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Best Shelling Experience in Southwest Florida: Treasure Seekers Shell Tours

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  • February 14, 2021
  • Featured Florida Fun Nature Travel
  • shell tours
  • things to do in Southwest Florida

shell seekers tour

Shell, yeah! I had the best shelling experience in Southwest Florida earlier this year and it was with Treasure Seekers Shell Tours in the Ten Thousand Islands.

A Crab Trap Sits on a Bed of Seashells on Kice Island in the Ten Thousand Islands, Fla., Feb. 2021.

Beachcombing Kice Island with Treasure Seekers Shell Tours

The February 2021 trip was to Kice Island. Within the three hours or so of beachcombing, I found dozens, and dozens of beautiful seashells. It was an outgoing tide which meant more gorgeous treasures from the sea were exposed.

The shell piles probably contained millions of seashells and honestly, it was a little overwhelming and I wasn’t sure where to start.

“Find cones near the shore,” Treasure Seekers Shell Tours guide Capt. Jason Fullerton told us shell-seekers.

As I spotted a gaudy nautica rolling in the outgoing tide, Capt. Jason handed me another one. A matching set!

This part of Southwest Florida is a good place to find an elusive Junonia shell. It’s a white cone with dark chocolate spots. Finding a whole one is rare because unlike some of the other shells, like Florida fighting conchs or Banded Tulips, the Junonia sea shell lives miles offshore in deeper water.

The Gorgeous Shells I Collected on Kice Island with Treasure Seekers Shell Tours, Feb. 2021.

Shell, Yeah! Cones, Olives, and Tulips. Oh My!

I focused on finding one but came up empty handed. However, I found three nice alphabet cones . Sometimes, patterns on the alphabet cone represent letters. I see “S,” “K,” and “D” (see below), in the shells I collected.

Others I gathered included banded tulips, lightning whelks, calico scallops, lettered olives, lace murex, shark eyes, and an Atlantic fig snail.

Hermit Crab on Kice Island in Ten Thousand Islands, Fla., Feb. 2021.

If a Shell is Occupied, Let it Be

Along the shoreline were rows of dead trees and their roots serve as hideouts for sea critters and they distracted me from gathering shells. An important note about collecting seashells, if there’s something living in it, either the mollusk, snail, or hermit crab, leave it.

I found a gorgeous red Banded Tulip and it was alive so after a photo, I carefully placed it back. Speaking of banded tulip shells, atop a Florida fighting conch were tulip egg casings with each casing holding a baby tulip! I spotted several hermit crabs including one stuck in the stand and other occupied shells. Seeing numerous nine-armed sea stars, brittle stars, and sea stars in the shell beds was fascinating, too.

Occupied Banded Tulip

When I had questions about the beach or a shell, Capt. Josh was there to answer them. As he pointed out, each day shelling is different. Tide, time of year, and weather conditions impact the shelling opportunities.

The four-hour trip flew by. It took about 20 minutes to reach the island so once it was feet on the sand, it’s more than three hours of shell-tastic exploration!

Nuts & Bolts About Treasure Seekers Shell Trips

Book your trip in advance to ensure your preferred date. Tours accommodate up to six people and have a cooler with water and light snacks. The trip is appropriate for those who can handle walking a rough terrain and withstand Florida’s warm and sunny weather for four hours. Families, novices, and conchologists (shell collectors) have all enjoyed the trip.

shell seekers tour

What to bring: Treasure Seekers’ website offers a list of what to bring and I recommend:

  • Bucket or bag for collecting shells
  • Insect repellant
  • Sturdy water shoes (flip-flops and sandals won’t cut it)
  • Hand rake (to comb through shell piles)
  • Clothing you don’t mind getting wet.
  • Snacks if you have dietary restrictions
  • Backpack to carry any items with you.
  • Sense of adventure
  • Cash to tip your guide

You can book online but give them a call and they’ll answer your specific questions.

Treasure Seekers Shell Tour www.treasureseekersshelltours.com Tel: (239) 571-2331

  • Four-Hour shelling tours (up to six people per boat) $125 per person, any age
  • Private four-hour ($750) and six-hour tours ($950)
  • Private three-hour eco-tour ($450) Rates: Accurate as of Feb. 14, 2021

Benefits of a Morning Tour: Watching the Sunrise. Treasure Seekers Shell Tours, Feb. 2021.

