Captain Evan’s Private Shelling, Dolphin & Ten Thousand Islands Passage from Goodland

GOODLAND BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Captain Evan’s Private Shelling, Dolphin & Ten Thousand Islands Passage from Goodland

A private, guided boat tour out of Goodland and Marco Island that pairs shelling on secluded islands with near-shore dolphin encounters — useful for planning time, cost and capacity before you book.

Captain Evan’s Private Shelling, Dolphin & Ten Thousand Islands Passage from Goodland.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Goodland
Operator
Sand Dollar Boat Tours
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set out from Goodland into the shallow, maze-like waterways south of Marco Island for a private, captain-led cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands. The trip pairs close-up wildlife viewing — dolphins are a regular sighting — with guided shelling excursions on secluded beaches, and is presented with local stories and island history by Captain Evan and the Sand Dollar Boat Tours crew.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WILDLIFE

Dolphins in the shallows

Dolphin viewing is a central draw of the trip: tours include dolphin excursions in the waters around Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands, where wildlife encounters are frequent.

THE BEACHES

Secluded shelling on islands

Guests are taken to secluded islands deep in the Ten Thousand Islands to hunt for prized seashells, places described as largely untouched and ideal for family shelling adventures.

THE GUIDE

Local stories and focused service

Led by Captain Evan and his experienced crew, the tours combine natural history, local lore and entertaining narration; the operator is recognized by regional resorts and media for quality boat tours.

What the day feels like

What the trip feels like

The tour unfolds as a relaxed, private cruise: you’ll depart the Goodland/Marco Island area aboard a Sand Dollar Boat, run a short distance south of Naples and Fort Myers into the Ten Thousand Islands, stop on quiet sandbars and keys for shelling, and spend time watching for dolphins and other coastal wildlife while the captain shares island history and stories.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits best

1
Families with childrenWell suited — the tour is listed as appropriate for all ages and is marketed as family-friendly entertainment with stories and hands-on shelling.
2
Small private groupsIdeal for groups of up to six under the standard pricing and boat arrangements; private booking keeps the experience focused and flexible.
3
Larger groupsAccommodations exist for larger parties — the operator also runs a 26-person boat — but you should call ahead to arrange rates and availability.
4
Casual nature loversA good match for travelers who want relaxed wildlife viewing and beachcombing rather than strenuous activity; tours emphasize sightseeing, shelling and local history.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to know about capacity

Standard pricing and listed rates are for groups up to six people using the 6-person boats; the operator also has a 26-person boat for larger groups — call the operator to arrange larger bookings.

Booking durations & rates

Private charter options are offered in 3-, 4- and 6-hour blocks with published starting rates for up to six people.

Operator & guide

Tours are run by Sand Dollar Boat Tours and led by Captain Evan and his experienced crew, who narrate local history and natural highlights.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long are the tour options?

Tours are offered in 3-, 4- and 6-hour durations.

What does a private tour cost?

Published starting rates for up to six people are $650 for 3 hours, $800 for 4 hours, and $1,100 for 6 hours.

How many people fit on the boats?

The operator has 6-person boats (standard) and a 26-person boat for larger groups; rates listed are for up to six people and you should call to arrange larger groups.

What will we see and do on the trip?

Expect guided shelling on secluded islands in the Ten Thousand Islands, dolphin viewing, and narration about local wildlife and island history from Captain Evan.

Is this tour suitable for children or older guests?

Yes — the tour is advertised as suitable for all ages and is described as family-friendly.

Who operates the tour?

Sand Dollar Boat Tours operates these private shelling, dolphin and Ten Thousand Islands excursions, led by Captain Evan.