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Marco Island Shelling Tours & Private Excursions
Boat-access shelling trips to remote islands with better shells and fewer crowds.
Rated #1 by Customers
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Private Marco Island Shelling Tours
Ten Thousand Islands | Boat-Only Beaches & Negative Tide Excursions
Marco Island Boat Tours: Private Shelling with Captain Jamie Cox
Private boat-access-only shelling and eco-tours throughout the Ten Thousand Islands.
Marco Island Boat Tours is a locally owned and operated maritime service specializing in premium private shelling tours in Marco Island. Led by Captain Jamie Cox, our team provides an authentic connection to the Ten Thousand Islands National Estuarine Research Reserve. We differentiate ourselves through our deep understanding of the coastal ecosystem, utilizing years of local experience to navigate the complex waterways of Southwest Florida. By prioritizing private, small-group charters, we ensure our guests receive a personalized experience that larger, crowded vessels simply cannot match.
Our excursions focus on reaching boat-access-only barrier islands and remote beaches where the best treasures are found. From the shell ridges of Kice Island to the shifting sands of Cape Romano, we time our departures to align with negative tides and optimal environmental conditions. Whether you are a serious collector looking for rare specimens or a family seeking a quiet day on the water, our tours offer exclusive access to the most pristine stretches of the Florida coast. We are committed to providing an educational and professional environment for every guest who steps aboard.
Private Marco Island Shelling & Eco-Excursions
Our private shelling tours in Marco Island are designed to provide exclusive access to the most remote coastal environments in Southwest Florida. We specialize in boat-access-only excursions to Kice Island, Dickman’s Island, and the historic sands of Cape Romano, focusing on the rich biodiversity of the Ten Thousand Islands National Estuarine Research Reserve. These trips are timed to coincide with negative tides, allowing guests to find high-quality specimens such as Junonias, Fighting Conchs, and elusive Lightning Whelks that are rarely found on public beaches.
Every excursion is a fully guided experience that includes expert navigation by a local captain, ice-cooled bottled water, and specialized shelling bags for your finds. We welcome all skill levels, from families with young children to seasoned collectors seeking a professional edge in the Ten Thousand Islands. By avoiding the crowds of Tigertail Beach and venturing into the heart of the reserve, we provide a quiet, personalized environment where you can appreciate the natural beauty and local wildlife of the Gulf coast at your own pace.
Trip Inclusions
Each private excursion includes an expert USCG-licensed captain, specialized shelling bags, and an iced cooler with bottled water. We also provide tide-optimized navigation through the Ten Thousand Islands and professional identification of your finds.
What To Bring
To ensure you have a comfortable day in the Ten Thousand Islands, we recommend bringing sun protection (hats, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen) and a pair of sturdy water shoes for walking on shell ridges. You may also want to bring a camera for wildlife sightings and any preferred snacks or beverages to keep in our on-board cooler.
Marco Island Shelling Trip Highlights
Marco Island & The Ten Thousand Islands
We operate throughout the Ten Thousand Islands National Estuarine Research Reserve, providing private boat access to remote shelling locations like Kice Island and Cape Romano.
Marco Island Boat Tours: Prices and Info
Select your private charter below to view our seasonal rates for negative tide shelling and Ten Thousand Islands wildlife excursions.
Marco Island Boat Tours: Customer Reviews
See why our guests rank us as the premier choice for private boat-access shelling throughout the Ten Thousand Islands.
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