An O’Dark-Thirty Wakeup Call Was Worth It

Flying solo and keeping my weekends free, even during a pandemic, means flexibility and spontaneity. Days before the trip, Treasure Seekers Shell Tour posted an offer in a Facebook Group. It was serendipitous, I’ve been eyeing their tours for months. They specialize in small (no more than six people) shelling tours in Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. With a special offer, taking the trip was even more attractive and after a shell-aficionado gave me a nudge to do, I booked it!

shell seekers tour

The trip departed at 7:30 a.m. from the Goodland Boat Park, a Collier County Park in Goodland. Although free, parking is limited (cars/trucks with boat trailers pay for parking). I planned to arrive by 7 a.m., which meant waking up at 3:30 a.m. If I did not have dog to walk, I would have slept another hour. As it turned out, after showering and grabbing the leash, my dog looked at me like I was crazy asking him to get out of bed at 4:30 a.m. for a walk. After some coaxing, we briefly walked. I was on the road at 5:30 a.m. Because there was little traffic, the drive took 90-minutes from my North Port home to the Goodland Boat Park.

shell seekers tour

Goodland, Florida

I’m embarrassed admitting having lived in Florida since the ’90s, I can honestly say I’ve never heard of Goodland. It was easy to find, even in the darkness of an o’dark-thirty morning drive. It’s just before the bridge heading into posh Marco Island.

Goodland is a commercial fishing town where white rubber boots are in style and I suspect brown pelicans outnumber the year-round residents. The vibe was laidback and a bit funky. If there was a traffic light, I didn’t see one. I did see independently-owned waterside restaurants and an occasional empty crab trap along the roadway. A stream of riders on motorcycles were coming in as I was leaving and I can see why Goodland is a popular daytrip destination for motorcyclists. It’s also a great day trip for those visiting Southwest Florida.

There are several eateries and I ended up at Crabby Lady Restaurant for lunch. Sitting outside and next to the dock, I had a free show watching fishermen clean their catch and brown pelicans hoping for handout.

Now that I’ve found my first alphabet cones yet came up emptyhanded with a Junonia, a drive inside me is gnawing at me to go back and find more. Oh, you can bet your bottom sand dollar I’ll be back.

Pinterest Pin - Best Shelling Experience in Southwest Florida

Solo Travel Girl

Jennifer A. Huber is the voice behind Solo Travel Girl. She's an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. In 2023, she was a finalist in AARP's Benefits Badass competition. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

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Treasure Seekers Shell Tours

Photo of Treasure Seekers Shell Tours - Goodland, FL, US. Tulip

Today is a holiday! Business hours may be different today.

Review Highlights

treasure-seekers-shell-tours-goodland photo q-tSyS3103O_MpG2ZIYApw

“ Tammy was there with us to educate on some of the things we were seeing, and to point out the unique shells. ” in 10 reviews

Tina D.

“ Captain Matt took us to Dickman's and Kice Island while pointing out stingrays and dolphins! ” in 5 reviews

Jill T.

“ Our excursion with Treasure Seekers will be one of our favorite experiences here on Marco! ” in 5 reviews

Location & Hours

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Map

750 Palm Point Dr

Goodland, FL 34140

Serving Goodland Area

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Photo of Treasure Seekers Shell Tours W.

Treasure Seekers Shell Tours W.

Have you ever wanted to explore an uninhabited island that is full of gorgeous shells just waiting to be found? How about seeing dolphins playing in the wake of your boat? We take care of your every need with luxury concierge service including a First Mate. Call us today to reserve your trip and let us help you find the Shell of a Lifetime.... …

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Photo of Linda D.

My self, my daughter, 2 grandkids and best friend booked the 7:30 am trip yesterday Captain Jim and guide Hannah really went out of their way to seek the best shelling spots in the Ten Thousand Islands. We were awed by the locations and availability of easily accessible shells. Hannah, a Marine Science graduate, identified the most unusual shells , many firsts for me and I have been kayaking and shelling in this area for 15 years. Both grandkids , ages 11 and 14, discovered many unique and live shells ( which we left on the beach) and had a 3 hour living water based biology lesson. I highly recommend this company for all ages Linda D ( Florida Master Naturalist)

Photo of Allie A.

