5.0(4 Reviews)Boca Grande Eco Tour and Cayo Costa Shelling Trip
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Combo of Land & Sea
Private 4hour boat tour accommodates up to six guestsExplore remote Cayo Costa beaches accessible only by boatCustomizable itinerary includes shelling, dolphin watching, and swimming
When you're looking for the perfect blend of wildlife watching and beach exploration, Captain Stephen's combo tour hits all the right notes. This 4-hour private adventure takes you through the pristine waters around Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor before landing you on the remote shores of Cayo Costa State Park. What makes this tour special isn't just the boat-only access to some of Florida's best shelling beaches - it's the personalized experience you get with a small group of just six people max. You'll cruise past dolphin pods, spot manatees in their natural habitat, and walk beaches where the shells are so abundant you'll need to be selective about what treasures make it into your collection bag.
Your tour starts from Boca Grande, where Captain Stephen maps out the day based on weather conditions, wildlife activity, and what your group wants to see most. The beauty of this private tour is the flexibility - if dolphins are playing in Gasparilla Sound, you might spend extra time watching their antics. If the tide's perfect for shelling at Cayo Costa, that's where you'll focus your energy. The boat ride itself is part of the adventure, cutting through Charlotte Harbor's clear waters while you keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles surfacing and rays gliding just below the surface. Don't forget to bring your camera because the wildlife photography opportunities are phenomenal, especially during the golden hour if you book an afternoon departure.
Cayo Costa State Park is only reachable by boat, which keeps the crowds thin and the shell selection incredible. Captain Stephen knows exactly where to beach the boat depending on recent weather patterns and seasonal shell migration. The tour includes time to explore multiple stretches of coastline, from the Gulf-facing beaches where larger shells wash up after storms, to the calmer bay side where you'll find perfect sand dollars and colorful scallop shells. The walking is easy along these barrier island beaches - mostly soft sand with occasional patches of harder-packed areas near the waterline. When you need a break from shelling, there are usually sandbars nearby where you can take a refreshing swim in crystal-clear water that's typically waist-deep and perfect for cooling off.
"salty breeze boat tours are the best book your tour early because they fill up fast" - Diane. "Steve was so awesome! Definitely recommend, perfect balance of exploring and relaxing. We even got to see the manatees and dolphins! We had blast!" - Tay. "What a great experience and tour on Mothers Day we had! I definitely will be booking another tour! Was an amazing day! Thank y'all so much !!" - Rachel. "Definitely such a great time out with SBBT!!! Got to see some great sites and stop for some refreshing swims. Dolphins were everywhere; sanddollars and conch shells were beautiful; manatees and sea turtles are so beautiful. Coming back for a few more trips this summer with them." - Clint.
Bottlenose dolphins are the stars of Charlotte Harbor, and you'll likely see multiple pods during your tour. These playful marine mammals are most active in the morning and late afternoon when they're hunting for fish in the shallow grass flats. Watch for their synchronized surfacing patterns and listen for the distinctive puff of air when they breathe. The resident dolphins here aren't shy - they often approach boats out of curiosity, giving you front-row seats to their acrobatic displays. Summer months bring the most consistent dolphin activity, though you can spot them year-round in these protected waters.
West Indian manatees frequent the warm-water refuges around Boca Grande, especially during cooler months from November through March. These gentle giants can reach 10-12 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds, but they move through the water with surprising grace. You'll recognize them by their distinctive paddle-shaped tails and whiskered faces that often pop up near the boat. Manatees are naturally curious but move slowly, so when Captain Stephen spots one, you'll have plenty of time to observe their peaceful grazing behavior in the seagrass beds.
Loggerhead sea turtles patrol these waters throughout the warmer months, with peak sightings from May through October. These ancient mariners can live over 50 years and return to the same nesting beaches where they were born. You might catch one surfacing for air during the boat ride, or spot their distinctive tracks on Cayo Costa's beaches if you're touring during nesting season. The juvenile turtles are particularly common in the shallow grass flats where they feed on crabs and jellyfish, often surfacing just long enough for a quick photo before diving back down.
This top-rated combo tour fills up quickly, especially during peak season from December through April when the weather's perfect and the wildlife is most active. Captain Stephen's personalized approach and local knowledge make this a customer favorite that guests return for year after year. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning a family outing, or just want to experience the best of what Boca Grande's waters have to offer, this 4-hour journey delivers memories that last long after the shells are displayed on your mantle. The small group size means you get individual attention, and the customizable itinerary ensures your tour matches your interests perfectly. Book early to secure your preferred date - the combination of world-class shelling, reliable wildlife viewing, and Captain Stephen's expertise makes this one of the most sought-after tours in Southwest Florida.
5.0 out of 5.0salty breeze boat tours are the best book your tour early because they fill up fast
Steve was so awesome! Definitely recommend, perfect balance of exploring and relaxing. We even got to see the manatees and dolphin...
What a great experience and tour on Mothers Day we had! I definitely will be booking another tour! Was an amazing day! Thank y’all...
Definitely such a great time out with SBBT!!! Got to see some great sites and stop for some refreshing swims. Dolphins were everyw...
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