4.8 (544) · Naples · By Everglades Area Tours Free cancellation
Embark on a two-hour guided tour deep into the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge. Our Florida Master Naturalist guides will provide an interpretive experience of the area.
Depending on the season, you might encounter manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and various fish and shorebirds.
The tour includes a visit to an uninhabited barrier island, perfect for collecting shells, sand dollars, and other beach treasures!
From June to October, morning tours are recommended due to weather patterns.
✓ A captain and all essential safety equipment are provided.✓ Bags are available for collecting your shells.✕ Bottled water is not provided.✕ Gratuities for the guide are not included.✕ The Goodland Boat Park has a $10 parking fee. Free parking is available outside the main gate.1 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
This two-part tour offers a fantastic introduction to the region for the entire family.
Begin with a dolphin search, spotting dolphins and wading birds during a guided boat tour led by a naturalist.
Next, enjoy a shelling excursion on an uninhabited barrier island.
Learn about the island's coastal dynamics and gather unique shells from these remote shores.
· 2 h
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Please gather to the left of the main building, under the covered pavilion.
Please gather to the left of the main building, under the covered pavilion.
We recommend bringing water, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shoes that can get wet.
A towel can also be useful to have with you.
Kindly arrive 20-25 minutes prior to departure to allow time for parking and using restroom facilities.
Boarding for the tour begins 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants must be seated on an adult's lap. This tour is suitable for all levels of physical fitness. Early Bird Special Early Bird Marco Island 2 hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling tour Book the morning tour during June-October for the best experience. Bring sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Consider bringing a towel. Arrive early to handle parking and facilities. Stay hydrated by bringing your own water. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
Product code: 5609P10
Activity offered by Everglades Area Tours via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Nature lovers Wildlife enthusiasts Shell collectors Explore the unique Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge. Search for dolphins, sea turtles, and diverse bird species. Collect shells on a pristine, uninhabited barrier island. Guided by a knowledgeable Florida Master Naturalist. Suitable for families and nature enthusiasts. Enjoy a scenic 2-hour boat tour.
Population 19,115 (2020)
Elevation -2 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 18° Jan 20° Feb 21° Mar 24° Apr 26° May 28° Jun 29° Jul 29° Aug 28° Sept 26° Oct 22° Nov 20° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What wildlife can I expect to see on the tour? + Depending on the season, you may encounter manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and numerous species of fish and shorebirds.
Can I collect shells during the tour? + Yes, you will visit an uninhabited barrier island where you can collect shells, sand dollars, and other treasures!
What should I bring with me? + Please bring water, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shoes you do not mind getting wet. A towel is also recommended.
What is the recommended time for a tour during the summer months? + From June through October, we suggest the morning experiences due to the weather.
Is there a parking fee? + The Goodland Boat Park charges a $10 parking fee. Free parking is available outside the gate.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Viator review
Professional and Knowledgeable
Heidys_H, September 2026
Wow, it was a wonderful experience, first time in Marco Island. 10 thousand islands is a must, our tour guide was very knowledgeable, he stopped when we were interested to see something, he was friendly and respectful. Watching the dolphins was the cutest thing and he made sure we did took our pictures and videos, he even recommended us the time to take it while he was driving.
★★★★★ Viator review
Great tour! Saw dolphins,...
Bonnie_M, September 2026
Great tour! Saw dolphins, manatees and tons of birds. Shelling was amazing and guide was extremely knowledgeable and so nice!
★★★★★ Viator review
Perfect Tour for the Day!
Sara_P, September 2026
Captain Joe was great and the tour was just the perfect thing for our one day around the 10 Thousand Islands. It was just four of us on the boat and everyone was nice and the dolphins were SO cool to see up close :)
★★★★★ Viator review
Wonderful trip!
Leslie_H, August 2026
Love the tour!! Kim and Joe are excellent guides. The shelling is extraordinary. Found my first ever sandollar out in the wild. Bring a hat and sunscreen!!
Response from the operator · EvergladesAreaTours Thank you for the review, Leslie! Captain Joe and Kim truly love what they do and it shows! Glad we could put you on your first sand dollar!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Nice tour but too short!
Jet20689199833, July 2026
We had a great dolphin /shelling (40min.) trip but at the end we run out of time on the 2h trip. It felt kind of a hustle. In my opinion the tour should be 30min. longer to have more time to enjoy the few dolphins we sighted.
Response from the operator · EvergladesAreaTours Thank you for your honest review. We do offer a 3.5 hour tour that goes to multiple islands and can spend more time exploring the 10,000 Islands. If you're back in the area soon you should come check our excursion out!
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