in trailer parking spaces. Parking costs $10 per vehicle and is paid using your phone (no app required). Simply scan the QR code or text the number posted on the parking signs. Your parking payment covers the entire duration of your tour. Be sure to have your license plate number available when paying. Will Parking Be Available? As a general rule: ☁️ Cloudy or rainy day: Parking is usually easy to find. ☀️ Beautiful sunny day: Parking is often full. Plan on using Uber or another transportation option. Avoid Costly Parking Tickets If the Bayview Park lot is full, do not park along Danford Street or Hamilton Avenue. Those spaces are reserved for boat trailers, and improperly parked vehicles are subject to a $75 parking citation. Mobile Pay-to-Park signs to look for The dock is just on the left! Pavilion in center of park - restrooms are on the right side A view of Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club from Bayview Park

One of the most common questions I hear from Southwest Florida visitors is: "Where can I go shelling without taking a boat?" While some of the best shelling in Southwest Florida is found on remote islands that require a boat, there are still several excellent beaches in Collier and Lee Counties where you can park your car and start searching for shells. As someone who spends hundreds of days each year shelling Southwest Florida, I've learned that no beach produces consistently every day. Winds, tides, currents, storms, and beach renourishment projects all affect shelling conditions. However, if you're looking for the best shelling beaches you can drive to, these are my top recommendations, in no particular order: Lover's Key State Park (Fort Myers Beach) Address: 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Lover's Key is one of Southwest Florida's hidden shelling gems. While it's best known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and kayaking opportunities, shellers often find impressive shell lines along the Gulf shoreline—especially after periods of strong onshore winds. Because much of the park remains undeveloped, shells tend to accumulate naturally without the heavy foot traffic found on some of the more popular beaches. Common Shells Found: Fighting Conchs Lettered Olives Calico Scallops Tulips Coquinas Augers Moon Snails Occasional Lightning Whelks Best Time to Go: Low tide Early morning Following winter cold fronts After several days of west or northwest winds Pro Tip: Walk north or south away from the main beach access. Most visitors stay close to the parking lot boardwalk access, but shelling often improves as you put distance between yourself and the crowds. Bowman's Beach (Sanibel Island) Address: 1700 Bowman's Beach Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 Bowman's Beach is often considered one of the best shelling beaches in Southwest Florida. Its long, natural shoreline and lack of nearby development allow shells to accumulate along productive shell lines. Common Shells Found: Lightning Whelks Fighting Conchs True Tulips Lettered Olives Calico Scallops Coquinas Occasional Junonia Best Time to Go: Low tide Early morning After strong west winds or cold fronts Blind Pass Beach (Sanibel Island) Address: 6491 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 The currents flowing between Sanibel and Captiva create one of the most dynamic shelling areas in Florida. Shell deposits can change dramatically from day to day. Common Shells Found: Alphabet Cones Lightning Whelks Fighting Conchs Tulips Moon Snails Junonias (occasionally) Best Time to Go: Falling tide After storms Winter cold fronts Lighthouse Beach (Sanibel Island) Address: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957 This is one of Sanibel's easiest shelling beaches to access and a great place for families. It often produces large quantities of smaller shells. Common Shells Found: Coquinas Augers Scallops Olives Small Fighting Conchs Pen Shells Best Time to Go: Sunrise Low tide Weekdays Tigertail Beach (Marco Island) Address: 430 Hernando Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145 Tigertail Beach is one of the most productive shelling beaches in Collier County. The outer beach beyond the lagoon frequently collects shell deposits that many visitors never reach. Common Shells Found: Calico Scallops Lightning Whelks Fighting Conchs Lettered Olives Sand Dollars Moon Snails Best Time to Go: Low tide Winter and spring After strong west winds Pro Tip: The outer Gulf beach often out-produces the main beach near the parking area. South Beach (Marco Island) Address: 930 Swallow Avenue, Marco Island, FL 34145 South Beach is Marco Island's most popular beach and can occasionally surprise shellers after storms and winter cold fronts. While it generally doesn't produce as heavily as Tigertail, it's easy to access and often has good shell lines after rough weather. Common Shells Found: Fighting Conchs Calico Scallops Olives Coquinas Augers Moon Snails Best Time to Go: Early morning Low tide The day after a storm or cold front Pro Tip: Walk toward the southern end of the beach where shell concentrations are often better. If able, walk around all the rock jetties! Barefoot Beach Preserve (Bonita Springs) Address: 503 Barefoot Beach Boulevard, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 Barefoot Beach remains one of the most natural beaches in Southwest Florida and can produce excellent shelling when conditions align. Common Shells Found: Fighting Conchs Tulips Olives Scallops Coquinas Augers Best Time to Go: Winter months Low tide After strong Gulf winds Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park (Naples) Address: 11135 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, FL 34108 The