Welcome Shell Seekers!
Nautical LifeShelling Tours
"Live Nautically, Shell Frequently, Make Memories"
Your Guide
About the Captain
2017 Carolina Skiff 258 DLV
Captain Carlos Escarra
Owner & Sole Operator · Nautical Life Shelling Tours
A Native Floridian who has called the waters off Naples–Marco Island his home for 47 years. Originally from Miami, his love for the ocean began as a very young child fishing with his father.
He was owner/operator of a very successful Fishing Charter Service (Gone Fishin' Charters) in the 10,000 Islands for over 27 years until selling the business in July of 2021. This vast knowledge of these waters gives him the edge on where and when to go for the best and safest experience.
With a 29-year career as a Fire Service veteran in Collier County (retired 2006), he has been trained to handle every situation, always focusing on the safety of his guests first.
Capt. Escarra is driven by passion and love for this beautiful paradise and enjoys sharing his knowledge of Florida's uplands, sheet flow, saltwater coastal systems, and the abundance of wildlife with his guests.
"It is my belief that each and every one of us play a very important role in protecting our resources and it's our duty and responsibility to be a good steward of these fragile ecosystems we call paradise."
Your Vessel
2017 Carolina Skiff 258 DLV — meticulously designed for your comfort, able to reach very shallow waters where treasured rare shells are found. Includes a large Yeti cooler for drinks and snacks.
Explore & Discover
Shelling Tours
Have you dreamed of shelling in the Ten Thousand Islands?
Where all you hear are the waves crashing against the mangroves and the sounds of seashells rolling ashore? We'd love to make your dreams a reality! Welcome aboard our eco-friendly shelling skiff!
We offer BPA-free reusable bottles filled with ice cold water and shelling bags to take your treasures home with ease. Hand rakes and buckets are available for your convenience. All we ask is to help us protect what we love — please keep our ocean's future in mind.
Please leave only footprints behind.
About the Ten Thousand Islands
Remote and beautiful, the Ten Thousand Islands are natural Florida in its purest form. The rich estuarine, mangrove, and marsh habitats are home to hundreds of species of birds, fish, mollusks, mammals, and reptiles. A trip to visit them is a trip away from the hustle and bustle and into tropical peace and serenity.
Shelling Tour Info
Departure Location
Goodland Boat Park
750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL
Park Hours & Parking
Gates open at 6:00am · $10 parking fee (Collier County Beach sticker exempt) · Receipt must be displayed
Important Notes
Good physical condition required to board/disembark · Step ladder & stool provided · Rear boarding ladder available · Uber/rideshare highly recommended (limited parking)
Shell Tour Pricing
4 Hour Shared Tour
Not including tax and gratuity
Join fellow shell seekers on an adventure to secluded islands in the Ten Thousand Islands. Perfect for solo travelers and couples.
- BPA-free water bottle
- Shell bag to keep
- Hand rake
- Extender pickers
- Cold water onboard
4.5 Hour Private Tour
Not including tax and gratuity
Completely customized to your desires. More shelling time with exclusive access to the best spots. Perfect for families and groups.
- BPA-free water bottle
- Shell bag to keep
- Hand rake
- Extender pickers
- Cold water onboard
- Fully customizable route
6.5 Hour Private Tour
Not including tax and gratuity
The ultimate shelling experience! Maximum time on the water with BONUS shelling time. Completely customized to your heart's desires.
- BPA-free water bottle
- Shell bag to keep
- Hand rake
- Extender pickers
- Cold water onboard
- Fully customizable route
- Maximum shelling time
🎒 What to Bring
- •Water shoes (sandals not recommended)
- •Hat for sun & mangrove branch protection
- •Sunglasses for sun & eye protection
- •Environmentally safe sunscreen (no spray lotion)
- •Shelling bag or bucket (logo bag available for purchase)
✅ What's Included
- Cold water onboard to refill your bottle
- Approved BPA-free water bottle (if needed)
- Shell bag for you to keep
- Hand rake
- Extender pickers for accessibility
We also sell rugged, insulated water bottles and cups customized with our logo — available upon request.
Nature & Wildlife
Eco-Tours
Cape Romano Dome Homes
Iconic landmark included on our eco-tour
2.5 Hour Ten Thousand Islands Eco-Tour
Specially designed for those looking for a shorter educational trip through the Ten Thousand Islands. Includes a 30-minute stop to find and collect precious shells as a memorial of your visit. Perfect for families with small children.
This tour takes you through the mazes of mangrove islands looking for manatees, dolphins, and indigenous birds, plus a trip to the iconic dome homes of Cape Romano — and includes thirty minutes of shelling.
