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I totally understand how frustrating it can be when you're excited to join a tour, but something in the booking process seems to be blocking your path. Here are the most common reasons guests get stuck and how to fix them: 1. Confused by the “Member ID” Field? No worries! The first screen of the booking system includes a space to enter a “Member ID.” This is only  for guests who have joined our Seasoned Sheller Membership Program  and have a discount code. You do not need a Member ID to book a tour. If you're not a member, just skip that field and move forward! 2. Can't find the “Continue” button on your phone? Sometimes the “Continue” or “Next” button doesn’t display correctly on mobile devices, especially in portrait mode. Try turning your phone sideways into landscape mode —this often reveals the missing button and allows you to proceed. 3. Party Size might be it. Some tours require a minimum number of guests before they can run. If the booking system isn’t allowing you to reserve your seats, it may be because that tour needs a certain group size to make the first  booking. Once that initial group meets the minimum requirement, the remaining seats will open up to any party size — including solo shellers. So if you don’t see availability right away, keep checking back! Guided tours are given priority on the schedule. You may see an Unguided tour listed for the same date, but smaller groups won’t be able to book it until the Guided tour reaches its minimum or fills up. All shared tours are limited to 6 guests per boat  due to U.S. Coast Guard regulations. To keep tours running efficiently, the booking system will not split guests into two smaller groups on the same date if they could be combined into one full boat. For example, even if you see 6 seats open on the Unguided tour and 2 seats open on the Guided tour, the system will prioritize filling the Guided tour first. Once that tour fills, the Unguided option becomes available for smaller parties. This helps prevent half-filled boats from running side-by-side when everyone could enjoy one fun, full shared experience together. Trying to book 2 seats but only see 1 left? Unfortunately, we are not able to increase the guest count beyond 6 due to U.S. Coast Guard regulations. If the system shows only 1 seat left, that means there truly is only 1 available. You can either wait to see if someone cancels, or look for another date with 2 or more seats open. We totally get that it's more fun with a friend - hopefully, you can both join on another day! 4. Missed a checkbox or skipped a question? Every checkbox and question on the booking form is required.  These are there to make sure you understand important safety info, waiver terms, and trip details. Double-check that you’ve checked every box  and entered answers  in all required fields before clicking “Continue.” 5. Still stuck? It might be a tech hiccup. If none of the above tips work, try: Refreshing the page Switching to a different browser (Chrome works great) Booking from a desktop or tablet instead of a phone Clearing your cache or trying in incognito/private mode 6. Waiting on Confirmation? Here's How It Works Once you complete your online booking request, you’ll receive an automated email  letting you know that a hold has been placed on your credit card - but you haven’t been charged just yet. Ali manually reviews and approves each booking. Once your tour is confirmed, your card will be charged, and you’ll receive a second email with your official booking confirmation . Please be patient! If Ali is out on the water guiding tours, she may not be able to review bookings right away. It can sometimes take 1–2 days  for approval, especially during busy weeks. Thanks for your understanding! If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out ! I’m happy to help guide you through the process or manually reserve your spot if needed. Email or text is the fastest way to get a response. I can’t wait to sea you out there! 🐚⛵

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: Wear neoprene on your feet Regular sneakers + cotton socks = cold misery. Neoprene traps a thin layer of water that your body warms - way better than soaked fabric. Best options: Neoprene booties (like wetsuit material) Neoprene water socks under sturdy water shoes 👉 Search: "3mm neoprene dive boots” or “neoprene water socks” Don’t keep dunking bare hands Cold water + wind = painful fast. Bring: Waterproof or neoprene gloves or A shell scoop / sand scoop so your hands aren’t in the water constantly 👉 Search: “long handle sand scoop” 8. THE AFTER-TOUR WARM-UP PLAN (People Forget This!) You might be fine during the tour… but once you stop moving, that cold hits hard. Plan your car like a warming station. Leave These in Your Car: Dry, thick socks - Putting on dry socks immediately feels AMAZING. 👉 Search: “merino wool hiking socks” Warm towel or blanket - Wrap your shoulders and legs as soon as you get back. 👉 Search: “fleece travel blanket” Dry base layer shirt - If your shirt got damp from spray or sweat, change fast. Slip-on warm shoes - Ugg-style, insulated slip-ons, or even thick-lined Crocs. Thermos with hot drink - Hot tea, coffee, or cocoa warms you from the inside. 👉 Search: “stainless steel insulated thermos” 9. Final Thoughts on Ways to Stay Warm Eat before the tour - Food = fuel = body heat. Avoid cotton - “Cotton kills” in cold conditions because it holds moisture. Choose: Wool Fleece Synthetic athletic fabrics Keep your core warm - Cold torso = cold everything. If your chest/back are warm, hands and feet stay warmer too. Chemical hand warmers (optional but awesome) - Toss them in jacket pockets for the boat ride. 👉 Search: “disposable hand warmers” Stay dry when possible - If waves splash you, zip up and block wind fast.

