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- More Fun Things to Do in SWFL
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
- 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 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
- 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 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! 🐚🌴
Other Pages (28)
- Naples & Marco Island Shelling Tours | United States | SWFL Shell Guide
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! Join us for Guided Seashell Adventures 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. 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. 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! BOOK NOW KNOW BEFORE YOU GO GIFT Card for tours MEET YOUR GUIDE amazon PICKS SHELLING BOAT TOURS swfl shell guide MERCH shop VIDEOS RAVE REVIEWS Frequently asked questions GIFT CARD for merch SEASHELL ID CONTACT SWFL Shell Guide has just been honored with the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award! 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 Guest Requirements & Guidelines
- Loyalty Rewards | swflshellguide
Join the Shell Rewards Program from SWFL Shell Guide and earn discounts on every purchase. Get exclusive perks and save on your favorite shelling gear and gifts Super SWFL Sheller Rewards Gain points (scallops) and turn them into rewards (discounts)! Become a Member Sign Up Sign up as a Super SWFL Sheller Member to start enjoying the Loyalty Program Earn Scallops Purchase a product Get 1 Scallops for every $1 spent Sign up to the site Get 50 Scallops Redeem Rewards 10% Off Store Purchase 100 Scallops = 10% off the lowest priced item in cart 15% Off Store Purchase 200 Scallops = 15% off for all store products
- TOS | SWFLShellGuide
Learn about SWFL Shell Guide's Terms of Service and Refund Policy, including order conditions, shipping, returns, and tour cancellations. Clear, fair policies to support your shelling experience and online purchases. TOUR CANCELATION POLICY Company Cancellations Tours run rain or shine. We do not cancel or refund for typical weather conditions (rain, wind, cold, heat, etc.). If weather conditions are dangerous and make the tour unsafe, we will cancel and issue a full refund. If we cancel due to low enrollment, you will receive a full refund. Guest Cancellations & Reschedule Requests All requests must be made by email to swflshellguide@gmail.com. If received more than 7 days before your tour: Cancel – Refund minus a 5% processing fee Reschedule – No fee; we’ll do our best to move you to another available date If received within 7 days of your tour: Cancel or Reschedule – No refund; changes cannot be made for any reason (illness, injury, death, travel issues, etc.) Merchandise and prepaid tips added at booking will be refunded in full. Note: It is highly recommended to purchase optional booking protection at checkout if you think travel delays or unexpected issues may affect your ability to attend. This allows you to cancel up to 24hrs before your activity and receive a full or partial refund, depending on the policy terms. STORE TERMS OF SERVICE Effective Date: 05/01/2025 Welcome to the SWFL Shell Guide online store. By placing an order or interacting with this website, you agree to the following terms: Products & Orders All items are sold as-is. Shells, accessories, and gift items are natural or handmade products and may vary slightly in color, shape, and size. Orders are subject to availability. In the event an item is out of stock after purchase, you will be notified and refunded promptly. Shipping We currently ship within the United States only. Please allow up to 3 business days for order processing. Once shipped, you’ll receive a tracking number. SWFL Shell Guide is not responsible for delays caused by shipping carriers or events outside our control. Merchandise Use Products are for personal use only and not for resale unless explicitly agreed upon in writing. Intellectual Property All photos, logos, product designs, and text are property of SWFL Shell Guide and may not be copied or reproduced without permission. Privacy Your information is used only for order processing and communication. We do not sell or share your data. Limitation of Liability SWFL Shell Guide shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of this site or products. STORE REFUND POLICY We want you to love your items from SWFL Shell Guide. Because many of our products are handmade or natural in origin, all sales are considered final, with a few exceptions: Damaged or Incorrect Items If your item arrives damaged or the wrong item was sent, please email a photo to info@swflshellguide.com within 5 days of delivery. We will work with you to issue a replacement or refund where appropriate. Lost or Delayed Shipments If tracking shows your item was delivered but you didn’t receive it, please contact your local carrier first. If the package is lost in transit (and not marked as delivered), we will assist in filing a claim and may offer a replacement if possible. Returns or Exchanges At this time, we do not accept returns or exchanges for change of mind or dissatisfaction with natural variation. Please email swflshellguide@gmail.com with any questions. We're a small business and appreciate your support and understanding.








