Keewaydin Island Shelling and Dolphin Tour — Naples Boat Trip Guide
Cruise Naples Bay to Keewaydin Island for three hours of dolphin sightings, shelling on a nine-mile sugar-sand beach, and interpretive stories from experienced captains. Family-friendly and education-focused, the tour pairs wildlife viewing with practical beach time.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Sun over open water is intense; choose reef-safe SPF and reapply every 90 minutes to protect skin and the Gulf ecosystem.
Wear water shoes
Shell-strewn beaches can be sharp—light, closed-toe water shoes protect feet and make walking on sand easier.
Pack a small dry bag
Keep electronics and keys dry during boarding and shelling; a 5–10L dry bag is ideal for a half-day trip.
Follow the naturalist’s guidance
Leave live shells and dune vegetation undisturbed—guides will show what can be collected and why it's important to leave some things behind.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Watch for small sand spits that appear after low tides—these often concentrate unusual shells.
- •Scan mangrove edges for juvenile fish and fiddler crabs that feed in the tidal flats just off the islands.
Wildlife
- •Bottlenose dolphin
- •Royal tern
Conservation Note
Operators commonly emphasize leave-no-trace shelling and reef-safe products; preserving live shell populations and dune vegetation is key to the island’s health.
The Naples shoreline was historically used by the Calusa people and later developed into private waterfront estates; barrier islands like Keewaydin have long served as resource zones for shellfish and birds.
Photographer's Notes
- • Bow of the boat for dolphin action shots
- • Shoreline clusters where shells collect
- • Mangrove channel edges for bird and estuary scenes
What to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin and reduces harm to marine life during sun-heavy Gulf crossings.
Water shoesEssential
Protects feet on shell-covered beaches and shallow shore approaches.
Binoculars
Helps spot distant dolphins, birds, and subtle shoreline details from the boat.
Light dry bagEssential
Keeps phones, wallets, and cameras safe from spray and sandy pockets on the beach.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour is approximately three hours from the meet point to return.
Can children join?
Yes—this trip is family-friendly; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and crew will advise on safe boarding.
Will we see dolphins?
Dolphins are commonly seen—captains know local pods and routes—but wildlife sightings can't be guaranteed.
Can I take shells home?
You may collect empty, unprotected shells; guides will point out protected species like live conchs which must not be taken.
Are there restroom facilities?
There are no restrooms on Keewaydin; boats depart from the docks where facilities may be available before boarding.
What happens if it rains?
Trips are canceled for severe weather; if conditions are marginal captains will decide and the operator offers refunds for cancellations at least 24 hours prior.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours
Location
Naples, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for people of all fitness levels; requires short walks on sand and stable balance boarding the boat.
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