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

Shop Ali’s top Amazon picks for shelling gear, guides, decor, and DIY supplies—handpicked by SWFL Shell Guide. SHELLING 'ESSENTSHELLS' FOR YOUR SHELL TOUR Apart from my own Seashell-designed merch in my SHOP , dive into the allure of the Ten Thousand Islands with my thoughtfully curated assortment of shelling "essentshells". Ranging from robust gear to handy accessories, these items are hand-picked to elevate your shelling expedition, ensuring you enjoy the utmost experience along the stunning shores of this breathtaking destination. * Full Disclosure: Paid links below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. * Anti Chafe Stick Best anti-chafe balm! Hydration Backpack Stay Hydrated! Water Bottle - Stay Hydrated HydroFlask Collapsible Stool Foldable Bench Stool Lightweight Easy to Carry Waterproof Phone Box Watertight Phone Case Sand Dipper Shell Scoop Back-Saver! Heavy Duty Hand Rake Won't rust! Handheld Shelling Rake Won't Rust! Dive Booties Sand-proof and Nice Thick Sole! awesome water sneakers for shelling No laces means no tripping! Thick soles! Amazing Water Sneakers Supportive Soles! Noseeum Insect Head Netting Noseuems are the worst! Effective Bug Spray! Works against noseeums! NoSeeUm Spray! No Natz Kinda Helps with Noseeums! Bug Spray that works the best and smells good! Polarized Sunglasses - Won't Sink! Floating Sunglasses for Boating Polarized Quick Easy Shade Bring your own shade! Sun Hat with Built-In Fans Keeps you cool and keeps bugs off! Cooling Towels Gotta Stay Cool! Neck Fan Cooling Flexible Lightweight Cooling Personal Cooling Fan Keep Cool & Keeps Bugs off with a personal fan! Marine-Friendly Sunscreen Coral reef safe! Ice Bucket Underwater Viewer Has built-in handles! Works like a charm! Underwater Viewing Bucket Underwater Viewing Bucket AquaScope Underwater Viewer Aquascope Underwater Viewer Frameless Dive Mask Frameless Dive Mask Aloe Vera Gel Post Sunburn Aloe Gel Safe Shell Cleaning Safe Acid to Clean Shells Casual Skort Casual Skort Pocket Skort Pocket Skort No Teeth Here - Try Venice! Shark Tooth Sifter! SWFL SEASHELL IDENTIFICATION Embark on a journey of shell discovery in SWFL with this comprehensive collection of identification and classification tools. This curated Amazon product list includes field guides, magnifiers, and reference books designed to help you easily identify the diverse shells of Southwest Florida. Elevate your beachcombing experience by arming yourself with these informative resources, allowing you to unravel the mysteries of each unique shell you encounter along the sandy shores of Marco Island and Ten Thousand Islands. * Full Disclosure: Paid links below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. * #1 Shell ID & Beachcombing Guide SWFL Shells ID Poster Beachcomber's Guide Beachcomber's Guide N American Shells 5 Star Review SHELL DISPLAY INSPIRATION Transform your space into a coastal haven with our curated collection of home decor items perfect for showcasing your cherished shell finds. From elegant display cases to stylish frames, each piece is designed to highlight the beauty of your beachcombing treasures and bring the serene essence of the shore into your home. Embrace the coastal charm and make your shell collection a stunning focal point in any room. * Full Disclosure: Paid links below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. * Glass Bubble Vase Fill each Bubble with Mini Shells! Set of 2 Wood Tripod Stands Wood Tripod Stand for Large Shell 7 Tier Display Stand 7 Tier Display Stand 36 Grid Clear Mini Shell Display Box Acrylic Magnetic Seashell Display Box Multi-Tier Display Multi-Tier Display 4-Prong Clear Display Table Clear Acrylic 4-Prong Display Stand Glass Jewelry Box but for Shells Vintage Glass Jewelry Box but for Shells Apothecary Jar with Lid Lidded Apothecary Jar Glass Apothecary Jars w Shell Lids Set of Glass Apothecary Jars with Shell Lids! Nautical Rustic Mason Jar Rope Covered Jar! Filll with Seashells & Display Fillable Glass Table Lamp Fillable Glass Accent Lamp Glass Vase on Natural Wood Base Glass Vase on Natural Wood Base ShadowBox Coffee Table! Shadowbox Coffee Table 3D Floating Shell Display Cases Large Clam Shell (Plaster) Large Clam Shell (Plaster) Dockside Cocktail Table Nautical Rope Coffee Table 3d Floating Display Stand 3D Floating Display Case Lift Top Coffee Table Shell Display Coffee Table Glass Conch Bowl Glass Conch Bowl Open Shell Holder Display Open Shell Holder Display White Shadowbox Photo Frame White Shadowbox Photo Frame Square Sand Jar Keepsake Shadow Box Sand Jar Keepsake Shadow Box Keepsake Shell Shadow Box Wood & Glass Keepsake Display Box Shadowbox Frame Shell Display Happy Shell Shadowbox Frame Display Coastal Shadowbox Frame Shell Display Adjustable Display Case Adjustable Display Case Giant Clam Shell (Plaster) Giant Clam Shell (Plaster) 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!

