MARCO ISLAND GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Six Hours Shelling the Ten Thousand Islands: Mangroves, Dolphins and Junonias
A guided, six-hour public shelling tour from Marco Island that combines wildlife viewing and expert-led searches for prized shells on secluded beaches.
Six Hours Shelling the Ten Thousand Islands: Mangroves, Dolphins and Junonias.
Set out from Marco Island into the Ten Thousand Islands’ network of lush mangroves and hidden beaches for a six-hour, expert-guided shelling expedition. Expect close wildlife encounters—from playful dolphins and soaring ospreys to possible manatee sightings—while your guide interprets island history and leads searches for rare finds along the sand.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dolphins, Ospreys and Manatees
The tour moves through wildlife-rich water and shoreline where participants regularly encounter dolphins and ospreys and may spot manatees, making wildlife viewing a constant thread through the day.
Hunts for Junonias, Tulip Shells and More
Guided searches on secluded beaches target a roster of prized finds—junonias, alphabet cones, tulip shells, murex species, calico scallops and sand dollars—offering collectors and casual beachcombers alike a focused shelling experience.
Secluded Beaches and Mangrove Channels
The itinerary threads mangrove channels and quiet barrier-island beaches in the Ten Thousand Islands, where expert guidance pairs natural history with personalized exploration of shorelines few daytrippers reach.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Across six hours you’ll transit mangrove-sliced waterways and land on remote sandbars and beaches for hands-on searching. The rhythm alternates boat travel and shore time: guided orientation and natural-history notes, slow scans for wildlife, then concentrated shell-hunting on stretches of sand where rare specimens turn up.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this trip.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The public shelling tour runs for 6 Hours.
Meet your captain at the Goodland Boat Park, 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, Florida 34140.
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks, shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.
This public shelling tour is operated by Holy Mackerel Charters LLC.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour duration is 6 Hours.
Where do I meet the captain?
Meet at the Goodland Boat Park located at 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, Florida 34140.
What kinds of shells might I find?
Searches target junonias, alphabet cones, tulip shells, murex species, calico scallops and prized sand dollars.
What should I bring on the trip?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks, shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes—the tour is described as for all ages.
Will I see wildlife on the tour?
Yes; the trip explores mangroves and shoreline habitat where participants can encounter dolphins, ospreys and may spot manatees.