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Journey into Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands with Amanda Collett, a celebrated shelling expert, for an intimate 6-hour private shelling tour. Discover rare coastal treasures and learn the art and science of shell collecting alongside a local legend.
Journey into Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands with Amanda Collett, a celebrated shelling expert, for an intimate 6-hour private shelling tour. Discover rare coastal treasures and learn the art and science of shell collecting alongside a local legend.
Book with Treasure Seekers Shell Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Treasure Seekers Shell Tours · Marco Island, Florida
Along the coast of Southwest Florida lies Marco Island, a gateway to some of the country’s richest marine ecosystems and bucket-list-worthy beachcombing. This region is uniquely defined by the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, a vast maze of mangrove isles and tidal estuaries that offer up pristine, untouched beaches praised worldwide for exceptional shelling. At the heart of this experience is Treasure Seekers Shell Tours, a locally rooted guide service that transforms a simple beach walk into a treasure hunt alongside Amanda Collett, an acclaimed shelling expert and artist.
Amanda’s Ocean Treasures 6 Hour Private Shelling Experience spotlights the natural bounty surrounding Marco Island’s barrier islands. Guests embark on a small-group journey via comfortable, expertly piloted boats, navigating shallow waterways to the best shell-laden shores. Here, visitors wade through warm shallow surf and sandy stretches, hunting for rare and beautiful shells—some species found nowhere else—while Amanda shares her in-depth knowledge of their origins and ecological roles. Her award-winning artistry and passion for shell collecting bring a rich narrative to every collected piece, making this more than a recreational outing; it’s an immersive lesson in coastal heritage.
Crystal-clear waters, warm sun, and an unspoiled natural setting set the stage for families, couples, and adventurers seeking a quieter, more intimate connection with Florida’s Gulf Coast. The uninhabited islands are a refuge for shorebirds and marine life, highlighting a delicate ecosystem quietly thriving amid tourism. Treasure Seekers Shell Tours takes pride in sustainable, low-impact visits ensuring these treasures remain plentiful for future generations.
What elevates this tour is Amanda’s reputation as a “shellebrity” — her wins at the Sanibel Island Seashell Festival and unique role in world record events anchor her expertise in the region’s natural and cultural fabric. This hands-on experience offers more than shell collecting; it’s a rare chance to engage directly with an expert passionate about the fragile yet vibrant marine environment of the Ten Thousand Islands, carving a distinct niche in Florida’s outdoor adventure scene.
easy.
6 hours.
Suitable for people in moderate physical condition comfortable with walking about 1 mile on sand and uneven surfaces.
Yes, the 25-foot boats used have onboard flushable toilets for your convenience.
The tour involves walking over uneven, sandy terrain and getting in and out of boats unassisted. If there are mobility concerns, please contact the company for accommodations.
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothes, water shoes, a hat, and bring sun protection like polarized sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen.
Yes, Treasure Seekers sells mesh shell bags and logo buckets that can be purchased ahead or on the day of your tour.
All islands accessed are by boat only. Your tour includes smooth, guided boat rides with licensed captains familiar with the best shelling spots.
Tours prioritize guest safety. If weather prevents access to certain islands, the crew will select alternative shelling sites or offer rescheduling options.
The Ten Thousand Islands have long been home to Native peoples and early settlers who relied on its rich marine resources; today it's protected to preserve its ecological diversity.
Treasure Seekers promotes low-impact visits, emphasizing ‘leave no trace’ principles to protect fragile shell beds and coastal habitats.
Treasure Seekers Shell Tours is a Marco Island, Florida-based outfitter specializing in guided and self-guided shelling tours around Marco Island, Goodland, and the Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge. The company offers a variety of trips including three-hour, four-hour, and six-hour excursions, plus private and shared options and a self-guided four-hour tour. Each tour is led or supported by experienced captains and guides who focus on locating diverse and unique seashells while teaching passengers about the local marine ecosystem. Tours emphasize eco-friendly practices, access to secluded barrier islands, and opportunities to discover rare shells on pristine beaches. Boats are described as comfortable and suitable for exploring shell-rich shorelines in Southwest Florida. Treasure Seekers Shell Tours serves visitors seeking family-friendly activities, shell collectors, and nature enthusiasts looking for hands-on experiences in the coastal environment. Booking options include shared tours and private charters with customizable itineraries on select trips. The business operates in and around Marco Island and Goodland, making use of shallow-water routes and island landings in the Ten Thousand Islands area. Safety, stewardship, and interpretation of local habitats are central to the tour experience. By providing guided information about marine life and shell identification, the company aims to enhance guest appreciation of regional biodiversity while practicing responsible shelling. Treasure Seekers Shell Tours is a local operator known for curated shelling excursions that combine education, recreation, and access to some of Southwest Florida’s most shell-rich beaches. Reservations are available for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking guided shelling and flexible scheduling options.
Book with Treasure Seekers Shell Tours