beach within Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers miles of shoreline and frequent shell deposits, especially near the northern end. The area surrounding Wiggins Pass is one of my favorite places to recommend to shellers. Passes act like natural funnels that can concentrate shells carried by tides and currents. Common Shells Found: Fighting Conchs Tulips Olives Lightning Whelks Scallops Best Time to Go: Early morning Falling tide During winter shelling season Pro Tip: Focus your search near the pass itself, where currents often deposit fresh shell material. Lowdermilk Park (Naples) Address: 1301 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, Naples, FL 34102 Lowdermilk isn't usually considered a shelling destination, but after storms it can produce surprisingly good finds. It's also one of Naples' most convenient beach accesses. Common Shells Found: Coquinas Scallops Olives Augers Small Conchs Best Time to Go: After storms Early morning Low tide All said, remember shelling changes every single day. The "best" beach today may not be the best beach tomorrow. The real secret is understanding tides, winds, and currents - and being willing to get out there when conditions are right. And when you're ready to experience shelling beyond the beaches you can drive to, that's when the remote islands of the Ten Thousand Islands and Keewaydin Island really begin to shine.

One of the most common questions I get from visitors is: "How do I get to the Ten Thousand Islands?" The short answer? You need a boat. The Ten Thousand Islands is one of the most remote and wild coastal areas in Florida. Stretching from Naples south toward Everglades City, this maze of mangrove islands, hidden beaches, and shell-covered shorelines has very few public access points. That's exactly what makes it so special. What Are the Ten Thousand Islands? Despite the name, there aren't actually 10,000 islands. The area consists of hundreds of mangrove islands, shoals, sandbars, and remote beaches that form part of one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in North America. Many of the best shelling beaches are located on islands that can only be reached by water. There are no bridges, no roads, and no parking lots waiting for you when you arrive. Instead, you'll find pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and some of the best shelling opportunities in Southwest Florida. Can I Drive There? Not really. While you can drive to communities such as Goodland, Marco Island, Chokoloskee, or Everglades City, you cannot simply drive onto the islands themselves. The islands are separated from the mainland by bays, channels, and mangrove estuaries. If your goal is to explore the remote shelling beaches that make the Ten Thousand Islands famous, you'll need some type of watercraft. Ways to Access the Ten Thousand Islands 1. Take a Guided Shelling Tour For most visitors, this is by far the easiest option. A guided shelling tour allows you to access remote islands without worrying about navigation, tides, weather conditions, or finding the best shelling spots. As a guide, I spend hundreds of hours each year exploring these islands and keeping track of which beaches are producing shells. Conditions change constantly, and what was productive last month may not be productive today. On a guided tour, I help guests identify shells, locate productive shell lines, and maximize their time on the beach. 2. Bring Your Own Boat Experienced boaters can access many areas of the Ten Thousand Islands on their own. However, navigation can be challenging. The area is filled with shallow flats, oyster bars, sandbars, and winding channels. Tides can dramatically affect water depth, and many areas become inaccessible at low tide. If you're unfamiliar with the region, a GPS chartplotter and local knowledge are highly recommended. 3. Kayak the Islands Some portions of the Ten Thousand Islands can be explored by kayak. This can be a fantastic way to experience the mangrove tunnels, wildlife, and backcountry scenery. However, reaching many of the most productive shelling beaches may require long paddles and careful attention to tides, wind, and weather conditions. Where Do SWFL Shell Guide Tours Launch? Most of my Ten Thousand Islands shelling tours depart from Goodland, a small fishing village located just east of Marco Island. From there, we travel by boat into the backcountry to reach remote shelling beaches that are inaccessible by car. Because the islands we visit are only reachable by water, guests get to experience a side of Southwest Florida that most visitors never see. What Will I See in the Ten Thousand Islands? Every trip is different, but common sightings include: Dolphins Ospreys Crabs Pelicans Roseate spoonbills Mangrove forests Remote white-sand beaches Hundreds of seashell species Sometimes Manatees Sometimes Bald Eagles And of course, plenty of opportunities to search for prized shells such as Junonias, alphabet cones, lightning whelks, horse conchs, tulips, and murexes. Is It Worth Visiting? Absolutely. The Ten Thousand Islands offers one of the most unique coastal environments in Florida. Unlike crowded public beaches, you'll often find yourself exploring remote shorelines with very few people around. Whether you're an avid shell collector, wildlife photographer, kayaker, or simply someone who loves nature, the Ten Thousand Islands provides an unforgettable Southwest Florida experience. If you've ever dreamed of discovering a secluded shell-covered beach that feels untouched by time, this is the place. And the best way to get there? Hop aboard a boat and let someone else do the navigating while you focus on the shellventure! Book your SWFL Shelling tour Now!

