One of the most common questions we get on tours is: "Which beach is better for finding [insert dream shell here]?"  While the tides, storms, and luck always play a role, there are definitely patterns when it comes to where certain shell species are more commonly found. Whether you're on a mission for a massive Horse Conch, a dainty Alphabet Cone, or perfectly intact Sand Dollars, this quick guide will help you plan your next shelling adventure. Below is a helpful chart showing which shells tend to be more common in the Ten Thousand Islands  (like Kice Island and Dickman’s) versus Keewaydin Island . Shelling Hotspots Comparison Chart Shell Species Photo Ten Thousand Islands Keewaydin Island Florida Fighting Conch Year Round Year Round Large Horse Conch Winter Low Tides or After Big Wind Storm Summer Low Tides Large Lightning Whelk Low Tides or After big Wind Storm Low Tides Alphabet Cone Immediately after big wind storm Negative low tides Lace Murex Apple Murex Rose Murex Florida Cone Lettered Olive Banded Tulip True Tulip After big wind storm Low tides Oysters Arc Clams Spiny Jewel Box Sand Dollars Sand bars at low tides Shark Eye Gaudy Natica Paper Fig Angel Wing Pear Whelk Nutmeg Top Shells Got a specific shell on your bucket list? Book a tour and let me know — I’ll be happy to help you maximize your chances! Happy shelling, ~Ali SWFL Shell Guide

We truly appreciate your support and loyalty, and we’re so grateful for those who serve. At this time, we don’t offer discounts for military or first responders. We work hard to keep our pricing fair and consistent for everyone, while maintaining the high quality and personal attention that make our tours special. For guests planning to book multiple tours, we do offer a Membership Discount Program ! Our annual membership is $80 and gives you 15% off all tour seats for a full year —a great option for frequent shellers or multi-day bookings.

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 tours let individuals or small groups book by the seat, with a maximum of six (6) total passengers per tour , in accordance with USCG regulations. Shared Tour Guidelines: Guided Tours (Keewaydin or 10k Islands): These tours require all 6 seats to be booked  in order to operate. If the tour isn’t full, it may be rescheduled or canceled . Unguided 10k Islands Tours: These may run with as few as 2 guests , though we aim to fill all 6 seats when possible. We'll contact you if the tour needs to be adjusted due to low turnout. Unguided Keewaydin Tours: These also require all 6 seats to be booked . If the tour doesn’t fill, it may be rescheduled or canceled. You can check how many seats are left at any time directly on our booking calendar . If you'd rather not worry about whether a tour will fill, or simply want the boat to yourselves, a Private Tour  is the way to go. One flat-rate booking secures the entire boat for your group (up to 6 guests)  and guarantees your tour—no matter how many seats you actually use. Pricing is equivalent to six shared tour seats , and your booking includes both the boat and the captain. Pro tip:  If you don’t see any private tours listed on the schedule, you can still make it a private tour by booking all 6 seats on any shared tour that fits your preferred date and time. Contact me for options!

📝 How (and Where) to Sign Your Tour Waivers We want to make your shellventure as smooth and stress-free as possible—including the paperwork! Here’s everything you need to know about how to sign the required digital waivers before your tour: When Do I Get the Waiver Link? As soon as your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a text message  with a personal link to your guest portal . This link is unique to your reservation and contains everything you need to get ready for your trip—including the waivers. Where Can I Find the Waivers? In your guest portal, you’ll see: Tour date and countdown What to bring Launch location and important reminders Once you start scrolling down you’ll see a blue button at the very bottom  that says SIGN WAIVERS . Just click it and complete the form for each guest in your group. What If I Don’t Sign Right Away? No worries—we’ll remind you! If you haven’t signed by the day before your tour, a reminder email will be sent from peek.com  with the waiver link again. Be sure to check your spam or junk folders  just in case it lands there. Do All Guests Need to Sign? Yes— every person attending the tour must have a signed waiver , regardless of age. That includes children, even infants, as required by our insurance and USCG regulations. Need help locating your portal link or waiver? Feel free to reach out and we’ll re-send it! See you on the sand soon! 🐚🌞

