Nestled off the southwest coast of Florida, Marco Island offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning 10,000 Islands. Hop aboard a 2-hour boat cruise and learn about the natural beauty of this captivating region. As you navigate the waterways, keep an eye out for an array of marine life, from playful dolphins to majestic sea turtles. But the true treasure lies in the diverse collection of seashells that await you on a private beach. With a professional guide by your side, you’ll uncover the secrets of this enchanting coastal paradise.
Key Points
- This 2-hour boat tour of the 10,000 Islands offers the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife and search for exotic seashells on a private beach.
- Priced at $99 per person, the tour includes a local guide, cooler with ice, parking ticket, and drinks.
- Guests can explore the natural beauty of the Marco Island region and have the chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, rays, and sharks.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those requiring mobility assistance due to the terrain and beach environment.
- The meeting point is Goodland Boat Park, located 11 miles or 20 minutes from I-75, 16 miles or 25 minutes from Naples, and 5 miles or 10 minutes from Marco Island.
Tour Overview
The Marco Island Sightseeing and Shelling Boat Cruise is a 2-hour tour that takes visitors through the stunning 10,000 Islands, offering a chance to spot diverse wildlife and search for exotic seashells on a private beach.
Priced from $99 per person, the tour includes a local guide, a cooler with ice, a parking ticket, and drinks.
Visitors can expect to see resident dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, rays, and sharks, as well as a variety of seashells, including Banded Tulip, Clam Shell, Coquina Clam, Cowry, and more.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
The meeting point is the Goodland Boat Park, located at 740 Palm Point Dr, Goodland, FL 34140.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Marco Island.
Activity Highlights
During the Marco Island Sightseeing and Shelling Boat Cruise, visitors can expect to explore the stunning 10,000 Islands, a haven for diverse wildlife. They’ll have the opportunity to spot resident dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, rays, and sharks as they cruise through the mangrove-lined waterways.
The highlight of the tour is a stop at a private beach, where guests can search for an array of exotic seashells, including Banded Tulips, Clam Shells, Coquina Clams, Cowries, Florida Fighting Conchs, Lightning Whelks, Lined Moon Snails, Murex, Oysters, Ribbed Cantharus, Scallops, Scotch Bonnets, and Turrets.
This unique experience allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and marine life of the Marco Island region.
Included in the Tour
Included in the 2-hour Marco Island Sightseeing and Shelling Boat Cruise are a local guide, a cooler with ice, a $10 parking ticket, and drinks for passengers.
The tour also provides an opportunity to explore the picturesque 10,000 Islands and search for a variety of exotic seashells on a private beach.
Passengers can expect to spot resident dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, rays, and sharks during the cruise.
The tour includes a stop at a private beach where guests can search for banded tulips, clams, coquina clams, cowries, Florida fighting conchs, lightning whelks, lined moon snails, murexes, oysters, ribbed cantharus, scallops, scotch bonnets, and turrets.
Not Suitable for
One group not suited for the Marco Island Sightseeing and Shelling Boat Cruise is wheelchair users. The tour’s terrain and limited accessibility make it challenging for those requiring mobility assistance.
The boat itself may not have enough space or features to accommodate wheelchairs, and the beach stop where passengers search for seashells can be difficult to navigate. Plus, the uneven ground and fluctuating tides at the beach could pose safety risks for those with mobility concerns.
While the cruise offers a unique and enjoyable experience for many, it’s important for wheelchair users to consider the potential accessibility limitations before booking. Ensuring their needs can be met is crucial for a safe and comfortable outing.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point
The Marco Island Sightseeing and Shelling Boat Cruise departs from the Goodland Boat Park, located at 740 Palm Point Dr, Goodland, FL 34140. This conveniently situated launch point allows guests to embark on their 2-hour adventure with ease. The boat cruise travels through the picturesque 10,000 Islands, providing ample opportunities to spot local wildlife and collect unique seashells.
| Directions | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| From I-75 | 11 miles | 20 mins |
| From Naples | 16 miles | 25 mins |
| From Marco Island | 5 miles | 10 mins |
Arriving at the Goodland Boat Park with plenty of time to spare ensures a seamless start to the Marco Island sightseeing and shelling experience.
Driving Directions
Getting to the Goodland Boat Park, the departure point for the Marco Island Sightseeing and Shelling Boat Cruise, is straightforward from major nearby destinations.
From Interstate 75, it’s an 11-mile, 20-minute drive.
Those coming from Naples will travel roughly 16 miles, taking around 25 minutes.
And for visitors already on Marco Island, the boat park is just a 5-mile, 10-minute journey.
Follow signs for Goodland and look for the boat ramp on Palm Point Drive. Ample parking is available, and a $10 fee is charged.
The cruise departs right from the boat park, making it an easy and convenient starting point for this popular sightseeing and shelling adventure.
What to Expect
Upon boarding the boat, guests can expect a comfortable and informative cruise through the picturesque 10,000 Islands region.
During the 2-hour tour, the local guide will point out resident wildlife like dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, rays, and sharks.
The boat will stop at a private beach where guests can disembark and search for exotic seashells like the Banded Tulip, Clam Shell, and Scotch Bonnet.
A cooler with ice and complimentary drinks will be provided.
While the cruise isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, guests can look forward to a relaxing and educational experience discovering the natural wonders of the Marco Island area.
Plan Your Visit
Visitors can conveniently access the Goodland Boat Park, the departure point for the Marco Island Sightseeing and Shelling Boat Cruise, as it provides ample parking with a $10 ticket included in the tour price. Once aboard, guests can expect a 2-hour journey through the 10,000 Islands, where they’ll have the chance to spot resident wildlife like dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, rays, and sharks. The tour also includes a stop at a private beach, where guests can search for a variety of exotic seashells, including Banded Tulips, Coquina Clams, and Scotch Bonnets. With a local guide, cooler with ice, and complimentary drinks, this cruise offers an immersive sightseeing and shelling experience.
| Convenience | Wildlife Sightings | Shelling |
|---|---|---|
| Ample parking | Dolphins | Banded Tulip |
| Parking ticket included | Sea turtles | Coquina Clam |
| Departure point at Goodland Boat Park | Manatees | Scotch Bonnet |
| 2-hour cruise | Rays | |
| Local guide | Sharks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the boat cruise. The cruise includes a cooler with ice, but passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages as well.
Is Gratuity for the Guide Included in the Price?
The price for the 2-hour tour does not include gratuity for the guide. Customers are expected to tip the guide separately at the end of the tour based on the quality of service provided.
Are Pets Allowed on the Boat Tour?
Pets are not allowed on the boat tour. The tour operator does not permit animals on the vessel due to safety and environmental considerations for the wildlife and other passengers.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?
No, you do not need to bring your own snorkel gear. The boat tour provides all necessary equipment, including snorkel gear, for guests to use during the cruise and while exploring the private beach.
How Can I Reschedule or Cancel My Boat Tour?
To reschedule or cancel the boat tour, contact the tour operator directly. Most operators allow for changes or cancellations, often with a fee, prior to the scheduled departure time. Check the tour’s policies for specifics on rescheduling or cancellation options.
Recap
The Marco Island shelling and sightseeing boat cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning 10,000 Islands and spot diverse marine life.
With a local guide, cooler, and drinks included, this 2-hour tour immerses visitors in the natural beauty of the region.
Priced from $99 per person, it’s a must-try experience for those looking to discover the wonders of the Marco Island coastline.
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