Your Family's Gotta Try This: Shelling in Thousand Islands Preserve

By Lauren Tjaden

Treasure Seekers Shell Tours invites you to climb aboard one of their boats for an expedition to Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, accessible only by boat, in quest of a rainbow of shells and the memories of a lifetime.

This Southwest Florida adventure delivers:
- an voyage extraordinaire to the pristine barrier islands of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, part of the largest expanse of mangrove forest in North America;
- an epic journey across the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with a Master Naturalist to reveal its secrets;
- a chance to spot wildlife like mangrove cuckoos, bald eagles, Florida manatees and bottle-nosed dolphins;
- and the prospect of discovering shells in an astonishing variety of colors, textures, shapes and sizes, including rose petal tellins, alphabet cones, lightning whelks, and the ever-elusive Junonia.

Here’s a planner for your escapade – including driving distances, different kinds of tours, and physical requirements – plus accommodations and other adventure opportunities.

Time Allowance

Shelling tours last from three to six hours, depending on which you choose, and combined shelling and fishing tours run as long as eight hours. Combined with travel time, this means you should plan for anywhere from a half to a very-full day of family fun.

Distance From Big Cities

Goodland Boat Park is about 10 minutes from central Marco Island; 37 minutes from Naples; two hours 20 minutes from Miami; two hours from Fort Lauderdale Airport and about the same from Port Everglades; and four hours 15 minutes from Orlando.

Physical Demands, Cautions and Rules

Be prepared to board the boat in the water. All of the islands you’ll be visiting are only accessible by boat and are uninhabited. This means that on the islands there are no docks and boarding may take place on the sand or in the water. While it’s uncommon, be prepared to get up to your waist in the water.

Shelling tours are all about walking. You should expect to walk on uneven sandy ground, around tree stumps and through mud for the duration of the tour. You’ll be expected to walk a distance of at least one mile in these conditions. If you’re unsteady on your feet or have a physical disability, please consult with Treasure Seekers’ office before your tour date so you can discuss how they can best accommodate you on your adventure.

Smoking isn’t permitted in Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen
  • Water shoes (flip-flops won’t work in the rugged terrain)
  • Hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Shell bags or bucket (no grocery bags or Ziplocs)
  • Snacks/food
  • Bag or bucket for shells
  • Small Tupperware container for sand dollars or delicate treasures
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Jacket/sweatshirt/towel (In the winter months, the boat ride may be chilly)
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Complimentary water and tea are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own beverages

What to Expect

Treasure Seekers’ experienced captains are dedicated to providing not only a safe but comfortable ride through the Ten Thousand Islands waterways. The boat ride to shelling hotspots will take about 15-20 minutes.

You’ll discover a natural barrier island coastline, with wildlife that includes soaring ospreys and playful dolphins-- and a bounty of shells, as the islands are uniquely positioned to collect shell deposits from the Gulf of Mexico.

The crew is well versed in finding the best shelling locations, but they’re at the mercy of nature. If your first stop doesn’t meet expectations, the crew may choose to take you to another island. The movements from island to island are at the sole discretion of the crew.

How to Book Your Tour and Options

All of Treasure Seekers’ tours promise an intimate experience, with a maximum of six guests per vessel. Multiple boats can be used for large groups.

1. To start, choose your main area of interest. Treasure Seekers offers shelling tours; eco and shelling tours (private only); eco and sunset tours (private only); and shelling and fishing tours.

2. Decide if you’d like a public tour, with four to six guests, or a private tour with six guests maximum per boat. If your party has fewer than six guests and you select a public tour, your tour may include guests outside of your party. Private tours or charters are limited to only your guests and are not available to the public.

3. Select your tour and view the calendar for tour availability and times before completing your online reservation.

Restrooms

Treasure Seekers’ 25-foot Sea Pro boats include a flushable toilet onboard. When you arrive for your tour, it’s recommended you take advantage of the restroom at the boat park facility before departure to the islands.

Directions and Parking

Tours depart from Goodland Boat Park, 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140.

You’re required to pay a $10 parking fee, payable inside the boat park facility store and place the receipt in clear view on your dashboard. If you have a Collier County Beach Permit, you’re not required to pay for parking.
Don’t park in the spots marked ‘Trailered Vehicles Only’ as these are strictly enforced. Overflow parking is available nearby along the roadside. Uber, Lyft rideshare or drop off is highly recommended if going out on an afternoon tour.

The park website has all the details.

Seasonal Differences

The average daytime high temperature is 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 centigrade) in January, rising a couple of degrees warmer in February. March, April and May feature average highs from the high 70s to high 80s; while June through September promises average highs in the low 90s. October and November cool off a little, with average highs in the 80s; and December provides a comfortable average high of 77. June, July, August and September are the rainiest months.

Peak season starts in November and continues through the winter months, and during the holidays – including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year –the island can be busy. The least busy time to visit Marco Island is in September and October.

Travelers with Disabilities

If you’re unsteady on your feet or have a physical disability, please consult with Treasure Seekers’ office before your tour date so you can discuss how they can best accommodate you on your adventure.

Food and Drink

When you’re looking fuel up before the day’s adventures, or refuel after them, Marco Island’s eateries are sure to satisfy.
Waterfront restaurants include Sunset Grille, with an island vibe, crab cakes and cocktails; CJ’s on the Bay, famed for their lobster fries; Snook Inn, with live entertainment daily; and Stilts Bar and Grille, sited in the Marriott Vacation Club, featuring a decadent grouper sandwich and stellar beachfront view.

For an upscale eating, try Sale e Pepe, serving up delectable Southern Italian fare and wines; Fin Bistro, delivering ocean-to-table fare paired with signature cocktails or wine; Marco Prime, welcoming diners with juicy porterhouses and ribeyes; or DaVinci Restaurant Italiano, pleasing palates with creations like lobster ravioli, linguini with clams and pizza.

Island casual joints include Michelbob’s Championship Ribs & Steaks, where you’ll need a second helping of napkins; Lee Be Fish Company, for a fresh-catch indulgence; and Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill, a hidden gem tantalizing tastebuds with chilly Rum Runners, pulled pork sandwiches and crab towers. And there’s more! Joeys Pizza and Pasta boasts a large variety of pizza toppings and sizable portions; while Marco Island Brewery, a relaxed brewhouse, delivers a large selection of beer on tap, 40 flat-screen TV’s and innovative pub grub.

Breakfast favorites include Doreen’s Cup of Joe, with creative takes on morning fare like breakfast nachos and key lime pancakes; and Red Rooster, with no-nonsense traditional meals.

Accommodations

The nearest hotels are located in Marco Island, about 15 minutes away from Goodland Boat Park. Hotels in Naples are about 40 minutes from the Park. Here are places to stay in both cities from the area’s visitors services. You can filter the listings for type of lodging; amenities; location (for instance, beachfront, waterfront, near the airport and so on); and special categories like pet-friendly and adult-only.

Vacation Bonus

Florida’s Paradise Coast, which encompasses Marco Island, Naples, and the Everglades, offers a wealth of things to do, whether you want to kick back on the white-sand beaches; discover personally why the shopping is legendary;  or go green in the Golf Capital of the World. You can bathe your senses in arts and cultural attractions; learn about the area's history; and savor world-renowned culinary creations. Discover family fun; indulge in luxury experiences; or kindle the flames of romance. And make sure to check out local favorites, from swamp walks in primeval wetlands to hidden gem beaches.

Places to Remember