Join SWFL Shell Guide Ali on a boat tour to Marco Island's Ten Thousand Islands. Explore remote beaches, find rare seashells, and book your shellventure today! BOAT TOURS Discover Your Perfect SWFL Seashell Adventure with SWFL Shell Guide! Choose your next Guided Seashell Adventures across Naples Marco Island beaches and let Ali's expertise and passion for shelling create unforgettable memories on the enchanting shores of SWFL: Naples' Keewaydin Island and Marco Island's Ten Thousand Islands. See Availability & Book Your Shellventure - Spots Fill Fast! BOOK Now! Ten Thousand Islands Guided Shelling Shared (4 hr) Join Ali on a fast-paced shellventure to remote islands where you’ll hike, dig, wade, and explore for treasures like tulips, conchs, whelks, and maybe even a Junonia! Read More Ten Thousand Islands Unguided Shelling Shared (4 hr) For experienced shellers who prefer to roam solo, this trip drops you at a prime island to hunt treasures at your own pace. Explore freely while your captain waits offshore for pickup. Read More Keewaydin Low-Tide Shelling Shared (4 hr) A rare shellventure only offered on extreme low tides, when massive sandbars emerge loaded with shells. Hunt for whelks, conchs, sand dollars, and maybe even the elusive Junonia! Read More Keewaydin Combo Fish & Shell Private (4 hr) Perfect for mixed-interest groups—some shell, others fish, everyone wins! Shellers explore Keewaydin’s beaches while anglers cast lines from the boat with all gear included Read More Ten Thousand Islands Eco Dolphin Shelling Private Sunset (2.5 hr) A little of everything - eco sights, dolphin spotting, shelling, and a golden sunset finale - all tailored to your group’s style. The perfect shorter, private all-in-one shellventure! Read More Keewaydin Eco Dolphin Shelling Private Sunset (2.5 hr) Experience Naples by water! Cruise past Port Royal's iconic estates, watch for dolphins and wildlife, stroll a hidden beach on Keewaydin Island, and enjoy a spectacular Gulf Coast sunset. Read More KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK: Shared vs. Private Tours If you're open to sharing the boat and excited to meet fellow shellers, our Shared Tours are a fun and budget-friendly option! These... Cancellation Policy Please Read Carefully! We go out in all kinds of weather—rain, wind, heat, or cold—so bring what you need to be comfortable. We only... Guided vs. Unguided Boat Tours Discover the difference between guided and unguided shelling tours—choose the shellventure that fits your pace, experience, and shelling style in SWFL! Guest Requirements & Guidelines On our Guided Seashell Adventures, you’ll traverse beautiful Naples Marco Island beaches, hike, wade and beachcomb - so bring sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a big sense of adventure. To ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment, please take note of the following guest requirements and recommendations: 1. Boarding and Disembarking: - Guests should be able to easily step on and off the boat, occasionally climbing ladders for access. - Comfort in the water and basic swim OTHER GOOD TO KNOW STUFF: 10K Islands vs. Keewaydin: What’s the Difference? Keewaydin Island and Kice Island are two of the most beautiful beach settings along the Naples Marco Island beaches, and they’re both featured on our guided (and unguided!) seashell adventures. If you’re booking a shelling tour with SWFL Shell Guide and trying to decide between the Ten Thousand Islands Tour (Kice Island is part of the Ten Thousand Islands park) and the Keewaydin Island Tour, you’re not alone - this is one of the most common questions I get. Both spots are stu Seasonal Shelling Considerations Planning Your Shellventure in Southwest Florida Best Seasons, Conditions, and What to Expect If you’re planning a shelling excursion in... How Should I Dress for the Tour? 6 Smart Tips for What to Wear on a Shelling Tour (and What to Avoid) Dressing appropriately will keep you comfortable, protected, and ready for