Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Discover the Private Shelling & Dolphin Excursion on Marco Island
The Marco Island: Private Shelling & Dolphin Excursion, offered by Island Excursions, provides a personalized way to explore Florida’s stunning waterways. Priced at $475 per group (up to 6 people) and lasting 2.5 hours, this tour offers an intimate experience on a private boat through the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge. It’s perfect for families or groups looking to avoid crowded tours and enjoy close encounters with wild dolphins and exotic shells.
This tour stands out because of its personalized nature, expert guides, and the chance to explore remote islands. The focus on dolphin sightings and shell collecting appeals to both nature lovers and those seeking relaxing beach time. The only consideration is the meeting point at the marina, and travelers should bring closed-toed water shoes for island exploration.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Private boat tour for up to 6 people offers a more personal experience.
- 2.5-hour duration makes it ideal for families with kids or those with limited time.
- Wild dolphins are frequently seen close to the boat, often jumping and swimming alongside.
- Bags of exotic shells are included, with plenty of time to explore uninhabited barrier islands.
- Guides are knowledgeable, ensuring safe navigation and engaging explanations.
- Ice, water, and life jackets for children are provided, enhancing comfort and safety.
Want to see dolphins? Here are other marine encounters we've examined in Goodland Florida
Starting Point Near Goodland Marina
The tour begins outside the ship store at the marina in Goodland, Florida. Travelers meet the guides there for a prompt start. The meeting point is straightforward, but transportation to the marina is not included, so guests should plan accordingly. The overall experience is flexible, with tours often available in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
The private nature of the boat trip allows for a relaxed pace, perfect for families or small groups who want to avoid large tour crowds. The guide takes time to explain the local environment, pointing out mangrove tunnels, birds, and manatees, enriching the journey.
The 2.5-hour tour balances sightseeing and shelling, providing enough time to explore the beaches on the outer barrier islands without feeling rushed. The inclusion of buckets for shells and a cooler with ice makes it easy to collect and keep the shells fresh, ensuring souvenirs are kept in good condition.
Exploring the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge
The main highlight is the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge, a pristine area teeming with wildlife. The guide navigates through mangrove tunnels and open waters, giving guests a chance to see wild dolphins up close, often jumping and swimming near the boat’s wake.
The refuge’s remote barrier islands serve as the perfect setting for shell collecting. Guests can walk along the beaches, picking up beautiful and exotic shells to take home. The islands are uninhabited, providing a pristine environment free from crowds, ideal for nature photography and peaceful exploration.
More Great Tours NearbyWatching for Dolphins and Manatees
The dolphin sightings are frequent and often spectacular. The tour guides are experienced in locating pods and will steer the boat to give the best possible views. Some tours have even seen dolphins jumping out of the water or swimming alongside the boat.
Along With dolphins, encounters with manatees are also possible, adding to the wildlife experience. The guides are attentive and explain the behavior of these gentle creatures, making the wildlife viewing both fun and educational.
While you're exploring Goodland Florida, here are other experiences we've looked into
Shelling on Outer Barrier Islands
One of the most-loved parts of this tour is shelling on uninhabited barrier islands. Guests receive buckets to collect the various shells they find. The guides often point out species and name the shells, making it educational as well as fun.
The beaches offer a wide variety of shells, including exotic and beautiful specimens, which are easy to collect thanks to the ample time allocated for shelling. Bringing closed-toed water shoes is recommended for walking on the rocky or sandy terrain.
What’s Included and What to Prepare For
Included in the $475 price are the private boat, guide, bottled water, ice-filled cooler, shell buckets, dry storage, and life jackets for children. The guide ensures safety, shares knowledge, and helps spot wildlife.
Guests need to arrange their own transportation to the marina, and parking costs $10. Food is not included, so bringing snacks or a packed meal is advisable if desired. Weather can influence the trip, but the tour offers flexibility to reschedule or cancel with full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
The Expertise of the Guides
Multiple reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, such as Captain Matt, Tyler, and Jeff. They excel at explaining the environment, pointing out wildlife, and ensuring safety. Their relaxed and friendly attitude enhances the overall experience, making everyone feel comfortable and engaged.
Guides are praised for patience, especially when teaching shell names or answering questions about wildlife. Their navigation skills help maximize wildlife sightings, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Pacing and Flexibility of the Tour
The 2.5-hour tour strikes a good balance: long enough to see dolphins, explore shelling beaches, and enjoy mangrove tunnels, but not so long as to become tiring. The tour can start at different times of the day, making it adaptable to individual schedules.
Guides monitor weather conditions closely, rescheduling if needed, and keep guests informed. This flexibility ensures a comfortable experience for everyone, regardless of the weather or group needs.
Who Will Love This Tour
This tour is ideal for families, small groups, or couples who want a personalized, relaxed outing. The private setting enhances the experience, especially for those interested in wildlife or collecting shells. Because of the safe environment and ample safety gear, it suits travelers with children.
People who appreciate guided explanations and a conducive atmosphere to photography will find this tour particularly rewarding. The short duration makes it accessible even for those with limited time in Florida.
The Sum Up: A Personal Adventure in Florida’s Wildlife
The Marco Island: Private Shelling & Dolphin Excursion offers a personalized, wildlife-rich experience out on the 10,000 Islands. The expert guides, close dolphin encounters, and abundant shells make for a memorable outing suited to families and small groups.
The price reflects the private nature and the quality of the experience, with all safety and comfort considerations covered. It’s especially appealing for those seeking a relaxed pace and personal attention in a stunning natural setting.
While transportation and food are not included, the overall experience delivers excellent value and intimacy. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy nature, wildlife, and shells in a safe, friendly environment.
Ready to Book?
Marco Island: Private Shelling & Dolphin Excursion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 2.5 hours, providing ample time for wildlife viewing and shelling.
How many people can join a private group?
Up to 6 guests can participate in each private tour, ensuring a personalized experience.
Where does the tour meet?
Guests meet outside the ship store at the marina in Goodland, Florida.
Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, life jackets for children are provided, making it suitable for families with kids.
What wildlife might I see?
The tour frequently features wild dolphins, with occasional sightings of manatees and birds.
Is food included?
No, food is not included, but bottled water is provided on board.
Do I need special shoes for the beach?
Bringing closed-toed water shoes is recommended for walking on the islands.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full refund is available if canceled 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later.
What safety measures are in place?
The tour provides life jackets, and guides are experienced at safe navigation and wildlife viewing.
Is parking available?
Parking costs $10, and guests need to plan for their transportation to the marina.