10,000 Islands Dolphin & Shelling Tour from Goodland — 3.5-Hour Eco-Boat Excursion

Goodland•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3.5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves brief walks on uneven, sometimes wet sand and boarding a small boat

Overview

Float through channels where dolphins break the calm and learn shelling techniques from a Florida Master Naturalist. This 3.5‑hour Goodland departure pairs wildlife viewing with a guided beach walk on an uninhabited barrier island.

10,000 Islands Dolphin & Shelling Tour from Goodland — 3.5-Hour Eco-Boat Excursion

Other

Wildlife

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

The sun lifts off the Gulf in a slow, flat arc as the captain eases the boat away from the Goodland Boat Park. Mangrove islands appear like green teeth against pale water, channels cutting between them that dare you to look closer. Gulls wheel and a distant dolphin breaks the surface—curious, deliberate—while the guide, a Florida Master Naturalist, points out how tides carve the islands and where the best shelling pockets hide.

Adventure Photos

10,000 Islands Dolphin & Shelling Tour from Goodland — 3.5-Hour Eco-Boat Excursion photo 1

Adventure Tips

Morning departures in summer

From June–October choose the 8:30 a.m. run to avoid afternoon storms and choppier seas.

Wear shoes that can get wet

Expect shallow wading and walking on tidal flats—water shoes or old sneakers work best.

Bring water and sun protection

A refillable bottle, hat and reef-safe sunscreen will keep you comfortable during the beach stop.

Respect wildlife and shells

Only collect empty shells and follow your guide’s instructions to avoid disturbing nesting birds or live animals.

Local Insights

Wildlife

bottlenose dolphin
roseate spoonbill

History

The Ten Thousand Islands region was long used by the Calusa and later by small fishing communities; shell middens and fishing lore still echo in local guides’ stories.

Conservation

Tours operate within the wildlife refuge and emphasize minimal impact—guides teach responsible shelling and discourage trampling of sensitive tidal flats.