Experience the best shelling in Southwest Florida with SWFL Shell Guide Ali on a boat tour through the Ten Thousand Islands. Explore secluded beaches and find rare seashells on this unforgettable shellventure BOOK NOW Ten Thousand Islands Guided Shell Tour Best Shelling Tour Naples Marco Island Ten Thousand Islands (18) Guests on Tour Dig Up Large buried Seashell Where will you display the prizes you collect on tour with SWFL Shell Guide? Ten Thousand Islands Guided Shell Tour 1/22 10K ISLANDS GUIDED SHELLING SHARED 4 hr One of our signature Guided Seashell Adventures, set against the backdrop of Naples Marco Island beaches and remote islands. Hop aboard a comfortable boat with a licensed local captain and set off on a fast-paced shellventure into the stunning Ten Thousand Islands near Marco Island, FL! We’ll cruise through scenic mangroves to reach a remote shelling destination - usually Kice Island or a hidden sand flat - chosen based on the season, tides, and recent conditions. You’ll spend several hours beachcombing for treasures like tulips, conchs, whelks, olives, and even the elusive Junonia. This 4-hour adventure includes about 15 minutes of boat travel each way and is packed with active shelling. Be prepared to walk, wade, rake, dig, and explore alongside Ali, your Shell Guide, who will help you spot and identify your best finds. Wildlife sightings like dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds often add extra magic along the way. Tours typically explore one island but may include a second stop if time and conditions allow. This is a physically demanding outing, best suited for adventurous shellers ready to work for their haul. Every tour is its own unique experience - book yours today and discover the wild beauty and shelling allure of the Ten Thousand Islands! See Availability & Book Your Shellventure – Spots Fill Fast! BOOK NOW LAUNCH LOCATION & PROCEDURE All 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 in with Ali at a table under the pavilion 15 minutes before launch; you'll receive your complimentary shell bags and any pre-purchased merchandise there. Everyone will walk down the ramp to board the boat together no later than the scheduled launch time. Important Parking Notes: Parking is usually not an issue after 3pm Parking is not an issue on rainy days! WHAT TO expect & BRING PHONE (REQUIRED) WATER LONG-SLEEVE WATER SHIRT WATER S HOES DRY BAG FOR PHONE/KEYS SUNSCREEN SUNGLASSES HAT PREFERRED FOOD/SNACKS PLASTIC CONTAINER FOR FRAGILE FINDS TOWEL CAMERA FOR PICS CASH TIP FOR CAPTAIN/CREW 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. A little prep goes a long way! Here’s what to keep in mind before your tour: Hydrate in advance! I’ll provide two water bottles per guest, but it may not be enough, especially if it heats up quickly. Bring a large water bottle if you can carry it to stay ahead of dehydration. 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. Be ready to hike! We might cover a few miles over different terrains, with possible island hopping. Travel light, as you'll need to carry your belongings, and the boat won't have extra room for storage after we disembark. Small Towel! A small microfiber towel packs easily and dries quickly. Can be a blanket on cold winter boat rides, and can keep you from sitting on hot boat seats in summer. Pack lite! Only bring what you can comfortably carry. Anything unnecessary should stay in your car. Bring your phone! It’s required to stay 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 wish to purchase your own or to know where I got mine!) WHAT YOUR GUIDE PROVIDES: Souvenir Shelling Bag Shell Sticker Sheet Dry Bag for Phone/Keys Handheld Fan (on hot/buggy days) Shell ID Card Water bottles Snacks (Peanut butter crackers, fruit gummies, Rice Krispies treats) Hand rake (for use if shell piles are present) First Aid kit (lety's try to avoid using) Keep everything except for the rake! C ollect only empty shells! 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... 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: About Kice Island Kice Island is located in the Ten Thousand Islands, a chain of islands and mangrove islets located off the coast of southwest Florida.... 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! Parking Guide: Goodland Boat Park All Ten Thousand Islands shelling boat tours launch from Goodland Boat Park (a stone's throw from Marco Island!), located at: 750 Palm... Is Tipping Included? What to Budget for Gratuity I'm often asked whether it is appropriate to tip the Guide and/or Captain, and what a reasonable amount might be. While I have considered... Seasonal Shelling Considerations Planning Your Shellventure in Southwest Florida Best Seasons, Conditions, and What to Expect If you’re planning a shelling excursion in... 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...