Understanding the Rarity and Timing of These Shelling Goldmines in SWFL One of the most common questions we get from serious shellers is: “When is the next negative low tide? I want to book a tour when the tides are at their lowest!” We get it! Negative low tides can feel like striking gold for shellers—but here’s what you need to know: What Is a Negative Low Tide? A negative low tide  means the water level drops below the average low tide line—literally below sea level. These extra-low tides expose areas of the sandbar and seafloor that are usually underwater, revealing fresh shell beds and hidden treasures that haven’t been picked over. But here’s the catch… negative low tides are rare  in Southwest Florida and very seasonal. When Do Negative Low Tides Happen in SWFL? You’ll only see negative low tides a few times per month, generally around the full moon  and new moon , and typically only in winter and summer —and never at convenient midday times. Their timing flips with the seasons: ❄️ Winter: Negative lows occur near sunrise You’ll arrive on the island at the lowest point, but the tide rises fast the entire rest of the tour Great for early-bird shellers who want first dibs on what’s been revealed overnight ☀️ Summer: Negative lows occur near sunset You’ll start the tour with the tide still high, and then it will drop fast as the tour goes on Great for seeing new shell beds emerge right before your eyes How to Track the Next One Negative low tides shift a little every day—it’s not as simple as circling a date on the calendar. If you want to target one of these shelling sweet spots, here’s how: ✅ Use a tide chart app  like Nautide . It’s my go-to app for checking daily tides, weather, and tidal coefficients. ✅ Look for tide predictions of -0.4ft or lower.  That’s a strong indicator that areas of the sandbar will be fully exposed. ✅ Check the Tidal Coefficient.  The higher that number, the bigger the difference between high and low tides—meaning stronger water movement, which can stir up and move more shells underwater. It’s a cool tool for predicting shell action even when tides aren’t negative! ✅ Don’t forget to check the TIME of low tide.  A super low tide that happens at 3am or after sunset isn’t very helpful if you’re not shelling in the dark. Aim for low tides that line up with daylight hours or golden-hour tours. ✅ Best windows: December–February  for early morning low tides May–July  for late afternoon low tides ✅ Or—just contact us  and we’ll help you find the next one that lines up with both nature and  our tour schedule. Should You Plan Around a Negative Low Tide? Negative low tides are exciting, but they’re not the only time to find amazing shells. The islands we visit are naturally loaded with treasures year-round—we don’t need extreme tides to score big. But if you’re someone who’s been dreaming of walking out further on the sandbar or seeing that hidden stretch of sea bottom, planning around one of these rare windows can be a special experience—just know you’ll have to work with nature’s clock and a bit of luck. Want me to keep an eye out for the next good one? Contact me , and I’ll let you know when a promising low tide aligns with tour availability. 💡 Pro Tip: Any time you see a Keewaydin Tour  offered on my schedule, you can assume the tide will be at least -0.1ft or lower —because I only  offer Keewaydin tours when the tide is right!

Let’s face it - summer in Southwest Florida can be brutally hot. The kind of hot that makes even the slightest breeze feel like a divine blessing. But with just a few smart tips and a little gear, you can beat the heat and stay comfortable during your shellventure - even on the steamiest days. Here are my top ways to stay cool on the islands: 1. Freeze a Water Bottle the Night Before This one’s a game-changer. Pop a reusable water bottle in the freezer the night before your tour. It’ll slowly melt throughout the tour, giving you ice-cold sips and doubling as a cooling pack. Pro move: Press it against your neck, face, and wrists during the hottest parts of the day. Instant relief. 2. Wear a Cooling Towel Around Your Neck Don’t underestimate the power of a cooling towel! Simply wet it, wring it out, snap it a few times, and drape it around your neck for a cooling effect that lasts for a while. It’s lightweight, reusable, and can make a huge difference in how you feel under that intense Florida sun. 3. Bring a Portable Fan (Especially When There’s No Breeze) A portable fan is your new best friend. Neck fans, mini handheld fans, or even simple folding fans will save you when the air goes still. Bonus: breezes also help keep no-see-ums and mosquitoes away, since they’re weak flyers. Rechargeable models are great - just make sure they’re fully powered the night before! Good old-fashioned handheld fans work wonders too! 4. Dress for the Heat Choose lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothing. Long-sleeve sun shirts and quick-dry shorts or leggings help protect your skin while keeping airflow moving. Skip the cotton - trust me on that. Pair your outfit with a cooling towel (yes, again!) and you’ll be feeling good even in the midday sun. 5. Bring Shade—There’s No Shade on the Islands There’s no natural shade on most of our shelling islands, so if you're sensitive to heat or sun, pack your own! A small pop-up beach tent or UV umbrella can make all the difference when you need a break from the unrelenting sun. Even a personal sunshade gives you a place to reset and cool down for a few minutes. 6. Bring a Long-Handled Shell Scoop A long-handled shell scoop doesn't just make shelling easier - it helps keep you cooler, too. Repeatedly bending down every single time you want to pick up a shell can be surprisingly exhausting, especially under the blazing Florida sun. All that extra exertion can increase your risk of heat exhaustion much faster than most people realize. Using a shell scoop lets you collect shells while standing upright, saving your back, knees, and energy. As an added bonus, it also doubles as a walking stick, giving you extra stability while crossing uneven sand, mud, or shallow water. The less unnecessary bending you do, the more energy you'll have to enjoy your shelling adventure. 7. Plan to Cool Off in the Water Before Heading Back We usually wrap up shelling a little early so you have time to wade in the shallows, rinse off, and cool down before boarding the boat. It’s a refreshing way to reset your body temperature after a hot walk in the sun. 8. Start Hydrating Early Start hydrating the day before your tour. The earlier, the better! On tour day, keep sipping water regularly - even if you don’t feel thirsty. That frozen water bottle you brought? Let it melt slowly and keep you cool and hydrated all morning long. Know the Signs of Heat Illness Even with the best preparation, Florida's summer heat can catch up with anyone. It's important to recognize the warning signs before they become serious. Heat Exhaustion Watch for: Heavy sweating Dizziness or lightheadedness Weakness or unusual fatigue Headache Muscle cramps Nausea or vomiting Cool, pale, clammy skin Fast pulse If you or someone in your group experiences these symptoms: Make some shade immediately. Drink cool water or an electrolyte drink slowly. Loosen or remove excess clothing. Apply cool, wet towels to the neck, wrists, and underarms. Rest until symptoms improve. Heat Stroke: A Medical Emergency Heat stroke can develop quickly and requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 immediately if someone: Stops sweating despite the heat Has hot, red skin Becomes confused or disoriented Has difficulty speaking or walking Faints or loses consciousness Has a body temperature above 104°F (40°C), if known While waiting for emergency responders: Move the person into shade. Cool them as quickly as possible using cool water, wet towels, or ice packs placed on the neck, armpits, and groin. Fan them continuously. Do not force fluids if they're confused, unconscious, or unable to safely swallow. When it comes to heat stroke, every minute counts. Stay Cool & Shell On 🌞🐚 Summer shelling is beautiful, but comfort is key to truly enjoying it. A little planning - cold drinks, breathable clothes, shade, and the right accessories - goes a long way. 👉 Click photo below to find direct links to Ali’s top recommended Amazon products for beating the heat while shelling! Wearable neck fans are a great way to stay cool on tour

