Experience a private shelling adventure on Florida’s beautiful barrier islands near Goodland. Discover unique shells and enjoy peaceful beaches with expert guides.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; involves moderate walking on sand and shallow water.
Wildlife
History
Goodland was historically a small fishing village established in the early 1900s with deep ties to the island’s maritime traditions.
Conservation
Local guides practice catch-and-release shelling and promote no-trace principles to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.
Florida Island Tours
Experience a private shelling adventure on Florida’s beautiful barrier islands near Goodland. Discover unique shells and enjoy peaceful beaches with expert guides.
Florida Island Tours is a Goodland, Florida-based boat tour operator offering private and small-group excursions through the Ten Thousand Islands, Rookery Bay, and the waters around Marco Island.
The company operates a mix of private boat tours in durations ranging from two to eight hours, small-group private outings, and specialty cruises such as a sunset boat tour and an eco-focused dolphin, shelling, and birding tour. Many private tours include a dedicated boat and captain, allowing guests to customize itineraries for sightseeing, local history, dolphin watching, and shelling stops on secluded barrier islands.
The Best of Marco Island Tour is a two-hour sightseeing cruise that highlights regional history, wildlife, and landmarks and is led by certified naturalist guides. Select private options note convenient provisions such as a provided cooler and shelling bags for guest use.
Florida Island Tours centers trips on the natural features of the area — mangrove estuaries, barrier islands, and coastal wildlife — and focuses on responsible, educational outings. All tour descriptions specify the type of experience offered, from sunset cruises to longer private adventures, so visitors can choose the right trip length and style for their group. This factual presentation of offerings helps travelers plan clear, personalized boat excursions departing from Goodland, Florida.
Base Location
Goodland, FL
Gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands
Private Durations
2–8 hours
Flexible tour lengths to choose
Tours Offered
11 Tours
Private, group, and sunset options
Wildlife Focus
Dolphins & Birds
Dolphin watching and birding tours
Book a customizable dolphin-watching, shelling, or sunset cruise and choose the perfect duration for your group — private captains and select tour amenities available.
Bring sun protection
Florida sun can be intense even early in the morning; wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Wear water-friendly footwear
Expect to walk on sandy beaches and shallow water; sandals or water shoes work best.
Pack light and bring a shelling bag
Carry only essentials and use the provided shelling bag to collect your finds safely.
Stay hydrated
Bring water or use provided coolers; shelling under the sun can be dehydrating.
Wide-brim hat
Provides important shade and sun protection during morning hours.
summer
Water shoes
Helps navigate sandy and wet terrain comfortably and safely.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the tour to handle the Florida heat.
Lightweight layers
Wear layers to adjust easily as temperatures change during the day.
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