Private Tour
Private Shelling and Dolphin Excursion
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Our private excursion allows you to enjoy the beautiful waters of The 10,000 Islands without the crowds of tourists at a comparable price. Guest enjoy watching wild dolphins up close before stopping at secluded barrier islands covered in exotic sea shells. Expect to go home with buckets full of shells, the perfect souvenir for you and the family! Our private 2.5 hour trip is the perfect duration for families with kids as well as friends to experience The 10,000 Islands!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
While experiencing the biggest mangrove forrest in the United States, guests can expect remote islands littered with shells, wild dolphins swimming by the boat, and learn all about the ecosystem and history of the area.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Cooler filled with ice
Buckets and bags for your shells
Snacks
Parking fee is $10
Towels
Options
Daily Excursions
Sunset Excursion
Reviews
333 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect for a family of five
Maija M,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family had such a wonderful experience. We have two teenagers and a toddler, and this trip had something for everyone! We saw two dolphins who swam and played in our wake for a long time. Captain Matt was such an awesome guide, who had tons of knowledge about the area and wildlife. He helped us pick out the best shells to take home. I highly recommend this trip for anyone, especially families with little ones.
A wonderful experience.
110prabhac,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was a lot of fun. Capt. Jeff, was really informative and explained the ecosystem that added to the value of the trip.
Great way to experience the area
E2475BYchristopherc,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the experience we were looking for. Jeff was very knowledgeable of the area and an entertaining captain. Scenery was great and we had a lot of fun interacting with the dolphins as well as searching for sand dollars and other shells.
Absolutely sensational and unforgettable tour! Dolphins playing and splashing us! Sand dollars for days!
wagsba22,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely incredible boat day with Captain Jeff! We went on a 2.5 hour tour with our 2 young girls. Spent about an hour shelling and collecting tons of sand dollars and beautiful shells. Then had one of the most memorable experiences ever as we found a pod of fun dolphins and they were literally fully breaching out if the water behind our boat so close that they were splashing us! It was absolutely incredible. The weather was perfect. This boat day made our entire trip!! Thank you Jeff for giving us the best tour and for telling us the “truth” about pelicans :)
Excellent shelling trip
OddgeirEsk,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome day on the water! Captain Matt is awesome and took us on a short detour to check out dolphins that were playing around our boat and jumping from the wake. The shelling was awesome, my wife really loved it! The 2.5 hour tour was perfect for us. Five stars and thumbs up! 100% recommendation!!!
Great Experience!
Kristin D,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing trip! We saw dolphins and birds. Kasey was informative! Nick communicated before so we were ready to go. He even recommended some great restaurants for us. Would highly recommend.
Family shelling
JoAnn N,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt was the best tour guide ever. He has the most extensive knowledge of shells & other Florida wildlife, it was wonderful to hear his stories & knowledge. Very fantastic way to spend Thanksgiving. Thank you for the opportunity.
A Perfect Day
susanrY2572SJ,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00CaptNick was personable and very considerate of my elderly knees as well as our 4 yo granddaughter. We saw dolphins almost immediately. As we traveled to Shell Island, Capt Nick shared interesting historical facts about the area. Upon arrival, Capt Nick lead us to an area where there was an abundance of unusual shells. He gifted us with a nice collection. He didn’t rush us as we searched for our own. Capt. Nick was able to identify the shells as well as instucted us how to clean them. He even offered some craft suggestions. He happily took pictures. He offered to drop us off at a restaurant, but our granddaughter was exhausted, so we chose to dock and return to our vehicle. CaptNick helped carry our bags and treasures back to the vehicle. I would highly recommend!!
The Absolute BEST
kendrad554,,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the BEST excursion with Matt with Island Excursions on their beautiful, clean and well maintained boat. Matt was friendly, personable and very knowledgeable about the surrounding wildlife, sea life, and all the secret spots in the area for dolphin sightings. We learned so much and were elated to not only spot dolphins but have them interact and play in the wake of our boat. We had 2 young children with us; looking for shells on the sandbar, dolphin sightings & “driving Captain Matt’s” boat was the highlight of our family vacation for them. We can’t recommend this experience enough and cannot wait to come back!
Sun, shells, and dolphins the perfect adventure at Marco Island
Traci S,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the private shelling and dolphin excursion. There were four of us on the 830 morning timeslot. We had a fantastic time showing the island was full of beautiful shells. At the end, we were able to see 1 dolphin with her baby following us. It was magical and definitely worth the money. I would definitely recommend this company .. very knowledgeable. We all felt so comfortable with Matt.
Related Experiences
Operated by Island Excursions