Shelling Boat Tour to Ten Thousand Islands Unguided
colorful vibrant seashells collected on tour with SWFL Shell Guide
Where will you display the prizes you collect on tour with SWFL Shell Guide?
Shelling Boat Tour to Ten Thousand Islands Unguided
UNGUIDED
SHELLING
BOAT TOUR
10K ISLANDS
4 hr shared
Explore Freely in the Ten Thousand Islands
Ready to shell at your own pace? Our Unguided Shelling Tour is designed for experienced beachcombers who know the terrain and prefer to explore independently. You’ll ride with a licensed and insured captain to one of the shelliest islands in the Ten Thousand Islands—usually Kice Island or another prime spot—then enjoy several hours of self-guided shelling bliss in a remote, wild setting.
This 4-hour tour includes about 15 minutes of boat travel each way and typically visits just one island. With no guide dictating the pace, you're free to roam, dig, wade, and hunt for treasures like conchs, whelks, tulips, and maybe even a rare Junonia!
What to Know:
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Perfect for shellers who’ve visited before and want independent time on the islands
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Bring your own water, snacks, and shelling tools (a complimentary shell bag is included)
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The captain will remain offshore—please return promptly at the designated pickup time
Whether you're chasing rare finds or just seeking peace and quiet in paradise, this tour offers the freedom to explore your way. Happy shelling!
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 and Ships Store on site. No showers or washdown stations)
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.
CHECK THE EMAIL 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. You'll receive your complimentary shell bags and any pre-purchased merchandise at that time
Important Note for Afternoon Tours:
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Parking is usually not an issue after 3pm
WHAT TO EXPECT
& BRING
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PHONE - REQUIRED
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WATER
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LONG-SLEEVE WATER SHIRT
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WATER SHOES/SNEAKERS
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DRY BAG FOR PHONE/KEYS
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SUNSCREEN
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SUNGLASSES
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MORE WATER
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HAT
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PREFERRED FOOD/SNACKS
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PLASTIC BOX FOR FRAGILE FINDS
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TOWEL
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CHAIR/UMBRELLA FOR REST/SHADE
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CAMERA FOR PICS
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CASH TIP FOR CAPTAIN
A little prep goes a long way! Here’s what to keep in mind before your tour:
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Hydrate in advance! Start drinking water now because you'll need it. You're responsible for bringing your own water and carrying it while exploring. Make sure you pack more than enough! Even if the day starts off cool or breezy, it can warm up fast. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are serious, so don’t take any chances.
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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.
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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 to prevent blisters.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pack light! Only bring what you can comfortably carry. Anything unnecessary should stay in your car.
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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.
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Keep an eye on the time. Be sure to keep track of the time. You’ll need to be back at the pickup spot (where you were dropped off) 15 minutes before the tour's scheduled end time. For example, if your tour runs from 7am to 11am, you'll need to be back by 10:45am. A great tip is to set an alarm for 1 hour before the end of the tour—this should give you plenty of time to return if you’ve explored far into the island.
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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!)
KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK:
OTHER GOOD TO KNOW STUFF:
