10,000 Islands Dolphin & Shelling Tour: Small-Group Experience
4.7
63 Ratings
Marco Island
Experience the best value tour in the 10,000 Islands Dolphin & Shelling Tour. Explore untouched islands, learn about shell animals, and enjoy a hands-on experience for all ages.
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Marco Island - While shelling remote island beaches, Marco Island will be in the background.
  • Gulf of Mexico - Shelling the uninhabited barrier island beaches of the 10,000 Islands overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Stunning views
  • TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS NWR - The 10,000 Islands Excursion is the best way to experience the natural world around Marco Island. Conducted within the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge, you will experience what many describe as, “The Best of Florida”.

The tour is a two-part experience. The first part is a slow, intimate boating tour amongst the remote islands of the Ten Thousand Islands. While you search for dolphins, manatees and sea turtles, you may encounter ospreys, bald eagles, ibis, roseate spoonbill, egrets, herons and any number of shorebird species. All the while, your formally trained Florida Master Naturalist guide will talk to you about the area’s ecosystems, it’s long history and rich culture. The second part of your excursion is an exploration of a remote barrier island beach … an island that you only can reach by boat … an island that few get to experience. Learn about beach dynamics; stroll through the tidal flats and wade the tidal pools of these remote islands.

What's Included
  • See an amazing variety of birds and wildlife
  • Guided by a Florida Master Naturalist
  • Enjoy great photo opportunities on a stable boat
  • Explore an uninhabited barrier island on an eco-tour
What's Not Included
  • Bottled water
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience the thrill of discovering untouched shells on islands sprawling with nature, untouched by hundreds of daily explorers. Our Shelling Guru will teach you not only about unique shell species but also the art of shelling itself. It’s an engaging learning experience for all ages. The guide will assist parents and grandparents who are keen to impart this knowledge.

No two tours are alike in this non-traditional, spontaneous adventure. Every day brings new experiences, discuss your preferences with your guide. The duration of our tour is approximately 3.5 hours and it leaves twice daily at 9:00 and at 1:30. Booking in advance is a must. And remember to bring your cameras!

  • Please arrive 20-25 minutes before departure to park and use the bathroom facilities. The tour boards 5 minute before the departure time.
Location
750 Palm Point Dr
Palm Point Drive
This the Goodland Boat Park. Your phone's GPS will take you there. Please meet your captain under the covered picnic table pavillion. It is to the left of the Marina office as you are face the office.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(63 Ratings)
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Kevin_s
Mar 20, 2024
This trip is a must! - This is our second time going and it was great!! We saw a ton of dolphins and saw two different islands from last time. We found lots of sponges and sand dollars. We learned a lot about the dolphins and birds. Highly recommend this trip to anyone.
Review provided by Viator
Andrew
Nov 21, 2023
Wildlife and Shelling trip - Awesome day out, wildlife on the trip is spectacular, shelling was great, Csptain Nik was fab, highlight of the trip where the Dolphins surfing behind the boat, highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin_s
Nov 15, 2023
Best day! - We had the best day!! Kate was extremely knowledgeable and so nice! I got the best shells EVER!! We had the perfect weather. I think I smiled the entire time! We will definitely be back!!! Highly recommend to all!
Review provided by Viator
Tayler_g
Oct 17, 2023
Best Tour Ever - This was by far the best tour we took while in Florida. The guy that took us on the tour was very nice and made sure we had a great time. We first went to the secluded beach that had the most gorgeous shells that we could take with us. He helped us find rare shells and knew a lot about them. Next he took us out to where he saw a dolphin the day before and we saw a Manatee and 3 dolphins. He got 2 of the dolphins to be very playful and they dived out of the water multiple times and we got great pictures. He was very informative about all the islands and answered all our questions. I definitely suggest everyone take this tour you won't regret it. We had the best time.
Review provided by Viator
Aleobert
Jun 14, 2023
GREAT!!! - It was a great experience, our captain/guide so nice and kind, she explained us everything about Marco and ten thousand islands. We recommend the tour!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
226karia
Mar 22, 2023
Awesome time and a must do tour!! - Great experience! Captain Kate was amazing and so knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife. This was a great tour and highly recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katie_s
Mar 12, 2023
Our guide was awesome!!!... - Our guide was awesome!!! He was so knowledgeable- we learned so much about the amazing ecosystem that surrounded us. Shelling was great and we were able to see dolphins jumping in the wake of the boat as we cruised through the islands !
Review provided by Viator
Tessh453
Mar 11, 2023
Wonderful Experience! - My husband and I were the only passengers for the small group 3.5 hour tour and our captain Jamie tailored the trip to us. We had dolphins jumping in the wake of the boat, we shelled on two islands and as we toured the surrounding islands, she gave us lots of information of the area, answering all our question! It was a great trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
St8byst8
Mar 1, 2023
A perfect morning! - We had a great time with Kevin on the 10000 island excursion. It was a perfect morning for a boat ride! We saw quite a few dolphins and watched as they swam really close to the boat. We stopped at a couple of islands to walk and look at the thousands of shells. We also found a couple of horseshoe crabs. All in all a very enjoyable experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D1737hglauraf
Mar 24, 2023
Okay - Our guide was very nice and knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife. There were only four people on the boat, which was great. The boat was below average I would say, just a flat platform with a few chairs bolted down. Not particularly comfortable. No bathrooms for a 3.5 hour tour. I also thought for $150 each it would have been a nice gesture to have a cooler with some cold water, or something. I brought water, but I saw other tours go by with coolers and I thought that would have been very nice! My daughter enjoyed shelling. We only stopped on one island and several other boats were there at the same time. It wasn’t crowded necessarily, but it made it feel like a tourist stop. As much as I wanted 3.5 hours, I think a two hour cruise would have been plenty.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 6 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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