Shell Island is the barrier island most people see from the beach and never actually get to — nothing developed on it, no buildings, just sand, dunes and clear water on the bay side. Shell Island Shuttle runs snorkeling and dolphin tours out of the Grand Lagoon dock, about 15 minutes from the house, and it is one of those things that sounds like a tourist trap and turns out not to be. Bottlenose dolphins live in these waters year round, and the guides know where to find them, so sightings are close to guaranteed rather than lucky. Snorkel gear is included, the water off the island is calm and shallow enough for most kids, and there is time to walk the beach and look for actual shells before heading back. Tours run a couple hours; morning slots tend to have calmer water and better dolphin activity. Book a day or two ahead in peak season, they do fill up. Good one for the day you want to be on the water instead of just next to it.
