Welcome Shell Seekers!
Nautical Life
SHELLING TOURS
"Live Nautically, Shell Frequently, Make Memories"
Shelling Tours
Have you dreamed of shelling in the Ten Thousand Islands?
Where all you hear are the waves crashing against the mangroves and the sounds of seashells rolling ashore?
Well, we'd love to made your dreams a reality! Welcome aboard our eco-friendly shelling skiff! We offer BPA-free reusable bottles filled with ice old water and shelling bags to take your treasures home with ease. Hand rakes and buckets are available for your convenience. All we ask from you is to help us protect what we love and please keep our ocean's future in mind.
Please leave only footprints behind.
Mission Statement
All of Nautical Life Shelling Tours are based on the concept that we respect and protect this rich ecosystem at all times. This means that we “do not litter” and we “return all living shells” back to the surf. We encourage each shelling participant to pick up any plastic, aluminum cans, bottles, straws, bags etc found on the beach and bring back to the boat for proper disposal. We strongly believe that it is each and everyone’s responsibility be a good steward to the environment. Our goal is that every shelling participant has a safe and memorable experience while finding their precious treasures or that rare and beautiful shell.
Thank you for your help in preserving this beautiful shelling paradise.
Pura Vida
About the Ten Thousand Islands
Remote and beautiful, the Ten Thousand Islands are natural Florida in its purest form.
The rich estuarine, mangrove, and marsh habitats is home to hundreds of species of birds, fish, mollusks,
mammals and reptiles. A trip to visit them is a trip away from
the hustle and bustle and into tropical peace and serenity.
What’s Included on the Tour
• Water and Lemonade
• Buckets and shell bags for you to keep.
• Bug Spray and Sunscreen
• Light rain gear in case of rain
Shared Shell ingTour Pricing
4 Hour Guided Shared Tour
$135.00 per person
Not including tax and gratuity.
5 Hour Guided Shared Tour
$150.00 per person
Not including tax and gratuity.
Private Shelling Tour Pricing
3 Hour Private Guided Tour
$599.00 not including tax and gratuity.
Up to 6 guests on the boat.
Completely customized to your desires.
4 Hour Private Guided Tour
$749.00 not including tax and gratuity.
Up to 6 guests on the boat.
Completely customized to your desires.
5 Hour Private Guided Tour
$849.00 not including tax and Gratuity.
Up to 6 guest on the boat.
Completely customized to your desires.
6 Hour Private Guided Tour
$995.00 not including tax and gratuity.
Up to 6 guests on the boat.
Completely customized to your desires.
6 Hour Keewaydin Private Guided Tour
$995.00 not including tax and gratuity.
Up to 6 guests on the boat.
Completely customized to your needs.
Customized experiences available. Want a day at a private beach, Cruise around Marco Island, or Restaurant hopping. Let us know what you are looking for and we can make it happen. Please call, text, or Email to inquire. 239-860-8687
Cancellation Policy
14 days prior notice of the scheduled tour for a full refund
Eco-Tours
Explore the Ten Thousand Islands
Our eco-tours are specially designed for those who are looking for a shorter educational trip through the Ten Thousand Islands and includes 30 minute stop to find and collect some precious shells as a memorial of their visit to the Islands. Perfect for those families with small children.
All of our eco-tours are private tours.
2.5 Hour Ten Thousand Islands Eco-Tour
$395.00 not including tax and gratuity.
This tour takes you through the mazes of mangrove islands looking for manatees, dolphins
and indigenous birds, trip to the iconic dome homes of Cape Romano and includes thirty minutes of shelling.
About the Captain
Welcome Aboard! Meet Your Captain, Jim Winterick
Originally from Miami, Captain Jim discovered Marco Island in 1992 and has been exploring and navigating the waters of Southwest Florida for more than three decades. Today, he proudly calls Marco Island home.
Captain Jim's son, Ryan, graduated from Marco Island Academy in 2026 (Go Manta Rays!) and is currently attending Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where he is pursuing his studies while playing collegiate football.
As a lifelong boater and Marco Island resident, Captain Jim has extensive experience navigating the waterways surrounding Marco Island and the nearby Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. He is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain and holds certifications in CPR and First Aid.
Known for his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences, Captain Jim enjoys sharing his knowledge of the local waters, wildlife, shelling beaches, history, and the unique ecosystem of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. His extensive experience and passion for the area help create informative, enjoyable, and memorable adventures for guests of all ages.
Whether you're searching for shells, observing wildlife, or simply enjoying a day on the water, Captain Jim looks forward to welcoming you aboard and helping create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Boat
You will be aboard a 2017 Carolina Skiff 258 DLV which has been meticulously designed for you comfort and can get into those very shallow waters where you will find those treasured rare shells. We provide a large Yeti cooler to store drinks and snacks as well.
Gallery
A collection from our most recent shelling tours
Interested in booking a Nautical Life Shelling Tour?
Send us a note or call us at:
239.860.TOUR (8687)
Or connect with us on Instagram or Facebook!
Contact Us
