Private Half-Day Shelling & Dolphin EcoTour — 10,000 Islands (Goodland, FL)
Skim shallow mangrove channels and hunt for rare shells while dolphins escort your private boat across the Ten Thousand Islands. This half-day tour from Goodland focuses on shelling hotspots, coast ecology and intimate wildlife encounters.
The Experience
Before You Go
Morning departures are calmer
Book a morning trip for glassy water and cooler temperatures—ideal for seeing dolphins and spotting shells in shallow flats.
Wear reef shoes
Soft sandbars and small shell shards make reef shoes a must for comfortable walking and better footing on uneven flats.
Use polarized sunglasses
Polarized lenses reduce glare and reveal shells and sand patterns under shallow water much more clearly.
Respect wildlife and nests
Keep distance from bird colonies and turtle nesting areas; your guide will steer clear but stay alert to signage and instructions.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Paddle a short mangrove channel on the way back for quiet birdwatching
- •Low-tide sand spits off Kice Island often hold the best concentrated shell patches after a northerly swell
Wildlife
- •Bottlenose dolphins
- •Great blue herons and other shorebirds
Conservation Note
Guides practice low-wake navigation and teach visitors about shell bed recovery; limiting group size helps reduce impact on sensitive flats and bird habitat.
The Ten Thousand Islands were traditional harvest areas for the Calusa people; later 19th-century fishermen and early tourists developed Goodland as a small fishing community.
Photographer's Notes
- • Bow of the boat as you approach a sandbar
- • Low sand spit looking back toward mangrove channels
- • Near dolphin sightings for action shots (use a fast shutter)
What to Bring
Reef shoesEssential
Protects feet from shell edges and provides traction on wet sandbars.
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Improves visibility of shells in shallow, reflective water.
Broad-spectrum sunscreenEssential
Crucial protection from strong Gulf sun reflected off water.
Light waterproof jacket
Wind and occasional cold fronts can make mornings brisk; a light layer helps.
Common Questions
How many people are on each boat?
Boats are limited to six passengers per private charter; multiple boats can be arranged for larger groups.
Will we definitely see dolphins?
Dolphins are commonly sighted along the route but wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed—guides choose routes that maximize chances.
Can we keep the shells we find?
You may take reasonable personal keepsakes; avoid removing large quantities and follow state rules for protected species and archaeological material.
Is the trip child-friendly?
Yes—infants must sit on an adult’s lap; the trip is considered easy, but parents should be prepared for sun exposure and brief wading.
Where does the tour depart from?
Walker's Coon Key Marina on E Palm Ave, Goodland (604 E Palm Ave); arrive early to park and check in.
What happens in bad weather?
Tours are cancellable for full refund at least 24 hours prior; operators may cancel for bad weather or unsafe sea conditions and will reschedule or refund accordingly.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours
Location
Goodland, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to step on/off a low boat and walk short distances on uneven sandbars.
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