Of the two different shelling tours I went on, Treasure Seekers was much better - more professional, more included, better staff. Cost: About $150 per person (plus suggested gratuity of $25 cash) for a 4-hour tour with a maximum of six guests. You pay in advance. Times differ daily based on low tide charts. * They send a professional invoice with more detail and require you to sign a liability clause. * You are met at Goodland and checked in by a staff member. * At the end of the tour, you are provided with your choice of ice cold drinks and small snacks - just a nice touch. * We had a captain plus a guide. We had Caitlyn, who was absolutely delightful and sweet and full of information, and very helpful with getting people on and off the boat safely. We spent the entire time on Morgans. It's a large enough island that there was a variety of landscape and really great shelling.

Photo of Jill T.

Our excursion with Treasure Seekers will be one of our favorite experiences here on Marco! The staff was super friendly and fun. The island and shells we found were amazing and our guide, Leah, was so helpful and knowledgeable. Captain Mike and Captain Dave took the time to play with the dolphins during our boat ride and visit some osprey nests. Truly a fun adventure!

shell seekers tour

Thank you for the amazing shell trip today! We visited 2 islands. We were never rushed and they know exactly what shells to find and where to look. So knowledgeable and friendly. We will do this tour again. We felt very safe with the captain and crew. The boat was very comfortable even through some rough water and windy conditions. I highly recommend them!!

Photo of L N.

This post is long overdue.... (July 2019) For years, I've drooled over ig photos from @shellekelle (shelling guru.. she is kinda a big deal ) and her adventures on the ten thousand islands. Long story short-ish: I was on Marco Island for work. Last minute, I decided book a tour solo, my friends arent shellers. We were out for about 20 minutes when a thunderstorm rolled. I couldnt find an uber or lyft that would pick me up. So capt richard dropped me off at my hotel and i was drenched with no towel (his poor truck). The sweet owner of @treasureseekersshelltours called me to offer a refund or the opp to go out again in the morning (originally there were no available tours the following am). She said that capt richard felt so bad that the Hawaii girl didnt get to go shelling. So he agreed to take me out the next morning (on his day off before his 18 hour drive to texas, with his family) ... talk about true aloha spirit. Not only was I blessed to go shelling twice, but I also randomly got to shell with @shellekelle! I have to give all the props and glory to God because only he could have made this all happen! blessed beyond measures! if you are ever in sw florida i highly rec @treasureseekersshelltours. FYI- I was going through the absolute hardest year of my life, I want you to know what a blessing you were!!!! I will be back soon!!!!

Photo of Trina T.

Had a wonderful time shelling on Kice Island. Got lots of treasures and saw many larger shells (they were alive so left them to continue living!) Amanda was our guide; she was so knowledgeable and signed a copy of her book "Shelling My Way" for us.

Large (alive whelk). Photo op only!

Large (alive whelk). Photo op only!

Photo of Andy S.

Amazing crew - amazing excursion. Captain Tom is extremely talented and knowledgeable. Shirlee kept us laughing and having a great time. Best of luck to you, Shirlee, in your next chapter! We'll be back!

Photo of David D.

It was raining and I think it was 49 degrees. I was regretting not canceling due to the weather, but Jim , our Captain, helped us get as comfortable as possible and even loaned me his hat. Jim was knowledgeable, helpful, accommodating and seemed to enjoy his job! We ended up having a great time and found wonderful shells! Can't wait to do it again!

Photo of Robin D.

Excellent shell tour , very friendly. It's very laid back , they will help you if needed but the island they go to you're literally tripping over shells. That being said be sure you wear the water sock type shoes to protect your feet. Also make sure to be on time bc they leave promptly. We also saw dolphins , it was really a great morning!

Tripping over beautiful shells and sand dollars . We even learned about the different kind of sea shells.

Tripping over beautiful shells and sand dollars . We even learned about the different kind of sea shells.

Photo of Tina D.

