Kice Island Shelling Trip: 4-Hour Goodland Boat Tour to Ten Thousand Islands
Spend four hours exploring the quiet beaches of Kice Island and nearby sandbars off Goodland. Guides lead short beach walks to find olives, cones, and other shells while explaining the local ecology and safe collecting practices.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive Early for Parking
Goodland Boat Park has very limited parking and a $10 fee; arrive 30 minutes early to secure a spot and check in at the shaded pavilion.
Wear Water Shoes
Soft sand and shell fragments make reef or water shoes smart—they protect feet and make beach scrambling easier.
Protect from Sun and Wind
Bring broad-spectrum reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a lightweight wind layer—the sun is strong and sea breeze can be deceptive.
Leave Live Shells Alone
Take only empty, intact shells; if you see movement or a smell, return the specimen to the surf to protect local populations.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk the north side of Dickman’s Island for quieter drift lines.
- •Scan incoming tide lines early—rare shells often concentrate where debris gathers.
Wildlife
- •Bottlenose dolphin
- •Roseate spoonbill
Conservation Note
The area’s seagrass beds and bird nesting sites are sensitive—collect responsibly, avoid trampling dunes, and use reef-safe sunscreen to reduce chemical runoff.
The Ten Thousand Islands were formed by sea-level rise and shell-rich sediments; indigenous Calusa people used these waters for centuries before modern fishing and tourism developed.
Photographer's Notes
- • From the bow during approach through mangrove channels
- • On the sandbar at Dickman’s Island facing the incoming tide
- • Low-angle shots of shells arranged on wet sand
What to Bring
Closed-toe water shoesEssential
Protects feet from sharp shell edges and hot sand.
Wide-brim sun hatEssential
Shields face and neck during exposed beach time.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects you and the marine environment from harmful chemicals.
Light windbreaker or long-sleeve layer
Useful for morning breezes or cooler late-afternoon returns.
Common Questions
Where do we meet for the tour?
Meet at the shaded pavilion in Goodland Boat Park, 750 Palm Point Dr., Goodland, FL—arrive 30 minutes early for parking assistance and check-in.
How much shelling time is included?
Expect roughly 60–90 minutes on shore broken into one or two stops (including Dickman’s Island and nearby sandbars) plus cruising between spots.
Can children join this trip?
Yes; the tour is family-friendly. Children should be supervised on shore and able to climb a small step onto the boat.
Are live shells allowed to be collected?
No—collect only empty shells. Guides will show you how to identify live animals and what to leave behind to protect ecosystems.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The operator cancels in dangerous weather; you can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure per the policy.
Is food provided?
Bottled water is provided and the boat has a cooler with ice; bring snacks if you need more but avoid single-use plastics and pack out trash.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3–4 hours
Location
Goodland, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for people of most fitness levels; requires stepping onto a small skiff and walking up to a mile on flat sandy shorelines.
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