adventure on your shelling tour. Between wading in saltwater, brushing past island brush, and being exposed to sun, bugs, and breeze, your outfit matters more than you think. Here’s what to wear - and what to avoid - to make the most of your day. 1. Wear Protective Water Shoes or Dive Booties (Avoid Flip-Flops and Laced Shoes) Slip-on Nearest Airport & Accommodations for Your Trip Where can I fly into for the tours? If you're new to Southwest Florida, the nearest regional airport is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) located in Fort Myers, Florida. Where do the tours launch from? All 10k Islands Shelling Tours launch from the Goodland Boat Park - 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140. Keewaydin Tours may launch from Goodland, but more often than not, they launch from Bayview Park - 1575 Danford Street, Naples, FL 34112. Where can I stay n Keewaydin: Low Tide Shelling vs. Snorkeling The Best Times to Low Tide Loot or Snorkel Keewaydin Island Keewaydin Island is one of the most beautiful and shell-rich barrier islands in Southwest Florida - but what many visitors don’t realize is that the experience can be completely different depending on the tide and water conditions . Some days are perfect for combing newly exposed sandbars for shells, while other days are ideal for slipping into the water and exploring what lies just beneath the surface. Knowing when Shells Found in 10K Islands vs. Keewaydin One of the most common questions we get on tours is: "Which beach is better for finding [insert dream shell here]?" While the tides,... 10K Islands vs. Keewaydin: What’s the Difference? Keewaydin Island and Kice Island are two of the most beautiful beach settings along the Naples Marco Island beaches, and they’re both featured on our guided (and unguided!) seashell adventures. If you’re booking a shelling tour with SWFL Shell Guide and trying to decide between the Ten Thousand Islands Tour (Kice Island is part of the Ten Thousand Islands park) and the Keewaydin Island Tour, you’re not alone - this is one of the most common questions I get. Both spots are stu

Guided seashell adventures on Naples Marco Island beaches with SWFL Shell Guide. Explore the Ten Thousand Islands, Kice Island, and Keewaydin with Ali and discover rare seashells on Marco Island shelling tours. Welcome aboard the SWFL SHELL GUIDE SEASHELL Tour Experience! HOP Aboard! Read More BOOK NOW SHELLING Boat Tours Read More LEARN MORE for Guided or Unguided Seashell Adventures (Shellventures as we call them) along the stunning Naples Marco Island beaches as we explore the enchanting world of seashells and coastal wonders with SWFL Shell Guide's Boat Tours. Immerse yourself in captivating adventures set against the backdrop of Southwest Florida's pristine landscapes in the Naples Marco Island beaches. JOIN US! FAQS Get Answers Read More FAQS SHOP Shell Merch Read More SHOP Whether you're drawn to the guided shellventures of the Ten Thousand Islands or the excitement of a beachcombing expedition to Keewaydin Island, we have the perfect tour to fulfill your desires. Embark on a journey with us, we offer both shared and private boat tour options that let you embrace the beauty of SWFL's shorelines while uncovering stunning seashells. SHELL THIS WHAT The Shell SHELL ID Read More RAVE Reviews REVIEWS Read More Ali, your experienced and passionate sheller guide who founded SWFL Shell Guide in 2018, invites you to join her on an extraordinary tour where every step is a discovery and every shell is a treasure waiting to be found. Come, let us take you on an unforgettable shelling escapade, where the shores of Southwest Florida unfold their magic. Book your perfect SWFL Tour today and create lasting memories in this enchanting coastal paradise! SHELL THAT SWFL Shell Guide has been honored with the 2026 & 2025 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards! That means we’re in the top 10% of attractions worldwide, all thanks to YOU—our amazing guests who’ve left kind reviews and supported us along the way. KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK: Shared vs. Private Tours Cancellation Policy Guided vs. Unguided Boat Tours Guest Requirements & Guidelines MORE STUFF TO KNOW: 10K Islands vs. Keewaydin: What’s the Difference? Seasonal Shelling Considerations How Should I Dress for the Tour? Nearest Airport & Accommodations for Your Trip GIFT Card for tours VIDEOS MEET YOUR GUIDE amazon PICKS GIFT CARD for merch CONTACT