Had a remarkable time on this shelling adventure! Captain Matt took us to Dickman's and Kice Island while pointing out stingrays and dolphins! Shirley was our shell expert and took care and paid special attention to all members of the tour. She has an eagle eye for picking out remarkable shells and making sure we all found our special shell! Alas, all but the "J". HIGHLY recommend this tour. It was a bucket list tour, but I will have to go back for the hunt for the elusive junonia! Thank you both for a wonderful excursion!

Awesome trip. Returned to water.

Awesome trip. Returned to water.

18 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Your family's gotta try this: shell hunting on ten thousand islands.

Your Family's Gotta Try This: Shelling in Thousand Islands Preserve

By Lauren Tjaden

Treasure Seekers Shell Tours invites you to climb aboard one of their boats for an expedition to Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge , accessible only by boat, in quest of a rainbow of shells and the memories of a lifetime.

Treasure Seekers Shell Tours, boy holding shell in Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

This Southwest Florida adventure delivers: - an voyage extraordinaire to the pristine barrier islands of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge , part of the largest expanse of mangrove forest in North America; - an epic journey across the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with a Master Naturalist to reveal its secrets; - a chance to spot wildlife like mangrove cuckoos, bald eagles, Florida manatees and bottle-nosed dolphins; - and the prospect of discovering shells in an astonishing variety of colors, textures, shapes and sizes, including rose petal tellins, alphabet cones, lightning whelks, and the ever-elusive Junonia .

Here’s a planner for your escapade – including driving distances, different kinds of tours, and physical requirements – plus accommodations and other adventure opportunities.

Time Allowance

Shelling tours last from three to six hours, depending on which you choose, and combined shelling and fishing tours run as long as eight hours. Combined with travel time, this means you should plan for anywhere from a half to a very-full day of family fun.

Distance From Big Cities

Goodland Boat Park is about 10 minutes from central Marco Island ; 37 minutes from Naples ; two hours 20 minutes from Miami ; two hours from Fort Lauderdale Airport and about the same from Port Everglades ; and four hours 15 minutes from Orlando .

Treasure Seekers Shell Tours, boat with sun, in Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Physical Demands, Cautions and Rules

Be prepared to board the boat in the water. All of the islands you’ll be visiting are only accessible by boat and are uninhabited. This means that on the islands there are no docks and boarding may take place on the sand or in the water. While it’s uncommon, be prepared to get up to your waist in the water.

Shelling tours are all about walking. You should expect to walk on uneven sandy ground, around tree stumps and through mud for the duration of the tour. You’ll be expected to walk a distance of at least one mile in these conditions. If you’re unsteady on your feet or have a physical disability, please consult with Treasure Seekers’ office before your tour date so you can discuss how they can best accommodate you on your adventure.

Smoking isn’t permitted in Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

What to Bring

  • Water shoes (flip-flops won’t work in the rugged terrain)
  • Insect repellent
  • Shell bags or bucket (no grocery bags or Ziplocs)
  • Snacks/food
  • Bag or bucket for shells
  • Small Tupperware container for sand dollars or delicate treasures
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Jacket/sweatshirt/towel (In the winter months, the boat ride may be chilly)
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Complimentary water and tea are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own beverages

Treasure Seekers Shell Tours, shells on shore, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

What to Expect

Treasure Seekers’ experienced captains are dedicated to providing not only a safe but comfortable ride through the Ten Thousand Islands waterways. The boat ride to shelling hotspots will take about 15-20 minutes.

You’ll discover a natural barrier island coastline, with wildlife that includes soaring ospreys and playful dolphins-- and a bounty of shells, as the islands are uniquely positioned to collect shell deposits from the Gulf of Mexico.

The crew is well versed in finding the best shelling locations, but they’re at the mercy of nature. If your first stop doesn’t meet expectations, the crew may choose to take you to another island. The movements from island to island are at the sole discretion of the crew.

How to Book Your Tour and Options

All of Treasure Seekers’ tours promise an intimate experience, with a maximum of six guests per vessel. Multiple boats can be used for large groups.

1. To start, choose your main area of interest. Treasure Seekers offers shelling tours ; eco and shelling tours (private only); eco and sunset tours (private only); and shelling and fishing tours .