Our Mission Statement
All of Nautical Life Shelling Tours are based on the concept that we respect and protect this rich ecosystem at all times. This means that we "do not litter" and we "return all living shells" back to the surf. We encourage each shelling participant to pick up any plastic, aluminum cans, bottles, straws, and bags found on the beach and bring back to the boat for proper disposal.
We strongly believe that it is each and everyone's responsibility to be a good steward of the environment. Our goal is that every shelling participant has a safe and memorable experience while finding their precious treasures.
Thank you for your help in preserving this beautiful shelling paradise. — Pura Vida 🌊
Ecotourism is Becoming an Increasingly Hot Topic
Awareness is on the rise when it comes to issues such as plastic waste and pollution harming sea life. At Nautical Life Shelling Tours, we believe that focusing on sustainable practices has made our travels much more fun and meaningful.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
We provide cold water onboard to refill your bottle.
Ditch the Plastic Bags
Use our provided shell bags instead of single-use plastics.
Reef-Friendly Sunscreen
Sun Bum brand recommended. No spray sunscreen please.
Nontoxic Insect Repellent
No-See-Um Natural insect repellant recommended.
Tour Photos
Gallery
Real photos from real tours — see what awaits you in the Ten Thousand Islands
Beautiful finds on every tour
Shell seekers love the Ten Thousand Islands
Captain Carlos shares his passion
Fun for the whole family
Making memories together
Rare cone shell find
Treasures of the Ten Thousand Islands
Nature's art on the shoreline
A handful of island treasures
Every tour yields amazing finds
Our 2017 Carolina Skiff 258 DLV
Happy guests after a great tour
Great for kids and families
Captain Carlos — wildlife steward
Cape Romano Dome Homes at sunset
Shell collecting at its finest
Rare finds on every trip
Island treasures waiting to be found
Take home your treasures in style
The beaches of the Ten Thousand Islands
Roseate Spoonbill — a Florida treasure
Wildlife in the Ten Thousand Islands
Dolphins spotted on eco-tours
Arriving at a secluded sandbar
What Guests Say
Guest Reviews
out of 5
Brenda T.
"My husband and I went shelling with Captain Carlos earlier this week and we had an unbelievable time. His customer service skills before, during and after the boat trip were phenomenal. Not only did he educate us about the shells, he also helped us find the types we were looking for and gifted them to us. Another thing that we love about him is that he's so eco-conscious. While shelling, he also picked up the lines from washed-up crab pots so turtles wouldn't get caught up in them. What a guy!!! We highly recommend Captain Carlos for the experience of a lifetime! Don't book with anyone else!"
Anthony F.
"My wife and I went shelling with Captain Carlos and it was the most amazing adventure we ever had. His knowledge and experience of the islands shows because we collected so many beautiful shells. We plan on going next year and the year after that. If you're looking for an incredible adventure, then Nautical Life Shelling Tours and Captain Carlos is the way to go."
Lindsey B.
"Had a fabulous time with Captain Carlos this morning. He is very knowledgeable and experienced, but more importantly, he loves what he does, and it shows! My daughters will remember this trip forever. Highly recommend...you will not be disappointed!"
Doc A.
"What a wonderful time with Capt. Carlos on my 6.5 hour private tour. So many shells, long beaches, private islands. Capt. Carlos was a skilled boat captain, knows the area very well and was professional and knowledgeable about the area and boats and shells. I enjoyed the time so much that I have already booked for next year to bring my sister and my husband this time. Can't wait! I HIGHLY recommend his tour!!"
Adam W.
"Captain Carlos is amazing at what he does and has a passion for all things Florida and wildlife. He was professional, greeted us at the parking lot and led us every step of the way. We brought a group of 4, 2 kids 2 adults, and Carlos made sure everyone had a great time. We shelled on two separate locations that were both beautiful and full of shells. His tour did not disappoint and he is helpful with any questions you may have. Would not hesitate to book again!"
Wanderlog Reviewer
Wanderlog
"My wife and I went shelling with Captain Carlos and it was the most amazing adventure we ever had. His knowledge and experience of the islands shows because we collected so many beautiful shells."
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Book a Tour
Contact Captain Carlos
Phone / Text
(239) 860-TOUR (8687)
[email protected]
Availability
Always Open
Year-round tours available
Cancellation Policy
Weather Cancellations: If Capt. Escarra cancels due to weather, you will receive a full refund or be rescheduled at no additional charge.
Guest Cancellations: If you cancel 7 days or more before your trip, you will receive a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days will receive a 50% refund. No refund for same-day cancellations.
Deposits: A 50% deposit is required to book your tour.
Gift Certificates Available!
Give the gift of adventure! Our gift certificates make the perfect present for any occasion — birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and more.
Inquire About Gift Certificates
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