Barrier Island Shelling Tour: Intimate Shell-Hunting Experience

Embark on a three-hour Barrier Island shelling tour for an intimate and immersive shell-hunting experience. Discover rare shells like the Junonia with our knowledgeable guides. Book now!

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Kice Island - Kice Island is regarded as the “shellers” island near Marco. The barrier island has fantastic shells on the gulf shore but is a notoriously difficult anchorage with a shallow mangrove shoreline, and is open to wind and waves. Our expert captains know where to go, and our certified Florida Master Nauturalist guides know where to find the rarest and most exotic shells.
What's Included
  • Parking fees
  • Cooler with Ice
  • Complementary shelling bags
What's Not Included
  • On-board restrooms
  • Food (Yes, you can bring your own food!)
  • Drinks (BYOB - please, no red wine!)
Additional Information

Barrier Island Shelling Tour
Embark on the Barrier Island Shelling Tour for an unparalleled shelling experience, perfect for those eager to find rare and exquisite seashells in pristine, secluded areas. This expertly guided boat tour transports you away from crowded beaches to prime shelling locations within the Ten Thousand Islands, where you can…

Location
220 Goodland Dr
Goodland Drive
Free parking across the street from Stan's Idle Hour Restaurant in the gravel lot behind the white fence.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(35 Ratings)
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Stellafar
Feb 20, 2026
Great Company - Best time and guide was so patient and accommodating with us!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Odyssey315258
Feb 3, 2026
Captain John 5 Star plus review - Captain John did a fantastic job ! Entertaining. Knowledgeable Friendly. Not enough good things about our trip and John we can say We found so many fabulous Shells with John’s help
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Becky
Jan 28, 2026
Outstanding morning w/Capt John! - This was an incredible morning! Capt John was outstanding…very attentive to us and very informative about the area, birds, etc as we were boating to each place. At the 1st island, we did shelling. Capt John was helping us dig, identifying various shells, and really attentive to our individual likes & needs. Then, we hit an island for sand dollars. Again-Capt John was great! This tour was amazing…ask for Capt John!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
446kathyo
Jan 28, 2026
Shelling and Dolphins So much FUN!! - Captain John was super helpful and very knowledgeable. We shelled and John found some dolphin to come out and play. Highly recommend!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shawnan449
Jan 24, 2026
Shelling with captain John - Captain John was an awesome tour guide. I have never gone shelling before and I can say it was a very great experience. My husband and I had a blast. Captain John had given us recommendations on local restaurants to eat at after the trip. He spoke a little about the osprey bird and some knowledge about them, once we got to the island he gave us tips on where to go and what to look for. He was very patient and didn’t seem overwhelmed or annoyed. He showed some passion in his job and what he does and I thought that was great. It makes for a better trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_s
Jan 9, 2026
It was a great time! ... - It was a great time! They only thing I would have changed is getting the kids good water shoes. Our guide was fantastic!
Review provided by Viator
Roberttwr
Jan 3, 2026
Relaxing Treasure Hunt - Wonderful and unique excursion. Captain Nate was personable and knowledgeable. Highly recommend for the shell and sand dollar hunters.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracyjw4650bj
Dec 22, 2025
Shelling trip - Capt Nate was fantastic. He showed us the ropes and helped us find unique shells. We had a fantastic time. I would totally recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chitownee
Oct 18, 2025
Informative and fun shelling tour - Captain Nate is an outstanding naturalist and captain. He shared with us tidbits about the wildlife in the area as well as how to find good shells. He even found some interesting one for us to take home! The pic does not capture ALL of the shells. We just highlighted the sand dollars! I would definitely recommend this shelling tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Remysa2024
Jul 27, 2025
Shells, Smiles & Starfish in the Ten Thousand Islands - Our tour included stops at Caxambas Sandbar and Dickman's Island, just a short 15-minute boat ride from the departure point. Along the way, our captain chatted with us about the local ecosystem and offered shelling tips. The boat was comfortable with cushioned seating and railings. This is an excellent small-group option for exploring the Ten Thousand Islands and getting closer to nature. I found sand dollars and a live starfish, which brought to mind that simple yet powerful story: “It mattered to that one.” And as they say about the elusive J shell, sometimes the shell finds you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $129
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).