2. Decide if you’d like a public tour, with four to six guests, or a private tour with six guests maximum per boat. If your party has fewer than six guests and you select a public tour, your tour may include guests outside of your party. Private tours or charters are limited to only your guests and are not available to the public.

3. Select your tour and view the calendar for tour availability and times before completing your online reservation.

Treasure Seekers’ 25-foot Sea Pro boats include a flushable toilet onboard. When you arrive for your tour, it’s recommended you take advantage of the restroom at the boat park facility before departure to the islands.

Directions and Parking

Tours depart from Goodland Boat Park, 750 Palm Point Drive, Goodland, FL 34140.

You’re required to pay a $10 parking fee, payable inside the boat park facility store and place the receipt in clear view on your dashboard. If you have a Collier County Beach Permit, you’re not required to pay for parking. Don’t park in the spots marked ‘Trailered Vehicles Only’ as these are strictly enforced. Overflow parking is available nearby along the roadside. Uber, Lyft rideshare or drop off is highly recommended if going out on an afternoon tour.

The park website has all the details.

Seasonal Differences

The average daytime high temperature is 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 centigrade) in January, rising a couple of degrees warmer in February. March, April and May feature average highs from the high 70s to high 80s; while June through September promises average highs in the low 90s. October and November cool off a little, with average highs in the 80s; and December provides a comfortable average high of 77. June, July, August and September are the rainiest months.

Peak season starts in November and continues through the winter months, and during the holidays – including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year –the island can be busy. The least busy time to visit Marco Island is in September and October.

Travelers with Disabilities

If you’re unsteady on your feet or have a physical disability, please consult with Treasure Seekers’ office before your tour date so you can discuss how they can best accommodate you on your adventure.

Food and Drink

When you’re looking fuel up before the day’s adventures, or refuel after them, Marco Island’s eateries are sure to satisfy. Waterfront restaurants include Sunset Grille , with an island vibe, crab cakes and cocktails; CJ’s on the Bay , famed for their lobster fries; Snook Inn , with live entertainment daily; and Stilts Bar and Grille , sited in the Marriott Vacation Club, featuring a decadent grouper sandwich and stellar beachfront view.

For an upscale eating , try Sale e Pepe , serving up delectable Southern Italian fare and wines; Fin Bistro , delivering ocean-to-table fare paired with signature cocktails or wine; Marco Prime , welcoming diners with juicy porterhouses and ribeyes; or DaVinci Restaurant Italiano, pleasing palates with creations like lobster ravioli, linguini with clams and pizza.

Island casual joints include Michelbob’s Championship Ribs & Steaks , where you’ll need a second helping of napkins; Lee Be Fish Company , for a fresh-catch indulgence; and Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill , a hidden gem tantalizing tastebuds with chilly Rum Runners, pulled pork sandwiches and crab towers. And there’s more! Joeys Pizza and Pasta boasts a large variety of pizza toppings and sizable portions; while Marco Island Brewery , a relaxed brewhouse, delivers a large selection of beer on tap, 40 flat-screen TV’s and innovative pub grub.

Breakfast favorites include Doreen’s Cup of Joe , with creative takes on morning fare like breakfast nachos and key lime pancakes; and Red Rooster , with no-nonsense traditional meals.

Accommodations

The nearest hotels are located in Marco Island, about 15 minutes away from Goodland Boat Park. Hotels in Naples are about 40 minutes from the Park. Here are places to stay in both cities from the area’s visitors services . You can filter the listings for type of lodging; amenities; location (for instance, beachfront, waterfront, near the airport and so on); and special categories like pet-friendly and adult-only.

Vacation Bonus

Florida’s Paradise Coast, which encompasses Marco Island, Naples, and the Everglades, offers a wealth of things to do , whether you want to kick back on the white-sand beaches ; discover personally why the shopping is legendary;  or go green in the Golf Capital of the World . You can bathe your senses in arts and cultural attractions ; learn about the area's history ; and savor world-renowned culinary creations . Discover family fun ; indulge in luxury experiences ; or kindle the flames of romance . And make sure to check out local favorites , from swamp walks in primeval wetlands to hidden gem beaches.

