We had an incredible experience at Sand Dollar Shelling on the last day of our vacation in March 2025. Our family of four—including our six-year-old son and two-year-old daughter—loved every moment of this three-hour boat tour. Captain Paul Stancati was wonderful, keeping our kids engaged and excited while sharing his extensive knowledge of the area and its marine life.
Our timing was perfect: we checked out of our resort on Marco Island at 11 a.m., drove 16 minutes to Sand Dollar Shelling for our 11:30 tour, enjoyed the excursion ending at 2:30, and easily made our 7 p.m. flight out of Fort Myers Airport. Seeing a dozen dolphins was a highlight for everyone, with multiple dolphins riding our wake for about 7 minutes in total—an unforgettable sight for all of us!
The island stop for shelling was equally fantastic. Captain Paul S. showed my son how to identify rare shells, turning him into an enthusiastic shell-hunter. Even our two-year-old had a blast collecting shells at her own pace. We were initially concerned about managing young children on a boat for so long, but the relaxed atmosphere, exciting wildlife, and hands-on shelling adventure made it easy and fun.
Overall, Sand Dollar Shelling is an outstanding choice for families and adults alike. We can’t wait to return next year—this excursion was simply amazing and a must-do for anyone visiting the area, and the highlight of our trip.