Sanibel shelling tours at a glance
Cayo Costa and North Captiva can only be reached by boat. That is why shelling tours exist: a boat takes you to a beach with no road. You can join a public half-day trip or book a private boat for your group. A shelling cruise or shelling tour is a good way to see a different shoreline, but it does not promise empty beaches or special finds.
The same rules apply on the boat as on Sanibel. You take empty shells only, and live shells stay where they are. Read the shelling page first if this is your first trip. Prices below are for 2026 and change.
Our picks: shelling tours
We found no boat trip that lands on Sanibel's remote beaches, so these three are the nearest options: a cruise with a shelling stop, a kayak tour with a shell bag, and a guided hunt on Manasota Key.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided shark tooth and seashell hunt
- Guided hunt
- Sand-sifting rake
- Floating sifter and chair
A 90-minute guided hunt on Manasota Key, a different barrier island to the north, not on Sanibel. A sand-sifting rake, a floating sifter and a chair are provided.
Check availability →
Dolphin and shelling cruise
- Guide on board
- Dolphin watching
- Restroom on board
Three hours on the water with a guide, mixing dolphin watching with a shelling stop. It departs from Fort Myers Beach, not Sanibel, and remember that live shells must stay where they are.
Check availability →
Shelling and dolphin kayak tour
- Kayak, paddle and life vest
- Mesh bag for shells
- Dry bag for phone
A guided group paddle of about two and a half hours with a kayak, paddle and life vest. A mesh bag for shells and a dry bag for your phone are included; live shells stay in the water.
Check availability →Sanibel shelling tours and boat trips
Boat trips to remote beaches, dolphin cruises and other outings from Sanibel and Fort Myers, with live prices and availability.
Public trip or private boat
Price examples for 2026. Compare the two on the same basis.
| Option | Length | Price example (2026) | Priced per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public half-day shelling trip | 3 hours: about 30 minutes by boat each way, about 2 hours on the beach | $55 to $65 adults, $40 to $50 children up to 12, plus $2 state park entry | Person |
| Private nature or shelling cruise (from 1 April 2026) | 3 hours minimum | From $375, extra hours $100 | Boat |
| Private dolphin and wildlife boat | 2 to 3 hours | $350 to $500, up to 6 people | Boat |
For most travellers, the public half-day trip is the straightforward way to reach Cayo Costa. A private boat suits a group of four to six that wants its own timetable. Do not compare a per-person price with a per-boat price without dividing by the number of guests.
Where the boats go
The shelling destinations that need a boat.
Cayo Costa
Cayo Costa State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, and entry is $2 per person in 2026. Ferries and overnight stays are not available there, and access is for private boats. Boat access changes, so ask the operator exactly where and how you will land before you book.
Day trips from Sanibel →North Captiva
North Captiva is a separate island, and there is no road to it from Captiva. Reach it only by boat, and do not assume a daily connection.
Captiva Island →Cabbage Key
Cabbage Key is a boat destination from Captiva. A regular daily timetable cannot be assumed.
What the day looks like
From the dock to the beach.
The boat ride
A half-day trip spends about 30 minutes each way on the boat. Where the boat leaves from decides how long the whole day takes, so check the meeting point.
Landing
On some trips guests get on and off by a ladder into knee-deep water.
On the beach
You have about 2 hours to walk and collect. Empty shells only. Live shells, sand dollars, sea stars and sea urchins stay. In the state park, follow the park's rules too.
Wildlife on the way
Dolphins and manatees may show up, but they cannot be promised. Stay at least 50 yards (about 46 m) from dolphins and never feed, touch or chase them.
What to check before you book
Questions for the operator.
Departure point
Some boats leave from a marina on Sanibel, others from a marina in Fort Myers on the mainland. Ask which one applies to your booking.
Landing place
Ask which beach and island the boat lands on, and whether the trip includes time on shore.
What the price covers
The $2 state park fee is extra on the public trip in 2026. Ask about drinks and shade, and whether you need to pay anything on board.
Reservation and deposit
Public trips usually ask for a reservation, private trips for a deposit. Check the cancellation terms before you pay.
Plan the rest of your trip
Before and after the boat.
Sanibel shelling tours: frequently asked questions
How much does a shelling tour on Sanibel cost?
A public half-day trip costs about $55 to $65 for adults and $40 to $50 for children up to 12 in 2026, plus $2 state park entry. Private boats start at $375 for a 3-hour shelling cruise, with extra hours at $100.
Where do the shelling boats go?
Cayo Costa and North Captiva are the boat-only shelling destinations. Ask the operator where your trip lands.
Will I be alone on the beach?
That cannot be promised. Remote beaches are not always empty, and access can change.
Can I keep live shells?
No. Take empty shells only. Live shells, sand dollars, sea stars and sea urchins stay on the beach, and shelling is banned in Ding Darling Refuge waters.
Will I find a Junonia?
Do not count on it. The shell is rare, and the animal lives in deep water.