2-hour Shelling Boat Tour in the 10,000 Islands

Exploring the stunning 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge is an unforgettable experience. The 2-hour Shelling Boat Tour departs from Goodland, Naples, led by a certified master naturalist. This intimate tour accommodates up to 17 travelers, offering personalized attention as you discover remote coastlines and spot local wildlife. Participate in shelling on pristine beaches, making it a family-friendly adventure in Florida’s natural beauty. But what makes this tour truly exceptional? Let’s dive in and find out.

Good To Know

• A 2-hour guided boat tour that departs from Goodland, Naples, USA and explores the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
• Led by a certified master naturalist, offering expert commentary on the local sea life and wildlife.
• Opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans, and manatees, as well as collect shells on untouched coastlines.
• Suitable for most travelers, including families, with a maximum of 17 participants for personalized attention.
• Pricing at $109.95 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The 2-hour guided shelling boat tour departs from Goodland, Naples, USA, and explores the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

Led by a certified master naturalist, the tour’s highlights include the opportunity to spot local wildlife like sea turtles, bottlenosed dolphins, pelicans, and manatees.

With a maximum of 17 travelers, the tour offers personalized attention as it focuses on shelling at untouched coastlines in the Gulf of Mexico.

Recommended by 95% of travelers with 80 reviews and a 4.8 rating, this family-friendly activity provides expert commentary on sea life and an escape from the crowds.

What to Expect

On the tour, travelers can expect expert commentary on sea life from the knowledgeable naturalist guide.

They’ll escape the crowds and discover remote natural landscapes in the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, they may spot playful dolphins and have opportunities to go shelling on the untouched coastlines of the Gulf of Mexico.

The family-friendly activity is suitable for most travelers, though infants must sit on laps. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Travelers meet the captain under the covered picnic table pavilion to the left of the Marina store at the Goodland Boat Park, located at 750 Palm Point Dr, Goodland, FL 34140, USA. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

What to Bring

Recommended items for the shelling boat tour include water, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, water shoes, bags for collecting shells, and a towel.

The 10,000 Islands can get quite sunny, so protecting your skin is essential. Water shoes will make navigating the rocky shorelines more comfortable.

Bring bags to safely store any treasures you find, like unique seashells. Don’t forget a towel in case you want to dry off after wading in the shallow waters.

Packing these essentials will ensure you’re prepared to make the most of your shelling adventure.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The shelling boat tour is priced at $109.95 per person. This fee covers the guided 2-hour excursion through the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour. This provides flexibility in case plans change. Plus, there’s a reserve now, pay later option available.

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 95% of travelers recommending it. Guests can expect a personalized experience with a maximum of 17 travelers per tour.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

While the shelling boat tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 95% of travelers recommending it, some guests expressed a desire for more dedicated shelling time.

The tour’s knowledgeable and caring crew, exciting dolphin interactions, and informative commentary were consistently praised. However, some visitors felt the time allocation between shelling and dolphin watching could be improved, noting limited shelling opportunities.

The tour is highly recommended for families and nature enthusiasts, offering:

• Breathtaking natural landscapes
• Opportunities to spot diverse wildlife
• Hands-on shelling experiences
• Educational commentary from experts
• Memorable family adventures

Exploring the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge

As guests embark on the shelling boat tour, they’re immersed in the captivating ecosystem of the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

This protected coastal area is home to diverse wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees. The naturalist guide provides expert commentary, helping visitors appreciate the delicate balance of this fragile environment.

Travelers explore remote, untouched coastlines, searching for unique shells along the Gulf of Mexico’s shores. The refuge’s mangrove forests and shallow waterways offer a peaceful escape from crowds, allowing guests to connect with the natural world.

Discovering the Wonders of Shelling

Embarking on the shelling boat tour in the 10,000 Islands, guests quickly discover the wonders of this captivating activity.

Expert guides lead the way, sharing insights and highlighting the best shelling spots along the untouched coastlines.

Participants have the opportunity to:

• Uncover a diverse array of shells, from delicate sand dollars to vibrant cone shells.
• Explore remote and secluded beaches, far from the crowds.
• Learn about the intricate ecosystems that nurture these natural treasures.
• Experience the thrill of the hunt, as each shell discovery sparks excitement.
• Bring home a unique collection of souvenirs, each with its own captivating story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Beverages on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and beverages on the tour. The tour overview states that recommended items to bring include water, and there’s no mention of restrictions on outside food or drink.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available at the Meeting Point?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the Goodland Boat Park meeting point for the tour. Guests can use the public restrooms located near the Marina store before or after the boat excursion.

Do I Need Any Prior Experience With Boating or Shelling?

No prior boating or shelling experience is required. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including beginners. The certified naturalist guide provides expertise and equipment to ensure an enjoyable and informative experience for all participants.

How Much Time Is Typically Spent Shelling Versus Wildlife Viewing?

The tour typically spends more time on wildlife viewing than shelling. While there are opportunities to explore the coastline and collect shells, the focus is on spotting local marine life like dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Shells During the Tour?

The tour does not include opportunities to purchase souvenirs or additional shells during the experience. Travelers are encouraged to bring their own bags or containers to collect shells found along the untouched coastlines visited during the boat tour.

The Sum Up

The 2-hour shelling boat tour in the stunning 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge offers a chance to explore remote coastlines, spot local wildlife, and partake in the unique activity of shelling on pristine beaches. Led by a certified master naturalist, this intimate tour provides personalized attention and expert commentary, making it a memorable family-friendly adventure in Florida’s natural beauty.