At Coastal Ambiance Shelling Tours, we believe the best way to experience the Gulf is to move with the rhythm of the tides — slow down, explore, learn, and create. Our mission is to help guests connect deeply with the natural beauty of our coast while creating lasting memories along the way.
We offer one-of-a-kind shelling tours and creative art experiences that go beyond a simple beach walk. Our guests discover stunning shells along quiet, pristine beaches and learn to identify them by name, along with fascinating facts about local wildlife and the coastal ecosystem. We take pride in sharing the unique history, traditions, and natural wonders that make this part of Florida so special.
Coastal Ambiance Shelling Tours offers both walking and golf cart options — a rare experience made possible by our beach’s special access. Whether you’re searching for hidden treasures on foot or enjoying the breeze from a cart, each tour is designed to be personal, peaceful, and unforgettable.
After exploring, guests can turn their found treasures into custom art pieces during our guided workshops, including sand prints, jewelry, and message-in-a-bottle keepsakes. We also offer private Sandprint Parties, perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or family gatherings, where groups can create beautiful, personalized art together.
At Coastal Ambiance, we believe in leaving the beach better than we found it — if you can pick up a shell, you can pick up a piece of trash. This gentle stewardship is part of every tour, and we take it a step further by hosting community beach clean-ups twice a year, inviting guests and locals to come together and help care for our beautiful shoreline.
With small group sizes, hands-on creative opportunities, and a strong focus on local education, Coastal Ambiance Shelling Tours is more than just a beach tour — it’s a chance to truly flow like nature, discover, and create a meaningful connection to the coast.
Hi, I’m Crystal Follin, the heart behind Coastal Ambiance Shelling Tours. I’ve been lucky enough to call beautiful Gulf County home my entire life. The beach isn’t just where I work — it’s where I feel most at home, where I find inspiration, and where I’ve created countless memories.
For over 14 years, I worked as an informational specialist for Gulf County, helping visitors and locals alike discover everything that makes this area so special. My passion for sharing our rich local history, unique wildlife, and the delicate beauty of our coastal ecosystem has only grown stronger over the years.
Long before I started guiding tours, I found joy in creating art inspired by the shoreline. Over 25 years ago, I began making sand prints just for fun with my dog — capturing her paw prints in the sand with left over Durabond plaster from a drywall project. This playful keepsake sparked something special in me. Before long, I began offering sand prints at local business, including the iconic Toucans Restaurant of Mexico Beach and my art booth at local festivals, where I’ve been sharing my coastal creations for over 25 years.
Combining my love for the beach, deep local knowledge, and lifelong artistic passion naturally led to Coastal Ambiance Shelling Tours. Now, I get to guide guests through the joys of shelling, share fascinating stories and facts about the Gulf, and help create one-of-a-kind art pieces that hold a piece of the coast forever.
When you join me, you’re not just taking a tour — you’re experiencing the beach the way I have all my life: curious, inspired, and deeply connected to the natural rhythm of the tides. I believe in moving slowly, appreciating every moment, and leaving with more than just souvenirs — you leave with memories and a true sense of what it means to flow like nature.
I can’t wait to share my world with you.