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.
Shelling Tour Info
Tours depart from Goodland Boat Park, located at 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL. Utilizing this marina allows us to offer the shortest travel distance to over 95% of the secluded islands that hold the precious shells you seek. Shorter travel time means more shelling time!
The park gates open at 6:00am and there is a $10.00 parking fee (unless you have a Collier County Beach sticker). The receipt must be displayed on car dashboard. There are restroom facilities. No showers at this park. Parking is extremely limited: Uber, Ride Share or drop off is highly recommended.
Our private shelling tours are 3 hours, 4 hours, or 6 hours long.
Our shared shelling tours are 4 hours long and 5 hours.
It is important that you are in good physical condition to step off the boat and to board back on safely. We do have a step ladder and stool to make this possible. Captain Jim is there to assist every guest. We also have a rear boarding ladder on the boat. If you have questions concerning this, please feel free to contact us.
Nautical Life Shelling Tours generally stop at two secluded islands or sandbars.
Private tours can be customized to include all your heart desires.
Nautical Life Shelling Tours offer both shared parties and private tours to meet your needs.
*See rates on each type of shelling trip offered below
You can also customize your own private shelling tour upon request.
What to Bring for Your Shelling Experience
• Shelling Bag or Bucket (Logo Bag available for purchase)
Water shoes (sandals not recommended)
• Hat to offer you protection from the sun and mangrove branches
• Sunglasses for sun and eye protection mangrove branches.
• Environmentally safe sunscreen protection. No Spray Lotion.
• We carry cold water onboard to refill your water bottle.
What’s Included on the Tour
• Water
• Approved BPA water bottle if needed and shell bag for you to keep.
• Hand rake
• Extender pickers for those who have might have challenges reaching for shells.
We sell several sizes of rugged, insulated water bottles and cups
customized with our logo for sale upon request.
Shell Tour Pricing
3 Hour Private Tour
$650.00 not including tax and gratuity.
Up to 6 guests on the boat.
Completely customized to your desires.
4 Hour Private Tour
$800.00 not including tax and gratuity.
Up to 6 guests on the boat.
Completely customized to your desires.
6 Hour Private Tour
$1,100.00 not including tax and gratuity.
Up to 6 guests on the boat.
Completely customized to your desires.
4 Hour Shared Tour
$135.00 per person
Not including tax and gratuity.
5 Hour Shared Tour
$150.00 per person
Not including tax and gratuity.
(Be sure to click the date shown on the top left of the Schedule View to advance the calendar to future dates)
Booking Request
Notice
A Booking Request is NOT an automatic confirmation and shall not be assumed to be a confirmed tour until such time as requestor has received a text and/or email confirmation containing a Booking ID Number and tour info.
The credit card will ONLY be charged upon tour confirmation. A credit card HOLD will be placed on Booking Requests, but the credit card will NOT be charged until such time as the tour is confirmed.
Please do not hesitate to call or text us if you have any questions about your Booking Request.
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
$500.00 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!
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