Exploring the captivating coastal environments near Caxambas Pass, the Barrier Island Shelling Tour offers an enchanting 2.5-hour guided adventure. Priced at €111.67 per person, this tour whisks visitors into the stunning Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, where they can witness dolphins and diverse marine life. With complimentary shelling bags, a cooler, and an onboard restroom, the tour provides an intimate and enjoyable outing. Whether you’re a seasoned shell collector or simply seek a remarkable natural experience, this tour promises to unveil the wonders of the barrier islands in a way that will leave you eager to discover more.
Key Points
- The Barrier Island Shelling Tour is a 2.5-hour guided experience priced at €111.67 per person, with a maximum of 6 participants for a personalized experience.
- The tour includes a 1.5-hour segment in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge to observe dolphins, followed by 15 minutes of sightseeing around Marco Island.
- The tour provides complimentary shelling bags and a cooler with ice, and includes an onboard restroom for participant convenience.
- Cancellation is available for free up to 24 hours in advance, and the meeting point is Caxambas Pass Park, where a $10 parking fee is required.
- The tour offers a contrast between the wilderness of the Ten Thousand Islands and the elegance of Marco Island, providing a comprehensive coastal experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Barrier Island Shelling Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the pristine beaches and uninhabited islands of the Ten Thousand Islands.
Priced at €111.67 per person, this 2.5-hour guided tour allows participants to discover the natural beauty of the region.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
Highlights include shelling on barrier islands, seeing wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, and sightseeing around Marco Island.
The tour includes a cooler with ice, complimentary shelling bags, and a restroom on board.
Guests are responsible for the $10 parking fee.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Goodland Florida.
Experience Highlights
A guided shelling adventure awaits on the barrier islands near Caxambas Pass.
Explore uninhabited islands for seashells and the treasures of the sea, discovering the natural beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands. The small group size is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with a live tour guide available in English.
The tour highlights include:
- 1 hour 30 minutes in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge to see wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
- 15 minutes of sightseeing around Marco Island
- 10 minutes at the Caxambas Pass Park, the departure and return point
Complimentary shelling bags and a cooler with ice are provided, along with a restroom on board.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins with 1 hour 30 minutes spent in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, where participants can expect to see wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.
Next, the tour moves to Marco Island for 15 minutes of sightseeing around the area.
Finally, the tour departs and returns from Caxambas Pass Park, which takes 10 minutes.
Throughout the tour, the small group size is limited to 6 participants, and a live tour guide is available in English to provide commentary and insights about the natural surroundings.
Ten Thousand Islands NWR
Exploring the winding waterways of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, participants can expect to witness the graceful movements of wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins as they navigate the serene waters.
This 1.5-hour segment of the tour showcases the diverse ecosystem of the refuge, where visitors may spot:
- Manatees leisurely grazing on seagrass
- Coastal birds soaring overhead
- Mangrove forests lining the shoreline
- Vibrant marine life beneath the surface
The tranquil setting provides an opportunity to fully immerse in the natural beauty of this unique coastal environment, making it a highlight of the barrier island shelling adventure.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyMarco Island
Departing the serene waters of the Ten Thousand Islands, the tour next ventures to the picturesque Marco Island, offering 15 minutes of sightseeing along its scenic coastline.
Known for its stunning beaches and luxurious resorts, Marco Island provides a glimpse into the affluent lifestyle of Southwest Florida.
The tour you will have the opportunity to admire the island’s stunning vistas, pristine beaches, and high-end residential areas.
This brief stop allows visitors to appreciate the contrast between the untamed wilderness of the Ten Thousand Islands and the refined elegance of Marco Island before returning to the main shelling destination.
Caxambas Pass Park
After admiring the sights of Marco Island, the tour now makes its way to Caxambas Pass Park, which serves as the departure and return point for the excursion.
This tranquil park offers a scenic setting, providing the perfect starting and ending point for the barrier island shelling adventure.
Visitors can expect to spend approximately 10 minutes at Caxambas Pass Park, where they can:
- Admire the beautiful natural surroundings.
- Prepare for the upcoming shelling expedition.
- Board the vessel that will transport them to the barrier islands.
- Reflect on the unique experience they’re about to embark upon.
Caxambas Pass Park sets the stage for the memorable shelling tour, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable start and finish to the day’s activities.
Inclusions
The tour package includes a cooler stocked with ice, providing a convenient way for participants to store any seashells or other treasures they discover during the excursion. Plus, the tour provides complimentary shelling bags, ensuring guests have the necessary tools to collect their findings. For added convenience, the tour boat is equipped with a restroom. Visitors should note that the parking fee of $10.00 is an additional cost not included in the tour price.
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Cooler with Ice | For storing seashell finds |
| Complimentary Shelling Bags | To collect treasures |
| Restroom on Board | For participant convenience |
| Parking Fee | $10.00 (extra cost) |
| Transportation | Not included |
Meeting Point and Transportation
Visitors must pay the required parking fee and display the receipt on their dashboard upon arrival at the designated meeting point.
Due to limited parking availability, it’s recommended to arrive early.
The tour offers several transportation options, including:
- Uber
- Lyft
- Taxi
- Crabby Cabbie (tips only)
These alternative transportation methods are suggested, as the parking fee is an additional cost not included in the tour price.
Guests should plan their travel accordingly to ensure they reach the departure location on time and with minimal stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement. As it’s a guided shelling tour, the group size is limited to 6 participants, so the tour’s suitability for children would depend on the family’s discretion and the child’s ability to participate.
Are Dogs or Other Pets Allowed on the Tour?
Unfortunately, the tour does not allow pets on board. The tour is designed for human participants only, and bringing animals would not be feasible or permitted due to safety and logistical concerns.
What Should Participants Bring Besides the Provided Shelling Bags?
Participants should bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and comfortable walking shoes. The tour provides complimentary shelling bags, a cooler with ice, and a restroom on board, but additional personal items are recommended for comfort and sun protection during the excursion.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration beyond the stated 2.5 hours. Participants should bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to ensure they’re prepared for the full tour experience.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private or Group Bookings?
The tour can be customized for private or group bookings. Customers can arrange a private tour with a flexible schedule and group size to suit their needs. Additional fees may apply for custom tours.
Recap
The Barrier Island Shelling Tour offers an unforgettable coastal adventure. Guests can explore the stunning Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, spot dolphins and diverse marine life, and collect unique shells. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable amenities, and a reasonable price, this tour provides an intimate and enjoyable outing for up to six participants seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
You can check if your dates are available here: