Search This Site

While you're here in SWFL check out some of my favorite other things to do (in no particular order): EATS Island Gypsy Cafe Shopping & Dining on 5th Ave S & 3rd St S LeeBe Fish Fin Bistro Best Gas Station Mexican Food: Uooligan Exxon Mobil at 861 Bald Eagle Dr on Marco NATURE Tigertail Beach Park Lowdermilk Beach Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens N aples Botanical Garden Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park Koreshan State Historic Park   Kayak Estero River Python Hunting in Everglades Everglades National Park   Airboat Rides in the Everglades Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium Manatee Park Babcock Ranch Eco Tours Shark Tooth Hunting at Manasota Key   Fossil Hunting in the Peace River HISTORICAL Ted Smallwood Store Collier Museum at Government Center Museum of the Everglades Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch Coral Castle Skunk Ape Research Headquarter Ochopee Post Office Edison & Ford Winter Estates SHOPPING Shopping & Dining on 5th Ave S & 3rd St S Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum 41 South Gift Hut Shops at Naples Tin City Kelly's Shell Shack Lunch at Island Gypsy Visit the historic Naples Pier Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Stan's Idle Hour in Goodland (Sunday Funday) Visit shops at Naples Tin City Kayak Estero River Corey Billie's Airboat Rides in Everglades Visit Ted Smallwood Store Museum Kelly's Shell Shack in Naples

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 stunning, 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 on the higher wrack lines 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 full of tree roots, stumps, slippery muck, and other tripping obstacles - requires good mobility ⚠️ No amenities, no shade, this is a true nature outing 🌴 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 (both in size and quantity). 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:  ~40–45 minutes each way Shelling type:   Mostly shallow water shelling  - bring a water 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.), and LOTS of shellers on those low tide dates ⚠️ Parking tip:  Bayview Park fills up quickly on weekends - park at Gulf Gate Plaza and take an Uber/Lyft to the dock Side-by-Side Comparison Feature Ten Thousand Islands Keewaydin Island Boat Ride Time ~15 minutes ~40–45 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 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. Dickmans - part of Ten Thousand Islands Keewaydin sandbars exposed at negative low tide Kice Island - part of Ten Thousand Islands Kice Island - part of Ten Thousand Islands After a storm Kice Island gets shell piles Lots of roots and stumps and hiding places for shells on Kice Island Extreme negative low tide at Keewaydin! May 2025

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 swimming skills are necessary. 2. Mobility:    - Participants should confidently embark and disembark from the boat with minimal assistance.    - A HIGH level of fitness and endurance is recommended.    - Participants should be able to hike 1-3 miles, sometimes navigating in shallow, mucky or murky water and oftentimes over challenging tree-filled terrains and soft or sloping sandy terrains or muddy slippery terrains.    - Be ready to hike in diverse weather conditions and varying landscapes. 3. Health and Fitness:    - Guests should be in good health, capable of handling extreme elements like heat, cold, sun (no shade available), rain, humidity, rough terrain, and insects.    - Given the nature of the tour, individuals with health factors like age, obesity, heart disease, poor circulation, mobility challenges, and severe allergies are advised NOT to book.    - The weight limit for boat tour participants is 300 pounds. Exceptions may be considered for individuals in optimal shape and fitness. If unsure, feel free to reach out for clarification. 4. Self-Sufficiency:    - While water and snacks are provided, guests should actively stay hydrated and maintain optimal blood sugar levels. 5. Understand How to Stay Safe In Hot Weather: - Shelling on shore in extreme heat poses risks to the body's cooling mechanisms. Factors like individual health conditions can amplify these risks. Here are some essential tips:    a. Understand Humidity's Impact:    - Humidity slows down the body's natural cooling process.    - In humid conditions, sweat doesn't evaporate quickly, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.     b. Don't Rely Solely on Ocean Breezes:    - Coastal breezes might not penetrate a few feet inland, leaving areas hot and humid.     c. Dress Smart:    - Wear white or light-colored clothing to reflect sunlight.    - Choose moisture-wicking materials to keep the skin dry.     d. Pace Yourself:    - Take breaks and rest frequently to avoid exhaustion.    - Pace yourself to give yourself enough time to complete the tour comfortably.     e. Know Your Limits:    - Acknowledge that all outdoor activities carry risks.    - Be mindful of personal limits and avoid pushing beyond them. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities— please review these guidelines carefully before booking  to ensure you're prepared for the shellventure! Ready to shell safely and confidently?   Book your spot today!   🐚🌴

