Nestled in southwest Florida, Goodland delivers authentic coastal experiences without the tourist crowds. The standout tours here focus on the pristine Ten Thousand Islands, where skilled captains navigate mangrove-lined waterways teeming with wildlife. Private sailing tours earn top marks for their intimate setting and flexibility, letting you linger at prime dolphin-watching spots or hidden beaches. The sunset cruises combine nature with comfort – expect champagne service while watching ospreys dive for dinner. Local naturalist-led shelling trips to remote barrier islands are especially rewarding, with experts helping you find prize specimens most visitors miss. The following tours represent the best ways to experience Goodland’s natural treasures.
Key Points
- The Sand Bar Shelling Tour offers a 2.5-hour experience in the Ten Thousand Islands with potential dolphin sightings and a personalized group size.
- The Island Paradise: Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour provides a 2.5-hour adventure led by a Florida Master Naturalist with opportunities to see diverse wildlife.
- The Ten Thousand Islands: Barrier Island Shelling Tour is a 4-hour tour that departs at sunrise for optimal shelling in the Rookery Bay Preserve.
- The Marco Island: Sunset Boat Tour With Bottle of Champagne is a 2-hour private boat tour exploring Rookery Bay Reserve with the opportunity to stop on a private island.
- The Private Sailing Tour Through the 10,000 Islands offers a 2-hour private tour on a performance sailing catamaran with spacious lounging areas and stunning sunset views.
Private Sailing Tour Through the 10,000 Islands
For those seeking a truly immersive and serene experience, the Private Sailing Tour Through the 10,000 Islands is an exquisite choice. Priced at $440 for up to 6 participants, this 2-hour private tour allows you to explore the tranquil waters and marine life of Marco Island aboard a performance sailing catamaran.
Featuring spacious lounging areas, the tour offers stunning sunset views and the opportunity to visit secluded islands for relaxation and exploration. Bottled water is included, and with no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, booking is flexible.
While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, it’s led by an English-speaking guide who can customize the experience upon request. Reviewers rave about the tour, highlighting glimpses of dolphins and shell collecting, as well as the guide’s kind demeanor during the excursion.
Read our full review: Private Sailing Tour Through the 10,000 Islands Review
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Sand Bar Shelling Tour
Priced at $125.00 per person, the 2.5-hour Sand Bar Shelling Tour allows visitors to explore the uninhabited islands of the Ten Thousand Islands, where they can discover the natural beauty and collect unique seashells.
The tour is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. During the tour, guests will spend 1 hour and 30 minutes in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, where they may spot wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.
The tour also includes 15 minutes of sightseeing on Marco Island and 10 minutes at Caxambas Pass Park for departure and return. Included amenities are a cooler with ice, complimentary shelling bags, and a restroom on board.
Visitors should arrive early, as parking is limited and costs an additional $10.00. The tour has received a 5/5 rating from previous guests, who’ve praised it as a positive experience for couples and families.
Read our full review: Sand Bar Shelling Tour Review
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Island Paradise: Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour
The Island Paradise: Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour takes visitors on a 2.5-hour adventure through the stunning natural landscapes of Goodland, Florida.
Led by an experienced Florida Master Naturalist, this limited-group tour offers the chance to observe playful wild dolphins and diverse bird species in their natural habitat. Guests will explore the mangrove estuary of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, with the possibility of spotting manatees, sea turtles, fish, sharks, and stingrays.
The tour includes a stop at a secluded barrier island beach, where participants can enjoy shelling, picnicking, or swimming.
With a cooler of ice, complimentary shelling bags, and the option to purchase food and drinks, this eco-friendly boat tour provides a comprehensive and engaging experience.
Reservations can be made easily, with no upfront payment required and a flexible cancellation policy.
It’s an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive, guided tour in the beautiful waters of Goodland.
Read our full review: Island Paradise: Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour Review
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Ten Thousand Islands: Barrier Island Shelling Tour
Visitors can embark on the Sunrise and Shine 10,000 Islands Shelling Tour, a 4-hour adventure that takes them to the barrier islands of Florida’s stunning Ten Thousand Islands region.
This small-group tour, limited to 6 participants, departs at sunrise for optimal shelling conditions. Led by a certified master naturalist guide, the tour explores the mangrove estuary of Rookery Bay Preserve and destinations like Caxambas sandbars, Kice Island, Cape Romano, and Shell Island, renowned for their rare seashells, including the prized Junonia.
The expert captains ensure the best shelling experience, with complimentary shelling bags and coolers provided. While parking fees and food/beverages are additional costs, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
With an overall 5/5 rating from customers, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable shelling adventure in Goodland, Florida.
Read our full review: Ten Thousand Islands: Barrier Island Shelling Tour Review
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Marco Island:Sunset Boat Tour With Bottle of Champagne
Explore the serene waters and stunning sunsets of Marco Island on a private 2-hour boat tour. This exclusive experience takes you to the Rookery Bay Reserve, a 110,000-acre protected area teeming with diverse wildlife.
Cruise through the mangrove forests and pristine waterways, where you might spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species.
The tour includes a stop on a private island, where you can collect seashells and soak in the breathtaking sunset. As an added treat, a complimentary bottle of champagne is provided to elevate your relaxation.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who’ll share insights about the local environment and wildlife.
Priced at $635 for up to 6 participants, this sunset boat tour offers a truly unique and memorable way to explore the natural beauty of Marco Island.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and hotel pickup and drop-off included, this tour is a hassle-free way to experience the best of this Florida destination.
Read our full review: Marco Island:Sunset Boat Tour With Bottle of Champagne Review
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From Goodland: Best of Marco Island and 10,000 Islands Tour
Departing from the charming fishing village of Goodland, the “Best of Marco Island and 10,000 Islands Tour” invites travelers to discover the natural wonders and rich history of this captivating region.
Priced at $100 per person, this 2-hour tour is led by Florida-certified master naturalists and Marco Island Historical Society members, ensuring an informative and engaging experience.
Throughout the journey, guests will cruise through the stunning Ten Thousand Islands, taking in scenic views of Marco Island and witnessing the delicate ecosystem of this unique environment.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guides will share stories about the island’s history, development, and the local wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, birds, and stingrays.
The tour also includes a visit to the luxurious Marco Estates, where travelers can admire the lavish waterfront vacation homes.
With a maximum group size of 6 participants, this tour offers a personalized and intimate encounter with the best that Marco Island and the surrounding area have to offer.
Read our full review: From Goodland: Best of Marco Island and 10,000 Islands Tour Review
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Sum Up
Goodland, Florida offers a variety of scenic tours to explore the natural wonders of the 10,000 Islands. From private sailing adventures to eco-boat tours spotting dolphins and shelling on barrier islands, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing sunset cruise or an immersive nature experience, Goodland has the perfect tour to suit your interests.