ContentBox RSS Feed https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com Ortus Solutions, Corp (www.ortussolutions.com) http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification FeedGenerator Mon, 11 May 2026 04:52:38 GMT Mon, 11 May 2026 04:52:38 GMT PLEASEREAD THOROUGHLY. Refund Policy Cancellations made at least 3 full days (72 hours) before the scheduled tour will receive a refund minus a $50 non-refundable fee. Cancellations made less than 3 full days (72 hours) before the scheduled tour are non-refundable. A two-person minimum is required for all tours. If the second participant cancels and no replacement is found, the tour will be canceled. In such cases: If canceled at least 3 full days (72 hours) before the tour, a refund will be issued minus the $50 non-refundable fee. If canceled less than 3 full days (72 hours) before the tour, no refund will be issued. Weather Policy Tours operate rain or shine, including in light rain, and no refunds will be issued for such conditions. Tours will only be canceled or delayed in the event of severe weather that presents safety risks—such as lightning or extreme conditions. In the event of a weather-related cancellation by the operator, customers will be offered: A reschedule within 90 days of the original tour date, or A partial refund (total amount paid minus the $50 non-refundable fee ). Refunds will be received between 3-15 days. Children Under 3 Walking Tours: Children under the age of 3 may participate free of charge if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Golf Cart Tours: For safety reasons, children under the age of 3 are not permitted on golf cart tours. Safety and Assumption of Risk By booking, guests acknowledge that shelling tours involve walking on uneven, sandy, or wet terrain, possible exposure to sun, tides, and wildlife, and participation at their own risk. Guests must follow all safety instructions from the guide. The operator reserves the right to refuse service or remove participants who engage in unsafe or disruptive behavior without refund. Physical Requirements Participants should be in reasonable physical condition to walk on sand, bend, stoop, or wade in shallow water. If unsure, please consult with the operator before booking. Shelling and Wildlife Etiquette Guests must comply with all local regulations, including no collection of live shells or protected species. All wildlife must be respected and left undisturbed. During sea turtle nesting season (May 1 – October 31), no night tours will be conducted to protect nesting and hatching turtles. What to Bring Guests are responsible for bringing sunscreen, hats, protective clothing, water, and appropriate footwear. There is no guarantee of finding specific shells or quantities, as nature is unpredictable. Personal Belongings The operator is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items** during the tour. Photography The operator may take photographs or video during tours for promotional purposes. By participating, guests grant permission for their image to be used without compensation. Guests who wish to opt out must notify the operator prior to the tour. Additional Information All participants are responsible for arriving on time. Late arrivals may result in shortened tours without refund. The operator reserves the right to modify or cancel tours for safety,operational, or personal reasons. If operator cancels tour for non weather related purposed, you will recieve a full refund within 3-15 days. Fri, 11 Jul 2025 12:28:00 GMT coastalambianceshellingtours@gmail.com (Crystal Follin) Private Sandprint Parties Make your next birthday party or beach gathering unforgettable! We’ll bring the sand, shells, and fun straight to you. Our private Sandprint parties are perfect for birthdays, family reunions, or any special get-together — for groups of up to 20 people within a 50-mile radius of Gulf County, FL. We handle the setup while you and your guests create custom sand castings of hands, feet, or even paws, all beautifully decorated with local Gulf shells. While everyone’s creating their prints, we’ll share a fun mini talk about local shells and the amazing coastal life that makes this area so special. It’s hands-on, memorable, and a totally unique way to celebrate. Interested? Email us to book your private party and play in the sand with us! coastalambianceshellingtours@gmail.com https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/sand-print-parties Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:17:00 GMT andrew@bluewatersolutions.com (Andrew Davis) https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/sand-print-parties Atlantic Coquinas on Florida's panhandle shores. The Atlantic Coquina is small but mighty as ahighly beneficial bi-valve that lives most of its life at the edge of the shoreline catching food particles in the tides. Someone in the south once called them periwinkles, and the some of the old timers ran with it...however, knowledge is power, so we like to call attention to these tiny wonderful shells. Coquina's make the best butterflies! One of my favorite creations comes from these multicolored shells. Coquinas come in all shades of colors and patterns including plaid squares and stripes. I really love collecting them after a good storm. Mostly shorebirds and crabs find them as a tasty part of their diet once they've been beached, leaving a nice clean butterfly like shell. While they may be similar in their colors and patterns, to find two that are completely identical is very hard to do. Most of the time, they'll be close enough, but still not fully identical...... https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/blog/coquinas-not-periwinkles Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:23:00 GMT coastalambianceshellingtours@gmail.com (Crystal Follin) Guided Shelling Tours https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/blog/coquinas-not-periwinkles https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/book Mon, 23 Jun 2025 11:11:00 GMT coastalambianceshellingtours@gmail.com (Crystal Follin) https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/book Reach out today! coastalambianceshellingtours@gmail.com Text (preferred): 850-338-2888 Visit us on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/ForgottenCoastAmbiance SEEYOU SOON! https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/contact Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:32:00 GMT andrew@bluewatersolutions.com (Andrew Davis) https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/contact Good vibes, clean tides! Our beaches are what make this community special, and it's here's a chance for you to help take care of it. This summer, we’re launching our very first Coastal Ambiance Beach Clean-Up Day, and we’d love for you to join us! Between storms, ocean currents, and all the daily beach visitors enjoying the sun and sand, trash can pile up where it doesn’t belong. But when we all pitch in, we can clean it up and keep our beaches looking fresh and beautiful. Every piece of trash you pick up helps protect marine life — especially the sea turtles and nesting shorebirds. Most of our turtle visitors are loggerheads, but we also see occasional leatherbacks and green turtles making their way to shore. We’re also home to snowy plovers, a small and special shorebird that relies on clean beaches to thrive. Keeping the beaches clean is super important for these incredible animals. We’ll sort and recycle everything properly, so it’s taken care of the right way. Plus, by helping us track what we find, you’re giving scientists valuable info to better protect our coast for the future. When we come together, we keep those good vibes, clean tides flowing. Ready to roll up your sleeves and make a real difference? Here’s what you need to know to join the clean-up and help keep our beaches beautiful. The Early Shorebird gets the worm! We love giving props to our awesome community volunteers! The first 40 folks to sign up will snag some cool rewards that show off the best of our local businesses — because you deserve it for stepping up and making a difference. Immediate Benefits for First 40 Registrants Coastal Ambiance Gift Bag: The first 40 people to sign up will score a gift bag from Coastal Ambiance Shelling Tours — with something to keep you hydrated, some cool coastal goodies, and a few surprise treats I picked out just for you. It’s my way of saying thanks for jumping in and helping make this clean-up something special. Looking forward to catching up with you on the beach! Bayside Bakery & Cafe Brown Bag Lunch:Your volunteer effort comes with a tasty bonus — a freshly prepared lunch from one of our community’s favorite spots. This meal will fuel you up for the clean-up while giving you a real taste of our local flavors and ingredients. Trust me, you’ll want to make a few trips back to the bakery for plenty of reasons, but if you ask me, the snickerdoodle and chicken salad are must-haves on repeat. Grand Prize Package Worth Experiencing We’re super grateful for every single volunteer — whether you sign up on day one or roll in at the last minute. That’s why everyone gets a chance to win our grand prize experience package, packed with the best our coastal community has to offer. Because around here, everyone’s a VIP (Very Important Picker-upper)! Three-Night Stay at The Port Inn The Port Inn is all about true local hospitality — comfy, welcoming, and full of that easygoing coastal vibe. A three-night stay here is the perfect way to experience our community like both a local and a visitor, discovering hidden gems and favorite hangouts along the way. This historic inn has plenty of stories to tell, and staying here is such a treat. The staff is super friendly and always happy to share their local tips (and maybe a few secrets, too ;). Ask about "The Goat". Three-Hour Shelling Tour from Coastal Ambiance Shelling Tours Ready for a shell of a good time? Join me for a 3-hour shelling tour that’s packed with fun, fascinating facts, and plenty of treasure hunting along the way! Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned shell collector, this tour is all about getting your hands sandy, your eyes peeled, and your curiosity buzzing. We’ll explore some of the coolest spots along the coast, hunting for the most beautiful shells the Gulf has to offer. But this isn’t just a walk on the beach — you’ll learn all about the local shells, their amazing lives beneath the waves, and the history that’s woven into these shores. I’ll share stories, tips, and secret spots that only the locals know about. Expect lots of laughs, fun surprises, and maybe even a few “wow, I didn’t know that!” moments. Plus, you get to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and some seriously stunning views while you’re at it. So bring your sense of adventure, and let’s hit the sand together. I can’t wait to take you out and share the magic of shelling on the beaches of Gulf County Florida! $50 Gift Certificate to Hunt's Oyster Bar on St. Joe Bay Now, let’s talk food — because what’s a day on the Gulf Coast without some seriously fresh seafood? You’re scoring a $50 gift certificate to Hunt’s on St. Joe Bay, a true local legend when it comes to Gulf Coast eats. This place is known for serving up the freshest catch with all the flavors that keep people coming back. Ask if they have cheeks and throats on the menu that day. If that sounds mysterious, trust me — you want to try them. It’s a little secret among seafood lovers that makes Hunt’s stand out from the rest. IYKYK! So, get ready to treat yourself after the cleanup with some next-level seafood vibes you won’t forget! We're so excited! We truly can’t wait to see everyone out there, coming together with those good vibes and a shared love for our beautiful coastline. This clean-up isn’t just about picking up trash — it’s about caring for the place that gives us so much joy and peace. When we work side by side, we’re making a real difference, not just for today but for the future of these beaches and the amazing wildlife that call them home. Let’s have some fun, connect with each other, and leave the shore better than we found it. Together, we keep those clean tides rolling and the good vibes flowing. See you on the beach! https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/blog/join-our-first-annual-summer-beach-clean-up-day Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:25:00 GMT coastalambianceshellingtours@gmail.com (Crystal Follin) Beach Cleanup https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/blog/join-our-first-annual-summer-beach-clean-up-day 3-Hour Morning Shelling Tour Start your morning on the peaceful Gulf shoreline. You’ll spend three relaxing hours searching for beautiful shells in the calm early light, guided by a lifelong local who knows all the best spots. You can choose to stroll the beach on foot or enjoy a breezy ride on our beach-permitted golf cart — a special option only available on a few Florida beaches. Along the way, you’ll learn to identify different shells, hear interesting facts about how they live and grow, and discover more about our local wildlife and coastal history. And while we’re at it, we do our part to keep the beach beautiful by picking up small debris. If you can pick up a shell, you can pick up a piece of trash — it’s all part of caring for this special place. 2-Hour Shelling + 1-Hour Art Session Combine beachcombing with creativity. Spend two hours exploring the shoreline and collecting shells while learning about their stories and the ecosystem they call home. After that, enjoy a one-hour guided art session where you can transform your finds into something memorable. Choose from: Coastal Sand prints — capture your favorite shells and finds in beach sand with hands, feet, or paw prints! Shell jewelry — design a piece that’s truly one of a kind from your collected treasures! Message in a bottle — a beautiful custom reminder of your day or a thoughtful gift. (Not for throwing in water.) SEE PARTIAL TERMS FOR TOURS AT THE BOTTOM. Coastal Sandprints Capture a moment you’ll always remember. Create a custom casting of hands, feet, or paws in local sand, finished with shells and coastal touches from the Gulf. We’ve been making these for over 25 years, and they’re a wonderful way to remember family trips, celebrate milestones, or simply enjoy the magic of the beach. Partial Terms For Tours: Children Under 3 Walking Tours: Children under the age of 3 may participate free of charge if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Golf Cart Tours: For safety reasons, children under the age of 3 are not permitted on golf cart tours. Capacity: 2 person minimum booking for ALLtours. 5 person Maximum for Golf Cart Tour. See booking page for large group walking tours. Shelling and Wildlife Etiquette Guests must comply with all local regulations, including no collection of live shells or protected species. All wildlife must be respected and left undisturbed. During sea turtle nesting season (May 1 – October 31), no night tours will be conducted to protect nesting and hatching turtles. Please read full terms at booking. https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/shelling-trips Sun, 22 Jun 2025 19:51:00 GMT coastalambianceshellingtours@gmail.com (Crystal Follin) https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/shelling-trips Welcome to Coastal Ambiance Shelling Tours. Move with the tides, discover hidden treasures, and create unforgettable coastal memories. Join us for a one-of-a-kind shelling experience where you’ll explore beautiful Gulf shores, learn about local shells and wildlife, and turn your finds into unique, meaningful keepsakes. Ever wonder what the name of a seashell is..why it has that little hole or unique look... or where and when to find them?As an experienced scuba diver and marine biology enthusiast, I offer educational shelling tours designed to deepen your understanding of the coastal environment.With more than 14 years as a local information concierge and a lifelong artist and crafter, I combine biology, topography, local history, and an option to create a special piece of art from your findings. This is a fun engaging experience that educates, inspires, and connects you with the natural beauty of Gulf County’s beaches. On this tour, you’ll learn about the fascinating local wildlife, important beach conservation rules and why they matter, and interesting facts about the unique shells you find along the shore. Plus, we’ll help keep our beaches beautiful by encouraging guests to pick up a little trash along the way. Learn & Explore At Coastal Ambiance Shelling Tours, our experiences are designed to help you truly connect with the natural beauty of the Gulf. You’ll learn to identify local shells and understand their names and fascinating life stories. Along the way, you’ll hear fun facts about the local ecosystem and wildlife, and discover the traditions and history that make this coastline so unique — all shared by someone who calls it home. “As a Minnesota snowbird who has been coming to Cape San Blas for 14 years, I can tell you that shelling with Crystal for most of those years is a highlight of my stay. Crystal has taught meso much about shells and introduced me to beaches in the area that I otherwise never would have known about. Each of ourshelling tours has been followed up with a craft session to turn our finds into a memorable piece of art. Because of Crystal's love of nature and the area, her knowledge of seashells and everything beach, and her creativity, I have learned so much and have so many treasures that take me back to my favorite place on the planet!” - Sue Freng 3-Hour Morning Shelling Tour Start your morning on the peaceful Gulf shoreline. Choose between a relaxing walking tour or a fun and breezy golf cart tour — a unique option made possible by our special beach drivingaccess unique to only a fewbeaches in the State of Florida. (Beach Driving is only bycounty permit). Along the way, you’ll learn to identify local shells by name and hear fascinating facts about how they live and thrive here in the Gulf. You’ll also discover more about coastal wildlife, topography, local history, and the unique marine ecosystem that makes this area so special. As we explore, we help keep the beach beautiful by picking up small debris — if you can pick up a shell, you can pick up a piece of trash! 2-Hour Shelling + 1-Hour Art Session Flow from beach combing into creativity. Spend two hours exploring the beach and learning all about your favorite shells as your gathering them. Then, enjoy a one-hour guided art session where you can create: Coastal Custom Sand Prints — capture your favorite shells and findsin beach sand with hands, feet, or paw prints. Handmade Jewelry — design a special piece using your own shells plus extra local beads and coastal materials. Decorative Message in a Bottle — a beautiful keepsake or heartfelt gift. Coastal Custom Sand Prints and Sand Print Parties! Capture the moment in a truly special way. Create a custom casting of hands, feet, or paws in local sand, decorated with Gulf shells and natural touches. Coastal Ambiance has been casting these prints for over 25 years. This unique craft is a perfect way to remember family trips, mark special milestones, or simply celebrate your love for the coast. You can reserve a special session where we bring the Coastal Ambiance experience to you. Perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, girls’ get-togethers, or private family fun, these parties let you and your guests create beautiful, personalized sand art in the comfort of your home or vacation rental. A fun and unique way to celebrate any occasion and take home a meaningful coastal keepsake. Book Your Coastal Adventure! Follow the tides, find hidden treasures, and take home a piece of the Gulf you’ll always remember. Tours are available Tuesday through Saturdayfrom 9am-12pm Eastern Standard Time.Spots fill quickly — book your shelling or art experience today and flow like nature with Coastal Ambiance Shelling Tours! Find Us At Festivals You don’t have to wait for a beach tour to join the fun — come play in the sand with us at local Panhandle festivals! You can find us creating Coastal Sand Prints, other hands on sand art and sharing Coastal Ambiance's one of a kind beach-inspired art at events like the Florida Scallop & Music Festival, the Tupelo Honey Festival, the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Festival, the Blue Crab Festival,and many more. Special thanks to our annual repeated customers, thank you for your support an love! Stop by our booth to make your own Sand Print or sand art, learn about local shells, and take home a piece of the coast. It’s the perfect way to experience the magic of Coastal Ambiance Shelling Tours right in the heart of your favorite local celebrations! Follow us to see where we will be next! Flow like Nature. https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/home Thu, 22 May 2025 10:58:00 GMT coastalambianceshellingtours@gmail.com (Crystal Follin) https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/home Created by Ortus Solutions, Corp and powered by ColdBox Platform. Thu, 22 May 2025 10:48:26 GMT andrew@bluewatersolutions.com (Andrew Davis) Coastal Ambiance and Shelling Tours 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. Discover local shells along quiet, pristine beaches and learn to identify them by name, along with fascinating facts about their lives, local wildlife, topography, and the coastal ecosystem. 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 have an option to turn their found treasures into custom art pieces during our guided workshops, including sand prints, jewelry making, 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. 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. Your Guide 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. As a beach comber, scuba diver and lover of marine life, I have learned a lot about shells, what makes them special and their biology. 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 herpaw prints in the sand with left over Durabond plaster from a drywall project.Thisplayfulkeepsake 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. https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/about Thu, 22 May 2025 10:48:00 GMT coastalambianceshellingtours@gmail.com (Crystal Follin) https://www.coastalambianceshellingtours.com/about