Join SWFL Shell Guide Ali for an unforgettable shelling tour to Naples' Keewaydin Island, one of Southwest Florida’s top shelling destinations. Discover rare seashells and enjoy the pristine beauty of this unique island BOOK NOW Keewaydin Unguided Shell Tour Best Shelling Tour Naples Marco Island Ten Thousand Islands (14) Albino Whelk Shell really pops! Seashells from Ali's SWFL Shell Guide tour to Keewaydin Island Keewaydin Unguided Shell Tour 1/19 KEEWAYDIN LOW TIDE SHELLING SHARED 4 hr Keewaydin Island - Rare Tides, Rare Finds This guided seashell adventure lets you comb the exposed sandbars of Keewaydin - one of the most beautiful Naples Marco Island beaches. This special tour is only offered on select days when super low - and sometimes even negative low - tides transform the southern tip of Keewaydin Island into a massive exposed sandbar. No swimming is required; the water will be so shallow that seashells sit glistening on the sand, waiting to be discovered. Cruise with a licensed, insured captain through the Ten Thousand Islands backwaters, where dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds often make appearances. Once we reach the island, you’ll have time to roam the sandbar at your own pace - whether you’re up for an active shell hunt or a laid-back beach stroll. Treasures you might uncover include conchs, tulips, whelks, sand dollars, and, if luck is on your side, the elusive Junonia. This experience is tide-dependent and only available a handful of times per year, making it truly rare and unforgettable. The 4-hour outing includes about 35 minutes of scenic boat ride each way. Launch point (either Bayview Park in Naples or Goodland Boat Park near Marco Island) will be confirmed the day before your trip. Don’t miss your chance to explore one of Southwest Florida’s best shelling spots - revealed only by the rarest tides! See Availability & Book Your Shellventure – Spots Fill Fast! BOOK NOW LAUNCH LOCATION This Keewaydin Island Shelling Boat Tour has two possible launch locations, so be sure to check your email for the correct launch spot the day before your tour! Bayview Park . Address: 1575 Danford Street, Naples, FL 34113. Parking Fee: $10 via mobile pay-to-park system G oodland Boat Park . Address: 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140. Parking Fee: $10 via mobile pay-to-park system Car spaces are extremely limited at both parks! All guests are strongly urged to ride-share, taxi/uber, or get dropped off at the park! There are restrooms at both parks, but no stores and no showers. WHAT TO BRING LONG-SLEEVE WATER SHIRT WATER S HOES DRY BAG FOR PHONE/KEYS SUNSCREEN SUNGLASSES HAT TOWEL PREFERRED FOOD/SNACKS PLASTIC BOX FOR FRAGILE FINDS CHAIR/UMBRELLA FOR REST/SHADE PHONE/CAMERA FOR PICS CASH TIP FOR CAPTAIN/CREW Be sure to wear close-toed water shoes! The terrain is a nice sandy beach, but there could be sharp things you don't wanna step on barefooted! There's no shade from the blazing sun on Keewaydin! 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 scoopers, diggers, walking sticks, etc! I do provide hand rakes to each guest if there are any piles to dig! Keewaydin is the ideal spot to use a water pitcher as an underwater viewer! 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 Captain or GUIDE PROVIDES WATER BOTTLES SOUVENIR SHELLING BAG STICKER SHEET SHELL ID CARD Guide provides water bottles and snacks (trail mix) for each guest, so please don't be shy! Ask for water/snacks as often as you like - the more you take, the lighter my load! Each guest will also receive a complimentary custom-designed (by yours truly) shell bag, which we will set to work filling with seashell treasures (collecting only empty shells, of course)! If you're lucky enough to book a tour when there are piles of shells (as opposed to smatterings), hand rakes are provided for your use in raking thru the piles. 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! KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK: Keewaydin Low Tide Shelling vs. Keewaydin Snorkeling – What’s the Difference? If you’ve been browsing the SWFL Shell Guide tour options, you may have noticed two different Keewaydin trips on the calendar: the... 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... 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: Parking Guide: Bayview Park Most Keewaydin shelling boat tours launch from Bayview Park (near downtown Naples), located at: 1575 Danford Street, Naples, FL 34112 🚨... About Keewaydin Island The Storied Past and Shelling Allure of Keewaydin Island Keewaydin Island, a pristine barrier island stretching roughly eight miles off... 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! Is Tipping Included? What to Budget for Gratuity I'm often asked whether it is appropriate to tip the Guide and/or Captain, and what a reasonable amount might be. While I have considered... Seasonal Shelling Considerations Planning Your Shellventure in Southwest Florida Best Seasons, Conditions, and What to Expect If you’re planning a shelling excursion in... 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...