Shelling Tours Near Fort Myers Beach
With the countless scallop shells, olive shells, conch shells and more found on Southwest Florida shores, it’s no surprise that shelling is one of the best things to do in Fort Myers Beach and beyond. And while you can certainly scour the closest beaches for these beautiful shells, the best shelling is usually on uninhabited islands along the Gulf Coast. Luckily, there is no shortage of shelling tours near Fort Myers Beach that are ready to take you to all of the best spots around.
Cayo Costa State Park Tours with Captiva Cruises
Cayo Costa State Park is one of the best shelling spots in Southwest Florida. Scattered along its shoreline, you’ll find whelk shells, conch shells, banded tulip shells and scotch bonnet shells. You might even find a few sand dollars dotted here and there!
This abundance of shells is largely due to the fact that Cayo Costa State Park is only accessible by boat. But don’t worry! You can still visit without a boat of your own, since Captiva Cruises offers two shelling tours (by boat, of course) to Cayo Costa.
First, there’s the Half Day to Southern Cayo Costa. Take a narrated boat tour to the island for two full hours of seashell searching. Then, there’s also the Full Day to Northern Cayo Costa tour. With this option, you’ll have four full hours on the island, which means that there’s plenty of time for shelling, biking, kayaking and more.
Shelling & Lunch Cruise with Adventures in Paradise
But Cayo Costa definitely isn’t the only place to go shelling near Fort Myers Beach. For a shelling tour that takes guests to a remote barrier island, Adventures in Paradise is the way to go.
This Shelling & Lunch Cruise is great for those who are really trying to get off the beaten path. You’ll find all sorts of shells on this remote island, including tulip shells, junonia shells and conch shells.
Coastal Sea Life, Shelling and Dolphin Cruise with Good Time Charters
Why not combine your shelling tour with another fun adventure? Good Time Charters offers an incredible Coastal Sea Life, Shelling and Dolphin Cruise. On the boat ride over to a beautiful barrier island, listen to your marine biologist or naturalist guide teach you all about Southwest Florida’s flora and fauna. You’ll even get to see wildlife along the way, including dolphins and seabirds. Then, at the end of it all, you’ll still have time to collect all your beloved shells.
Private Shelling Tours with Southwest Florida Dolphin & Eco Tours
If none of the Fort Myers Beach shelling tours are for you, consider booking a private tour with Southwest Florida Dolphin & Eco Tours. With your captain, you can figure out which of Southwest Florida’s islands and coastlines are best for your shelling adventure.
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
Last but certainly not least, if you’d prefer to stay on dry land but still want to see some epic shells, check out the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Located on Sanibel Island, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to shells! While you’re there, touch live mollusks, participate in an exciting scavenger hunt, stroll along the shell-themed outdoor story walk and pay a visit to the friendly Giant Pacific Octopus!
