MARCO ISLAND GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Hunt for Junonias and Dolphins: A Guided Shelling Charter through the Ten Thousand Islands
A small-group, expert-led outing from Goodland into the Ten Thousand Islands to find rare shells and observe mangrove wildlife.
Hunt for Junonias and Dolphins: A Guided Shelling Charter through the Ten Thousand Islands.
From Goodland, this Shelling Charter threads into the Ten Thousand Islands’ maze of mangroves, where guides point out playful dolphins, soaring ospreys and the occasional manatee while you comb secluded beaches for junonias, alphabet cones, tulip shells, murex’s, calico scallops and prized sand dollars.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Rare finds on quiet beaches
Search sandy shores for a long checklist of collectible shells—junonias, alphabet cones, tulip shells, murex’s, calico scallops and prized sand dollars—guided by an operator familiar with the islands’ best spots.
Mangroves, dolphins and manatees
The charter navigates mangrove channels where you can encounter playful dolphins, soaring ospreys and, at times, manatees—making the trip as much about wildlife viewing as shell collecting.
Personalized, small-group exploration
With a maximum of six passengers, trips are personalized: expect expert guidance, island history and tailored time ashore at secluded beaches in the Ten Thousand Islands.
What the day feels like
What the charter feels like
This is a nature-first outing: you meet your captain in Goodland, push into mangrove-fringed channels, watch for wildlife from the boat, and land on sheltered beaches to hunt shells—an immersive, expert-led exploration of the Ten Thousand Islands.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits— and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips run between 4 and 8 hours; confirm your exact departure time when booking and meet the captain at the Goodland Boat Park.
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks, shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen for time on boat and shore.
The charter carries no more than six passengers; assess mobility needs with the operator in advance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Shelling Charter?
Trips run from 4 to 8 hours.
Where do we meet the captain?
Meet your captain at the Goodland Boat Park, 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, Florida 34140.
How many people are on each trip?
The charter is limited to a maximum of six passengers.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes—this experience is described as for all ages.
What will we look for on shore?
Expect to search for junonias, alphabet cones, tulip shells, murex’s, calico scallops and sand dollars on secluded beaches.
What wildlife might we see?
The trip explores mangroves and the Ten Thousand Islands where you may see dolphins, ospreys and manatees.