After joining us on a coastal shellventure and collecting beautiful shells, you’re probably wondering how to showcase your finds in a way that highlights their natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, displaying your shells creatively can transform them into stunning home decor. Below, I’ve rounded up some favorite ideas for displaying shells, complete with product suggestions. Let’s dive in and turn your shell collection into a work of art! Full disclosure: this post contains paid links; as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. 1. Glass Jar Displays: Simple and Elegant Fill clear glass jars with your shells to create a timeless, coastal-inspired display. Layer different sizes, colors, and textures for visual interest, or mix in sand from your beach trips. - How to Do It : Choose a variety of jar sizes and shapes—mason jars, apothecary jars, or cylindrical vases work well. Arrange shells by color or type, and consider adding a small LED light inside for a glowing effect. - Pro Tip : Seal the jar for a polished look, or leave it open to add new finds from future shell tour trips. - Product Suggestion : 2. Shadow Box Art: A Coastal Gallery Create a museum-quality display with a shadow box. These framed boxes allow you to arrange shells in a 3D format, perfect for highlighting special pieces from your collection. - How to Do It : Select a shadow box with enough depth for your largest shells. Use adhesive or museum putty to secure shells in a pattern—try a spiral, grid, or freeform design. Add a fabric or painted background to make the shells pop. - Pro Tip : Label your shells with their names or the beach where you found them for a personal touch.- Product Suggestion : 3. Shell-Filled Terrarium Ornaments: Year-Round Charm Turn your shells into hanging ornaments for a whimsical display. These are perfect for holiday trees, window decor, or year-round coastal accents. - How to Do It : Use clear plastic or glass terrarium globe ornament, place shells, and add glitter or faux pearls for sparkle, or sand for a natural beach scene. Tie with twine or ribbon for a rustic look. - Pro Tip : Use shells small enough to fit through the ornament opening. - Product Suggestion : 4. Floating Shelves: Modern and Minimalist Display your shells on floating shelves for a clean, contemporary look. This method lets you rearrange your collection easily and mix in other coastal decor. - How to Do It : Install floating shelves on a wall and arrange shells by size or color. Pair with small potted plants, driftwood, or framed beach photos for a curated vibe. - Pro Tip : Group shells in odd numbers (3, 5, or 7) for a balanced, visually appealing display. - Product Suggestion : 5. Shell Mirror Frame: Functional Art Transform a plain mirror into a coastal masterpiece by adorning the frame with shells. This is a bold way to display your collection while adding function to your decor. - How to Do It : Use professional heavy-duty glue to attach shells to the frame of a round or rectangular mirror. Start with larger shells as a base and fill gaps with smaller ones for a textured look. - Pro Tip : Choose a color scheme (e.g., all white shells or a mix of vibrant hues) to match your room’s aesthetic. - Product Suggestion : Tips for Displaying Shells - Clean Your Shells : Before displaying, clean shells with warm water and a mild soap to remove sand or debris. Soak in a water-bleach solution (10:1 ratio) for tough stains, then dry thoroughly. - Rotate Your Display : Swap out shells seasonally or after new tours to keep your display fresh and reflective of your latest shellventures. Join Ali’s Shell Tour for More Shells to Display Need more shells to fuel your creative displays? Join us on tour to explore the best shell-hunting beaches. Book your next shellventure and collect treasures for your next project!

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 Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens Naples Botanical Garden Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary 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 Shops at Naples Tin City Kelly's Shell Shack 41 South Gift Hut 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