Naples sunset sightseeing cruise with dolphins, waterfront mansions, Keewaydin Island beach stop, and breathtaking Gulf Coast views. Book today! Sunset Dolphin Eco Cruise Naples Keewaydin Shells found at Keewaydin Island with SWFL Shell Guide SWFL Shell Guide's private 2.5-hour sunset eco dolphin tour to Keewaydin Island combines shelling, wildlife viewing, scenic boating, and one of the best sunset experiences near Naples, Florida. Keewaydin Eco Boat Tour Nature Pelican Mangroves Brown pelicans, ospreys, and other native birds seen during a private Keewaydin Island eco and dolphin boat tour from Naples. Sunset Dolphin Eco Cruise Naples Keewaydin 1/7 KEEWAYDIN SUNSET DOLPHIN ECO CRUISE PRIVATE 2.5 hr Discover Naples from a whole new perspective on this relaxing 2.5-hour sunset sightseeing cruise. Departing from downtown Naples, you'll cruise through the picturesque Naples Bay, Port Royal, and Gordon Pass waterways as your friendly, knowledgeable captain shares fascinating local history, stories, and points out some of the area's wildlife and spectacular waterfront estates. Sit back, unwind, and enjoy your favorite beverage while taking in the tropical scenery and watching for dolphins, manatees, seabirds, and other local wildlife along the way. You'll also make a brief stop at a hidden beach on beautiful Keewaydin Island for a beachwalk or to take in the sunset from the shore. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, entertaining out-of-town guests, or simply looking for a relaxing adventure with family and friends, this one-of-a-kind sightseeing cruise offers an unfor gettable way to experience the beauty of Naples from the water. Please Note: This tour includes a brief stop on Keewaydin Island but is not a shelling tour. If your primary goal is finding seashells, we recommend booking one of our 4-hour shelling tours, where you'll enjoy significantly more island time with a shell-focused experience. Private Tour Policy : Private tours are offered at a flat fee for up to 6 guests, with the price unchanged regardless of group size. Maximum capacity is 6. BOOK NOW LAUNCH LOCATION & PROCEDURE All shelling boat tours to Keewaydin Island launch from: Bayview Park 1575 Danford Street, Naples, FL 34112 (Restrooms on site. No store or showers.) Parking is EXTREMELY limited! We highly recommend carpooling, taking a taxi/uber, or arranging a drop-off at the park to avoid parking issues. If you drive, be sure to read the Bayview Parking Guide . Parking Fee: $10 via mobile pay-to-park system Meet your Captain at the floating dock five (5) minutes prior to scheduled launch time. Important Note for Afternoon Tours: Parking is usually not an issue after 3pm Parking not an issue on rainy days! WHAT TO expect & BRING PHONE SUNGLASSES/ HAT PREFERRED FOOD/SNACKS/BEVERAGES CASH TIP FOR CAPTAIN A little prep goes a long way! Here’s what to keep in mind before your tour: Bug Protection! Noseeums and mosquitoes can be an issue, especially near sunset time and when you return to the boat park. Bring bug spray and consider wearing lightweight, long-sleeved clothing. Bring your phone! It’s required for tracking time and staying reachable in case you need to contact Ali or the Captain - or vice versa. Consider tipping! Tipping the captain is optional but appreciated. If you pre-tipped online, it's been received - thank you! WHAT YOUR CAPTAIN PROVIDES WATER BOTTLES SOUVENIR SHELLING BAG You'll be given a mesh shelling bag to collect any beachcombing finds you wish to keep! (Collect only empty shells!)