Discover Ali’s top picks for decoupage crafting. Shop the best Amazon products recommended by SWFL Shell Guide and support your shell crafting hobby! Decoupage 'ESSENTSHELLS' These are the exact tools and materials I use and trust for making decoupaged seashells. From high-quality paint and sealants to the perfect rice paper and resin, these Amazon finds make it easy to get beautiful, lasting results at home. * Full Disclosure: Paid links below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. * Rice Paper for Decoupage Won't jam in your printer White Primer Paint Needs 2 coats! Gold Paint Markers Perfect Gold leaf edges Epoxy Resin Hand Pumps make it easy to get equal amounts! Paint Brushes Perfect for paint, modpodge, and resin! Dremel Drill Bit Perfect Oyster Drilling Bit Organza Bags Packaging! Jewel Rhinestones Tiny sparkles! Flatback Pearls Easy to Glue on Pearls! Carrot Beads Perfect topper for Easter designs!

Have questions or need more info? Reach out to SWFL Shell Guide Ali via email for quick responses about tours, products, and everything shelling-related CONTACT Say Shell-o! Shell-o sent! If I'm not out shelling, I'll reply soon! Check your spam folder for my reply as it often lands there! Email Ali: swflshellguide@gmail.com

Enjoy a private, peaceful sunset eco cruise and shellventure in Southwest Florida. Explore the Ten Thousand Islands with a captain and discover seashells while watching dolphins in their natural habitat BOOK NOW Eco Dolphin Sunset Tour Ten Thousand Islands Eco Sunset Shelling Short Tour 10k Islands Guests on Tour Dig Up Large buried Seashell Where will you display the prizes you collect on tour with SWFL Shell Guide? Eco Dolphin Sunset Tour Ten Thousand Islands 1/16 10K ISLANDS eCO DOLPHIN SHELLING PRIVATE SUNSET 2.5 hr Ready for the ultimate tailored shellventure? This 2.5-hour tour blends eco exploration, dolphin spotting, shelling, and a breathtaking sunset finale - all tailored to your preferences! Climb aboard with our skilled Captain, who will guide you on a scenic cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands. Choose how you’d like to spend the time: searching for playful dolphins, exploring remote islands for unique shells, or simply soaking in the coastal sights. As sunset approaches, you’ll head to a perfect spot on the water for an unforgettable view. Bring along your favorite snacks, drinks, and shelling tools (complimentary shell bags provided!). This tour is ideal for those seeking a well-rounded, shorter experience that showcases southwest Florida’s natural beauty. Reserve your family's all-in-one shellventure today! 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 the 10k Islands all launch from: Goodland Boat Park 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140 (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 Goodland Parking Guide . Parking Fee: $10 via mobile pay-to-park system CHECK FOR GMAIL SENT DAY BEFORE for the precise meeting location and procedure instructions! You'll either: (a) meet at a table under the pavilion, OR (b) head directly to the floating dock to wait for captain to pick you up there by boat. 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 - REQUIRED WATER S HOES/SNEAKERS SUNSCREEN SUNGLASSES/ HAT PREFERRED FOOD/SNACKS CAMERA FOR PICS CASH TIP FOR CAPTAIN A little prep goes a long way! Here’s what to keep in mind before your tour: Hydrate in advance! Sun Protection! There’s no shade on the island or sand flats, so pack plenty of sun protection - sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, or even an umbrella to create your own shade. Footwear matters! Closed-toed shoes with sturdy soles are a must - no flip-flops or Crocs. The terrain can be rugged, with sharp shells, tree roots, and slippery muck. Whether on Kice Island or sand flats, you'll need well-fitted, broken-in shoes with a thick sole for protection and to prevent blisters. Shelling Gear! Tools aren’t necessary, but feel free to bring your favorites (scoopers, rakes, snorkels, etc.). A long-handle shell scooper can be handy to avoid bending down repeatedly. Side note: Ali’s got a full online merch shop of SWFL shell accessories she designed! Order ahead and she’ll bring it to your tour so you can skip shipping! Bug Protection! Noseeums and mosquitoes can be an issue, especially near shell piles during early mornings or near sunset. 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! 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 CAPTAIN PROVIDES WATER BOTTLES SOUVENIR SHELLING BAG SEASHELL STICKERS & ID CARD You'll be given a mesh shelling bag to collect any beachcombing finds you wish to keep! (Collect only empty shells!)