Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion

The Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion in Naples offers a personalized, relaxing way to experience Southwest Florida’s natural beauty. Priced at $475.00 per group (up to 6 people), this tour provides a 2 hour 30 minute adventure that combines shell collecting with dolphin watching. Departing from Goodland Boat Park, the trip takes you to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and other secluded spots in the Gulf, ensuring a peaceful, intimate experience away from crowded beaches.

Known for an impeccable 5.0/5 rating from 306 reviews, this tour is highly recommended by 100% of participants. Its popularity stems from the expertise and friendly attitude of the guides, along with the opportunity to find shells and see dolphins up close. The tour is well-suited for families and groups seeking a private, hassle-free outing. One note: booking typically occurs about 20 days in advance, so planning ahead helps secure your spot.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $475 for up to 6 people, the 2.5-hour private tour offers great value for family or friend groups.
• Location and Highlights: The tour explores remote islands in the Ten Thousand Islands area, where dolphins are often seen playing nearby.
• Included Amenities: Bottled water, cooler with ice, buckets, and bags are provided—just bring your snacks and drinks.
• Guides and Experience: Guides like Captain Kasey and Captain Nick are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and safety-first approach.
• Best for Families: The tour’s relaxed pace, private setting, and shelling opportunities make it perfect for families, especially with young children.
• Weather Considerations: The activity requires good weather; in case of cancellation due to weather, a full refund or rescheduling is available.

Set out on a Private Gulf Adventure from Goodland

The starting point for this tour is Goodland Boat Park at 750 Palm Point Dr, which offers easy access to the Gulf waters. The private nature of the tour means only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience. The host company, Island Excursions, manages all logistics smoothly, and the entire activity is designed to be relaxed and family-friendly.

You’ll depart with a mobile ticket, and the overall group size is limited to 6, creating an intimate atmosphere. The duration of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes balances dolphin watching and shelling, with enough time to enjoy the natural surroundings without fatigue.

Discover the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

The first stop takes you into the largest mangrove forest in the United States, a thriving ecosystem teeming with life. Here, you’ll learn about the area’s ecosystem and history from your guides, enriching your understanding of the environment. This spot offers remote islands covered in shells, where you can stroll on white sands in search of remarkable shells.

Wild dolphins frequently swim by the boat, often curious and playful, providing excellent chances for up-close viewing. The natural beauty of this region is a key highlight, with guides often going out of their way—like going into the water to retrieve live shells—to enhance your experience.

What’s Included in Your Shelling and Dolphin Tour

The tour provides bottled water and a cooler filled with ice to keep everyone hydrated under the Florida sun. You’ll also receive buckets and bags specially designed for collecting shells, making it easy to gather and carry your finds. These included items ensure you focus on enjoying the activity without worrying about bringing your own gear.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks to store in the cooler, making the experience even more comfortable. However, snacks are not provided, so packing light, easy-to-eat items is recommended.

The Role of Guides: Knowledgeable and Caring

Capt. Kasey, Capt. Matt, Capt. Tyler, and Capt. Nick are all praised for their extensive knowledge of local wildlife, sea life, and shell types. They go beyond just pointing out dolphins and shells—they also share insights about mangroves, manatees, and bird species like spoonbills.

Guides are known for safety-consciousness, such as keeping an eye on weather conditions and prioritizing guest safety. For example, Captain Nick is appreciated for his friendly demeanor and for leaving a young guest drive the boat, adding a memorable, personal touch to the outing.

Watching Dolphins: Close Encounters in Small Boats

A major draw of this tour is the frequent appearance of dolphins, often seen playing in the boat’s wake. Multiple reviews report dolphins swimming nearby or even jumping, with guides sometimes encouraging dolphins to follow or swim alongside the boat.

The smaller boat size makes these encounters more intimate, giving everyone a chance to see dolphins up close. Some reviews mention dolphins of notable age, like Grandma Curly, a 60-year-old dolphin, adding a special element of wildlife fascination.

Shelling in the Gulf: Finding the Perfect Seashells

The white sandy beaches of the remote islands are littered with shells, making shelling a favorite activity. Visitors report stepping on shells everywhere, emphasizing the abundance of shells in the area.

Guides help locate specific shells and show guests how to identify different types, turning shelling into an engaging learning experience. Going into the water to retrieve live shells is also a unique feature, thanks to the guides’ dedication to providing an immersive shelling experience.

Weather, Safety, and Booking Tips

Weather can influence the tour’s success, as good weather is essential for safe and enjoyable outings. The activity is dependent on favorable conditions, and cancellations due to weather are fully refunded or rescheduled.

Booking in advance—about 20 days ahead—is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, but no refunds within 24 hours.

Guests should wear comfortable clothing suitable for water activities, and bring towels if they wish to dry off after shelling or swimming. The parking fee of $10 applies at the meeting point.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Naples

What sets this private shelling and dolphin excursion apart is its personalized approach and expert guides who go above and beyond to enhance your experience. The small group size and private setting make it ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a relaxed, intimate adventure.

The combination of wildlife sightings, shell collecting, and scenic boat rides provides a well-rounded, memorable outing. The high reviews and rating underscore its consistent quality and the happy repeat customers.

Final Thoughts on the Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion

This Naples-based tour offers a balanced, accessible, and richly rewarding experience of Florida’s coastal wonders. The expert guides, abundant wildlife, and beautiful shells make it a great choice for anyone interested in nature, wildlife, and relaxing boat rides.

While the activity depends on good weather, the full refund or rescheduling options provide peace of mind. The $475 price tag includes all gear, water, and a personalized experience, making it a solid investment for a memorable day under the sun.

This tour appeals most to those who value small-group, private outings where they can enjoy dolphins, shells, and scenic views without the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can participate in this tour?
Up to 6 guests per group, making it a private experience.

What is included in the price?
Bottled water, a cooler with ice, buckets, and bags for shell collecting are included.

Can I bring my own snacks?
Yes, guests can bring their own snacks and drinks to store in the cooler provided.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for water activities, and towels if planning to dry off afterward.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is great for families and travelers of most ages, especially those interested in wildlife and shelling.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from and returns to Goodland Boat Park at 750 Palm Point Dr.

What is the best time to book?
Most bookings are made around 20 days in advance, especially during peak season.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; in case of cancellation due to weather, you receive a full refund or reschedule.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are welcome on this tour.

Is parking available?
Yes, parking costs $10 at the meeting point.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refunded; no refunds within 24 hours of the scheduled time.

This private shelling and dolphin tour offers a fantastic way to explore Florida’s natural coastlines with expert guides. Its combination of wildlife viewing, shell hunting, and personalized service makes it a standout option for a relaxed, family-friendly adventure.