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!
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
Goodland 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
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LONG-SLEEVE WATER SHIRT
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WATER SHOES
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DRY BAG FOR PHONE/KEYS
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SUNSCREEN
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SUNGLASSES
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HAT
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TOWEL
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PREFERRED FOOD/SNACKS
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PLASTIC BOX FOR FRAGILE FINDS
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CHAIR/UMBRELLA FOR REST/SHADE
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PHONE/CAMERA FOR PICS
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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
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WATER BOTTLES
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SOUVENIR SHELLING BAG
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STICKER SHEET
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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:
OTHER GOOD TO KNOW STUFF:
