Half Day Keewaydin Shelling and Beach Adventure (Private)

The Half Day Keewaydin Shelling and Beach Adventure offers an intimate escape into the waters around Naples, Florida. Priced at $725 per group for up to 6 people, this private tour delivers a personalized experience packed with shelling, wildlife viewing, and stunning scenery. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and includes a custom boat ride that navigates shallow waters teeming with beautiful shells and local wildlife, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quiet, exclusive adventure away from crowded beaches.

This tour begins at the Naples Bay Resort & Marina and features two main stops: the extensive Keewaydin Island and the scenic Naples Bay. It’s perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a relaxed, educational day on the water. While the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and plentiful shells, travelers should be aware that the journey involves some boat navigation and walking on soft sandy beaches. Overall, it’s a balanced mix of exploration, relaxation, and wildlife spotting.

Key Points

• Private, intimate experience with only 6 guests per boat
• Two main stops: Keewaydin Island and Naples Bay with dolphin sightings
• Shelling focus includes Junonia and alphabet cones and other species
• Guides like Megan, Jamie, and Paul are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness
• Flexible schedule with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
• Cost is $725 per group, making it a good value for a private experience

Private Shelling Adventure in Naples for Up to Six Guests

This tour is designed for small groups seeking a personalized and relaxed half-day on the water. For $725, you get exclusive use of a custom boat and the ability to experience Keewaydin Island and the surrounding waters without the hustle of large group tours. The 3-hour duration strikes a good balance between exploration and comfort, with each group having the boat entirely to themselves.

The tour departs from Naples Bay Resort & Marina and ends back at the same location, making for seamless logistics. The most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. This flexibility makes it suitable for families, couples, or small groups of friends looking to enjoy a private adventure.

Exploring Keewaydin Island’s Pristine Shores

The main highlight of the tour is the visit to Keewaydin Island, a 9-mile stretch of beach with one side protected by the Marco River and the other open to the Gulf of Mexico. The island is famous among shell collectors for elusive shells like Junonia and Alphabet Cones. Visitors can walk the soft, sugar-white sand, hunt for shells, or simply relax with a towel.

The beach offers the chance to find bands of tulips, lighting whelks, and other shell species that impress with their colors and shapes. If shelling isn’t the priority, the beach’s beautiful scenery and quiet ambiance make it an excellent spot to unwind, bring a picnic, or enjoy the sunshine in solitude.

Wildlife and Scenic Views in Naples Bay

Before reaching Keewaydin Island, the tour passes through Naples Bay, where dolphins are frequently seen leaping from the water. The guides are skilled at spotting native wildlife such as mangroves, osprey, bald eagles, and sea raccoons. The scenic ride through the bay showcases the area’s luxurious Port Royal homes along the harbor.

This segment of the trip lasts about an hour and provides excellent photo opportunities, especially if dolphins are active. The harbor views and lush mangroves create a peaceful environment, making it more than just a transit but a highlight in itself.

Navigating the Shallow Waters with a Custom Boat

The custom boat used for this tour is designed for shallow water navigation, allowing access to spots that larger vessels cannot reach. The boat’s size and maneuverability give passengers the chance to explore less crowded areas and get closer to shells and wildlife.

The boat ride is not only functional but also comfortable, with knowledgeable guides providing commentary along the way. The 30-minute ride to each main stop provides ample time to enjoy the scenery, look for dolphins, and prepare for shelling activities.

Shell Hunting at Keewaydin Island

The core activity of this tour is shelling, with the chance to find rare shells like Junonia and alphabet cones. Shell collectors appreciate the diversity available, and the guides share tips on spotting and identifying different species.

Guests often bring towels to relax or sit on the sand while shelling. Even if shells aren’t the primary goal, the beautiful beaches and the chance to collect shells make this a rewarding outing. The guides’ expertise ensures that guests maximize their chances of finding prized shells while also learning about the area’s ecology.

Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Birds, and More

Dolphins are a common sight during this tour, often seen leaping and swimming near the boat. The guides’ experience helps ensure spectators get a good view of these intelligent creatures. Bird watchers can also spot osprey, bald eagles, cormorants, and Anhinga species along the route.

The informative guides share insights about the local environment and wildlife habits, enriching the experience beyond just shelling and scenery. This combination of wildlife and natural beauty appeals to nature lovers and curious travelers alike.

The Scenic Ride Along the Gulf and Harbor

Throughout the tour, you enjoy spectacular views of the harbor, with luxurious houses along the coastline of Port Royal. The boat ride offers a delightful balance of scenic cruising and active exploration.

The scenery along the Gulf and inland waters highlights the area’s exclusivity and natural beauty. This aspect of the tour appeals to those who appreciate beautiful vistas and a relaxed pace.

Flexibility and Booking Details

This private tour allows for full customization within its schedule, with the option to cancel free up to 24 hours before departure. The tour operates rain or shine, with poor weather leading to rescheduling or refunds.

It’s suitable for most travelers, including service animals, and the meeting point at Naples Bay Resort & Marina simplifies logistics. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, with many guides earning praise for their knowledge and friendliness.

Why Choose This Keewaydin Shelling Tour?

This tour is ideal for those seeking an exclusive, personalized experience with the flexibility to enjoy shelling, wildlife, and scenic cruising. The expert guides enhance the trip with their knowledge, making it especially appealing to families, wildlife enthusiasts, and shell collectors.

While the tour provides ample opportunities to find shells, it also emphasizes relaxation and education. The private setting ensures that guests can explore at their own pace, making each trip feel special and tailored to individual interests.

Keewaydin Shelling and Beach Adventure (Private) – The Bottom Line

For travelers who want a relaxed, well-organized half-day on the water, this private shelling and wildlife tour hits the mark. The $725 price covers an experience that combines beautiful beaches, dolphin sightings, expert guides, and the thrill of finding rare shells. Its small group size guarantees a personalized touch rarely found in larger tours.

The tour’s flexibility, scenic cruising, and focus on wildlife make it a strong choice for families, couples, or small groups looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Naples’ waters with a knowledgeable guide. The only consideration is the 3-hour duration, which requires some comfort with boat travel and walking on beaches. Overall, it offers a balanced mix of adventure, education, and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including children. The activity is family-friendly, especially with guides like Captain Paul, who are experienced with kids.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund.

Are shells included in the experience?
Shelling is the main activity, with the chance to find rare shells like Junonia and Alphabet Cones. Guests are encouraged to bring towels or containers for their finds.

What wildlife might I see?
Dolphins are commonly seen, often performing leaps near the boat. You can also observe birds such as osprey, bald eagles, and cormorants, along with mangroves and other local flora.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Naples Bay Resort & Marina, streamlining parking and logistics.

What is included in the price?
The $725 fee covers the private boat, guides, and access to two main stops. Food and drinks are not included, but the focus remains on shelling, wildlife, and scenery.