Snorkeling, Shelling & Eco Excursion

If you’re looking to explore the waters of Destin without diving too deep into the wallet, the Snorkeling, Shelling & Eco Excursion from Pelican Adventures offers a relaxed yet engaging way to experience the local sea life and sandy beaches. With a solid 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews, this tour promises a family-friendly outing that balances fun with nature appreciation.

What we love about this experience is how it combines accessible underwater exploration with the chance to gather shells and spot dolphins—literally, a bit of everything for those who enjoy being on or near the water. The small-group setting ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, making it ideal for families, couples, or anyone eager for a personalized adventure.

A potential consideration? The tour is approximately 2.5 hours long, which is perfect for a half-day outing but might feel rushed if you’re hoping for a full day of activities. Also, non-swimmers are required to stay on the boat during snorkeling, so if you’re not comfortable in water, this might limit your participation in the underwater part.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to combine light snorkeling, shell collecting, and scenic boat rides in a relaxed environment. If you’re traveling with kids, seniors, or first-time snorkelers, you’ll find this experience both accessible and enjoyable.

Key Points

• Family-friendly and relaxed with a small group setting
• Includes snorkel gear and stops at multiple locations
• Offers a mix of marine life viewing, shelling, and scenic boat ride
• Flexible start times and optional add-ons like deep-sea fishing or parasailing
• Excellent for first-time snorkelers and those seeking a low-stress aquatic adventure
• Mostly weather-dependent, with free cancellations if canceled 24 hours in advance

A Closer Look at the Snorkeling, Shelling & Eco Excursion

How the Tour Works: the Itinerary and Key Highlights

The adventure begins at 546 Harbor Blvd, Destin, a convenient location near public transportation, making it accessible whether you’re staying downtown or nearby. After a quick check-in, the boat departs for roughly 2.5 hours of fun, with flexibility in choosing your start time to suit your schedule.

The main draw? Exploring Destin’s reef and coastal waters with provided snorkel gear—an opportunity to see local sea life such as fish, crabs, and maybe even dolphins! As one visitor shared, “Boat ride a bonus as saw dolphins along the way,” highlighting how the journey itself adds to the overall experience.

The stops at two different locations are designed to maximize your chances of seeing marine creatures and collecting shells. Although shells are unpredictable and depend on Mother Nature, many travelers report a good haul, with some expressing disappointment that they didn’t find as many as hoped. Still, the crew’s efforts ensure everyone gets a fair shot, and the relaxed atmosphere means you can enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Snorkeling and Marine Life: What You Can Expect

Most travelers, including first-timers, find the snorkeling experience surprisingly enjoyable. The water clarity is often praised, which enhances the visibility of the vibrant fish and crabs. The crew’s safety focus ensures a comfortable environment, especially important if you’re new to water activities.

One guest noted, “Was first time we went snorkeling and enjoyed it very much.” The crew’s friendly and professional demeanor helps mitigate any nerves, and their careful instructions make the underwater experience accessible even for beginners.

For non-swimmers, the tour is still rewarding—though limited to observing the underwater world from the boat, which still offers stunning views of the water and wildlife.

Shelling: Collecting Souvenirs from the Sea

Shelling is a charming part of the tour, and many travelers find it relaxing to stroll along shallow areas searching for colorful shells. It’s worth noting that shells are a natural gift, so the quantity varies with weather, tides, and luck. One guest remarked, “Fun time. Wish I had found more shells but not fault of crew.”

Even if shells are sparse, most participants agree that the trip’s scenery and marine encounters compensate richly. The crew’s effort to carry a young boy to shallower waters for comfort shows their attention to detail and care.

The Boat Ride and Group Size: Personal and Scenic

With a maximum of 28 travelers, the tour maintains a friendly, intimate vibe. Many reviews point out how the crew, including Captain Mike and Oliver, go above and beyond to ensure safety and enjoyment. One reviewer said, “Oliver and the captain did a great job of showing us around the beautiful area and keeping us safe.”

The boat ride itself offers a chance to spot dolphins and other marine life, adding a sense of adventure to the outing. The boat is suitable for most ages, and the crew’s attentiveness makes sure everyone stays comfortable, even on windy days.

Price and Value: Is It Worth $56?

At just $56 per person, considering the experience includes boat transport, snorkeling gear, multiple stops, and the chance to see dolphins and collect shells, the value is quite compelling. Many reviews highlight the experience as “well worth doing,” especially given the chance for first-time snorkelers and families to enjoy marine life in a safe environment.

The optional add-ons like deep-sea fishing or parasailing can expand your adventure, but even the core tour offers a substantial dose of fun and nature.

Practical Details: Booking, Timing, and Cancellation

Most travelers book their spots about 25 days in advance—so planning ahead is wise if you want your preferred time slot. The tour operates rain or shine, with free cancellations available if canceled 24 hours before. This flexibility is helpful in Florida’s unpredictable weather.

The tour’s duration fits easily into a half-day plan, making it suitable whether you want a quick excursion or a leisurely outing. The near-public transportation access simplifies logistics, and the small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for families, first-time snorkelers, and water-loving travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic experience of Destin’s coastal waters. It’s ideal for those who want a good balance of marine life viewing, shell collecting, and scenic boat rides without the need for intensive training or equipment.

If you’re traveling with non-swimmers, they’ll still enjoy the boat ride and the beautiful views. The tour’s small-group nature fosters a friendly atmosphere, making it a good choice for travelers who prefer a more personalized experience.

The Sum Up

The Snorkeling, Shelling & Eco Excursion in Destin offers an excellent way to enjoy the area’s marine environment without overextending your schedule or budget. With friendly crew members, flexible start times, and a focus on safety and fun, it’s a solid choice for families, beginners, or anyone wanting to soak up the coastal vibe.

You’ll love the chance to see dolphins and colorful fish, the relaxed pace, and the opportunity to take home some shells as a souvenir. The tour’s value for the price makes it a smart pick for travelers seeking an authentic, memorable seawater adventure.

While the shelling can be unpredictable, the overall experience’s quality—especially the marine life encounters and scenic boat ride—more than compensates. Plus, the small-group format guarantees a personal touch that many larger tours struggle to match.

If you’re after a laid-back, engaging, and family-friendly aquatic outing in Destin, this tour deserves serious consideration.

FAQ

Is there a minimum or maximum number of travelers?
Yes, the tour has a maximum of 28 travelers, ensuring a small-group experience, but the specific minimum number isn’t listed. It’s a popular choice, so booking in advance is encouraged.

Can non-swimmers participate?
Non-swimmers are required to stay on the boat during snorkeling for safety reasons, but they can still enjoy the scenic boat ride, marine views, and the chance to spot dolphins.

What is included in the price?
The $56 fee covers the boat ride, snorkel gear, and stops at two different locations for marine viewing and shelling.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity suitable for most schedules.

Are there options to expand the tour?
Yes, there are optional add-ons like deep-sea fishing and parasailing, which can be booked to extend your adventure.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, water, and perhaps a small bag for shells. The tour provides snorkel gear, so no need to bring your own unless you prefer.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather and can be canceled for poor conditions. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

This Destin tour offers a friendly, authentic glimpse into the area’s rich marine environment—perfect for those seeking a laid-back, memorable water adventure.