Shelling Charter

Shelling Charter

I traveled to Cayo Costa Island today with five eager shellers. We traveled along North Captiva in the Gulf of Mexico.  The magnificent Frigate bird was enjoying gliding over the dolphins while we all tried to capture a good photo of he dolphin.  The dolphin show was great.  Many times we could hear the dolphin breath before we saw it. The south southeast wind made the shelling challenging on the gulf side . We walked the beach and explored another spot. The shelling turned out to be better at another spot. Shells found were … Moon shells,  two surperb olive shells, baby’s ears, worm shells, bubble shells, two sandollars , half of a rose tellin, angel wings ,sunray venus, and a beautiful key hole limpet. The south wind picked up to 25mph , which made for a rather wet trip across Captiva Pass .We traveled back to Captiva hugging the sandbars, observing many birds like the rare redish egret, brown pelicans, osprey and more dolphin.  We also had the opportunity to see two baby manatee’s. What a beautiful day to be on the water!
Brian Holaway
relaxandexplore@gmail.com

I have been a Shelling Guide to Cayo Costa State Park since 1995. Many people know me as the Shelling Guide and Captain with Captiva Cruises over the past 20 years. In 2016 I began solely offering private small boat charters to the islands of Pine Island Sound including Cayo Costa State Park, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Pine Island and North Captiva. I am a certified Florida Master Naturalist, licensed USCG Captain, avocational photographer, seashell enthusiast and passionate about the history, people and culture of Southwest Florida, especially Cayo Costa. I volunteer as a member of Friends of Cayo Costa State Park and have great respect for the heritage of Cayo Costa. My goal is to provide guests with an overall experience and appreciation for the waters, islands, shells, plants, marine life, wildlife, history and people of this unique area of Southwest Florida.

1Comment
  • mkdally
    Posted at 03:51h, 19 March

    I just wanted to say thank you again for taking us out! Chad and I really enjoyed it and will definitely be back again next trip (only 350-some more days…!).