5.0(4 Reviews)Boca Grande Eco Tour and Cayo Costa Shelling Trip
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Combo of Land & Sea
Private 4-hour boat tour for up to six guestsRemote Cayo Costa beaches accessible only by boatCustomizable shelling, dolphin watching, and swimming experience
Ready to explore some of Florida's most pristine waters? This 4-hour private boat tour with Captain Stephen combines the best of both worlds – you'll cruise through the crystal-clear waters around Charlotte Harbor and Gasparilla Island, then hit the remote beaches of Cayo Costa for world-class shelling. What makes this tour special is that you're getting access to spots only reachable by boat, where the shells are plentiful and the crowds are non-existent. With room for up to six guests, it's perfect for families or small groups who want a personalized experience away from the tourist masses.
Your adventure starts in Boca Grande, where Captain Stephen will customize the entire itinerary based on what your group wants to see and do. The beauty of this private tour is the flexibility – feeling like dolphin watching today? We'll head to the best spots where these playful mammals love to hang out. Want to cool off with a swim? There are several sandbars where you can hop off and splash around in waist-deep water. The main highlight is definitely Cayo Costa, a barrier island that's only accessible by boat. Once we beach the vessel, you'll have the chance to comb through some of the most productive shelling beaches in Southwest Florida. The sand here collects shells from the Gulf currents, creating a natural treasure trove that gets replenished with each tide. Captain Stephen knows exactly where to look and when conditions are prime for the best finds.
This isn't your typical walk-the-beach kind of shelling tour. Captain Stephen uses his local knowledge to time the trip with optimal tides and weather conditions, which makes all the difference in what you'll discover. The boat gets you to the remote sections of Cayo Costa where most people never venture, and that's where the real gems are hiding. You'll want to bring a mesh bag or bucket for your finds – think sand dollars, conch shells, whelks, and if you're lucky, some rare specimens that only wash up in this area. The tour runs at a relaxed pace, so there's no rushing from spot to spot. If the group is having success at one location, Captain Stephen will give you plenty of time to search. Between shelling stops, you'll be cruising through some of the most scenic waters in Florida, with opportunities to spot manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins along the way.
"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.
The waters around Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor are famous for their diverse marine life, and Captain Stephen knows exactly where to find them. Bottlenose dolphins are year-round residents here, and they're incredibly curious about boats. You'll often see them riding the bow wake or showing off with jumps and spins. The shallow grass flats are perfect habitat for West Indian manatees, especially during the cooler months from November through March when they seek out warmer waters. These gentle giants can reach up to 13 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds, but they're completely harmless and absolutely fascinating to observe. Keep your eyes peeled for loggerhead sea turtles too – they're common in these waters during their nesting season from May through October. The turtles surface to breathe every few minutes, giving you great photo opportunities. What guests love most about the wildlife viewing is how natural and unforced it feels – you're seeing these animals in their element, going about their daily routines in one of Florida's most pristine marine environments.
This top-rated combo tour fills up quickly, especially during peak season, so don't wait to secure your date. You're getting four hours of personalized attention from an experienced captain, access to boat-only beaches, and memories that'll last way longer than your vacation. The small group size means everyone gets the attention they deserve, and Captain Stephen's local expertise ensures you'll see and experience things that bigger tour operators simply can't offer. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, introducing the kids to Florida's natural wonders, or just want to spend a day doing something completely different, this eco tour and shelling adventure delivers on all fronts. Book early and get ready to see why guests keep coming back to Salty Breeze Boat Tours year after year.
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...
Boca Grande