Set sail from Naples on a 2.5-hour catamaran cruise to a private shelling beach. This easy, scenic Gulf trip pairs light sailing with a swim-to-shore shelling stop, drinks included and onboard restrooms.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The hull slides through green-blue Gulf water as gulls wheel overhead and the 42-foot catamaran, Cool Beans, settles on an anchor line off a low-slung barrier island. Passengers drift between shaded cockpit seating and sun-splashed nets, cold drink in hand, watching mangrove shorelines and distant sandbars edge closer. When the skipper calls the stop, the real bit of work is simple: swim the hundred or so feet to shore, feel the reef-smoothed sand underfoot, then walk the beach looking for conchs, whelks, and the odd sand-dollar.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Appropriate for most people who can swim and walk short distances on sand; not strenuous but requires basic mobility.
Wildlife
History
Southwest Florida’s barrier islands formed over thousands of years from shell and sand deposition; local communities evolved around small-boat fishing and seasonal tourism.
Conservation
Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid collecting live animals, and follow crew instructions to minimize disturbance to nesting birds and fragile shoreline habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Catamaran Day Sail Shelling Excursion 42ft. Mainecat Cool Beans today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Be ready to swim ashore
The shelling stop requires swimming roughly 100 feet from the anchored catamaran; life jackets and floaties are provided but bring swim confidence.
Protect your electronics
Use a waterproof phone case or dry bag for cameras—salt spray and beach wading are part of the experience.
Footwear for the shore
Bring water shoes or reef sandals to protect feet from shells and small rocks while you walk the beach.
Time your sail for comfort
Morning or late-afternoon sails reduce sun exposure and often mean calmer seas for easier swimming to shore.
Swimsuit
Necessary for swimming to shore and enjoying onboard nets and swim stops.
summer
Water shoes
Protects feet when wading to shore and walking on shell-strewn beaches.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the marine environment during sun-exposed sailing and beach time.
summer
Light windbreaker or sarong
Useful for cooler breezes on the water or for modesty after a swim.
winter