Barrier Island Shelling Tour

Exploring the natural wonders of the barrier islands is a captivating experience, and the Barrier Island Shelling Tour offers the perfect opportunity to take in this coastal paradise. Departing from the Goodland Boat Park, this small-group boat excursion provides guests with the chance to discover hidden beaches, sandbars, and remote islands teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Under the guidance of an expert naturalist, visitors can collect a variety of seashells using the provided tools and bags, while learning about the intricate ecosystems that sustain this unique environment. However, the true allure of this tour lies in the chance to uncover the secrets that these barrier islands hold, beckoning adventurers to venture forth and…

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Tours In Goodland Florida.

Key Points

1. The tour offers a small-group boat excursion to explore sandbars, beaches, and natural wonders on barrier islands for seashell collecting.
2. Destinations may include Caxambas sandbars, Kice Island, Morgan Island, and Second Chance Shell Bar, known for their abundant seashells.
3. The tour is led by an expert guide and certified master naturalist who shares extensive knowledge about the local ecosystems and wildlife.
4. The tour includes essential shelling tools and equipment, such as bags, buckets, and scoopers, to enhance the seashell hunting experience.
5. Parking is available at the Goodland Boat Park for a $10 fee, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are recommended transportation options.

Tour Overview

The Barrier Island Shelling Tour offers a small-group boat excursion to various destinations around the island, where participants can explore sandbars, beaches, and other natural wonders while searching for a bounty of seashells.

Led by an expert guide and certified master naturalist, the tour provides visitors with the opportunity to discover the unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife of the area.

Destinations may include the Caxambas sandbars, Kice Island, Morgan Island, and the Second Chance Shell Bar, where guests can collect a variety of shells using the provided shelling tools and bags.

With a restroom on board and a cooler stocked with ice, the tour ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

What’s Included

The Barrier Island Shelling Tour provides travelers with a range of complimentary items to enhance their shelling experience.

Guests will receive:

• Shelling bags to collect their treasured finds
• A cooler stocked with ice to keep drinks and snacks fresh
• Essential shelling tools like buckets, baskets, and scoopers

The tour boat is equipped with a convenient onboard restroom, ensuring a comfortable and carefree excursion.

Whether seasoned shell collectors or first-time beachcombers, the Barrier Island Shelling Tour’s thoughtful inclusions make for an unforgettable and well-equipped adventure.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet for the Barrier Island Shelling Tour at the Goodland Boat Park, located at 750 Palm Point Dr, Goodland, FL 34140.

A parking fee of $10 at the Boat Park is required, and a receipt must be presented.

For those who prefer not to park at the Boat Park, there’s offsite parking available across the street from Stans Idle Hour, approximately a 7-10 minute (0.3 mile) walk.

Uber and Lyft are recommended transportation options, with an average rate of $10-20 from Marco Island.

With moderate physical fitness required, the tour explores beaches that may involve walking long distances on uneven terrain, through water, and around mangrove trees and stumps.

Additional Information

Upon booking the Barrier Island Shelling Tour, travelers receive confirmation immediately. Although a moderate physical fitness level is required, the beaches may necessitate walking long distances on uneven terrain, through water, and navigating around mangrove trees and stumps.

The tour group is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but children 6 and under are required to wear the provided life vests.

Travelers can expect to explore a variety of destinations, including:

• Caxambas sandbars
• Kice Island
• Morgan Island
• Second Chance Shell Bar

These sites offer ample opportunities for shelling and experiencing the natural beauty of the Barrier Island.

Reviews

With a badge of excellence, the Barrier Island Shelling Tour boasts 18 enthusiastic reviews from satisfied customers.

Guests have raved about the expert guidance provided by the certified master naturalist, who brings the local ecosystem to life. Travelers appreciate the small-group setting, which allows for personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

Many highlight the diverse array of destinations explored, from serene sandbars to picturesque islands. Reviewers also commend the tour’s thoughtful inclusions, such as the complimentary shelling gear and on-board restroom.

Destinations Explored

The tour explores a variety of captivating destinations around Barrier Island, allowing guests to discover the region’s diverse natural wonders.

Visitors may have the opportunity to visit the Caxambas sandbars, where they can admire the glistening white sand and search for unique seashells.

Another highlight is Kice Island, a tranquil escape teeming with mangrove forests and coastal habitats.

The tour may also venture to Morgan Island, known for its picturesque beaches, and the Second Chance Shell Bar, a prime spot for shelling enthusiasts.

Throughout the journey, the expert guide, a certified master naturalist, shares their extensive knowledge, enhancing the overall experience.

Expert Guide and Naturalist

The expert guide, a certified master naturalist, enhances the overall experience by sharing their extensive knowledge of the region’s diverse natural wonders throughout the tour.

They provide fascinating insights into the unique ecosystems and wildlife found in the Barrier Island area. From the mangrove forests and sandy beaches to the abundant birdlife and marine creatures, the guide’s expertise brings the tour to life, captivating guests with their expertise.

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for the environment, the guide points out the intricate relationships between the various species and their habitats, fostering a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of this coastal paradise.

Parking and Transportation

Visitors can access the meeting point at the Goodland Boat Park by utilizing the on-site parking, which requires a $10 fee with a receipt.

Nearby offsite parking is available across the street from Stan’s Idle Hour, about a 7-10 minute walk from the boat tour’s starting location.

Given the distance, rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are recommended, with an average rate of $10-20 from Marco Island.

On-site parking at the Goodland Boat Park costs $10 with a receipt required.

Nearby offsite parking is available across the street, about a 7-10 minute walk.

Uber and Lyft are recommended options, with rates around $10-20 from Marco Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Wildlife Can We Expect to See on the Tour?

On this tour, visitors can expect to see a variety of coastal wildlife, including birds like herons, egrets, and pelicans, as well as marine life such as dolphins, stingrays, and a variety of fish species in the waters around the barrier islands.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be suitable for people with disabilities, as the beaches can require walking long distances on uneven terrain, through water, and navigating around mangrove trees and stumps. The tour is also not wheelchair accessible.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the provided cooler with ice is a convenient option if guests prefer not to carry additional items. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are generally not allowed on boat tours for safety and cleanliness reasons. The tour operator may make exceptions for service animals, but this should be confirmed with them prior to booking. Passengers are advised to leave their pets at home.

How Long Is the Boat Ride?

The boat ride typically lasts around 2-3 hours, depending on the specific destinations visited. The tour explores various sandbars, islands, and beaches accessible only by boat around the barrier island region.

Recap

The Barrier Island Shelling Tour offers a captivating opportunity to explore the region’s natural wonders. Guests can collect seashells, learn from expert guides, and enjoy the coastal paradise.

With its thoughtful amenities and convenient accessibility, this tour provides a unique and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned shell collector or simply seeking to connect with the great outdoors, this tour isn’t to be missed.