Places to Remember

The southwestern corner of Florida is a place of wild beauty -- dolphins, sea birds, and the ruins of dome homes,  a grand notion off Cape Romano long since overtaken by the Gulf of Mexico.

Marco Island

Naples

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Treasure Seekers Shell Tours provides insiders look at treasures near the Ten Thousands Islands

GOODLAND, Fla. — Southwest Florida boasts some of the most pristine white sandy beaches, but something else it's also known for is its shells, especially around the Ten Thousand Islands.

What You Need To Know

Southwest florida's beaches are well known for their shells treasure seekers shell tours takes people to islands in the area to explore and see the sights more florida on a tankful adventures.

Treasure Seekers Shell Tours in the small community of Goodland can provide a seasoned captain and shell guide. 

“All of our guides are all Florida master naturalists," Captain Richard said. "They’re all qualified and know the islands very well.. so between the captains and shell guides, we make a fantastic team.” 

But while the views are thrilling, these tours are more about what can be found off the boat on the islands. 

Hopping off the boat, tour participants will meet a shell guide like Amanda, a Florida master naturalist and avid shell collector who knows just about everything needed to find the shells that populate the islands.

Amanda, who spent most of her life in Kentucky, discovered her love and passion for shelling on a family trip to Florida in December 2015. 

“I had never seen a shell intact or a sand dollar or starfish, and so when I got here and saw all of this stuff, well, I haven’t looked up since,” she said. 

Now a Florida resident and a shell guide at Treasure Seekers Shell Tours, she’s amassed quite a collection. She’s even written a book that gives newcomers an overview on the ins and outs of shelling. 

“Like I said, I taught myself and I learned the hard way. But when I learned it could be a lot easier, I decided to write about that and share that knowledge,” Amanda said. 

Tours take visitors on excursions ranging from two to six hours that allow visitors to hunt for shells and explore the beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands. Boat capacity is limited to no more than six people. Lucky tour participants might even get to glimpse an iconic structure that sits down in the waters, the Dome Home. 

Treasure Seekers Shell Tours has a variety of tour options that vary in price, so there is something for everyone. For more information on hours and how to book a tour, head to its website.

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To new tour dates follow their recent single and music video “Turn This Train Around.” The upbeat groove is sure to become a live set staple! Listen to “Turn this Train” Around  HERE  and watch the music video  HERE .

"'Turn This Train Around' represents the moment joy pierced through my sorrow and the moment it felt good to dance again," Hertler shares. "A year before writing it, I experienced a rough breakup after nearly a decade together, compounded by the shared home we owned during the pandemic. Healing doesn't always come from time alone; it's found in new experiences, people, and perspectives. Sometimes, all it takes is opening a window - for me, that window was my MPC drum pad and bass guitar."

Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers will make a sprightly young groove doctor out of anyone. With spectacular energy pulsating from every member of the band, the Rainbow Seekers could illuminate the very chambers of Heaven. Lead singer Joe Hertler splashes through lyrical puddles of golden rain, leaving his audience wearing flowery crowns and bubbling smiles. A ride on the Rainbow will take you across the mountains of Motown, through the fjords of folk, over the archipelagos of Americana, and-at last-into a funky firth, where only the fiercest of friendships can be found.

In 2023, the Rainbow Seekers shared their joyous full-length  Pursuit of Wonder.  "One of the big themes on this record is looking at opposites: life or death, good or bad, happiness or sadness. None of those things can exist without the other."

Imagine dancing at the apocalypse, at a rave commandeered by the Rainbow Seekers — and you have a good idea about what they have accomplished with the pensive-but-uplifting Pursuit of Wonder. A dip into darkness is an unexpected turn for The Rainbow Seekers, who are practically synonymous with high-energy, life-affirming live shows, earning loyal, grassroots followings thanks to gigs at major festivals and opening for jam bands. But we are living in unprecedented times (as the newspapers relentlessly reminds us each day), and that has really gotten Hertler thinking about how we might want to live more dangerously — by which he means, out of our comfort zones.

Hertler may explore existential topics, but he is no nihilist. "I needed to uplift myself, and I'm urging the listener to appreciate the brevity of their existence, too. We had better make the best use of the time that we have," he says. "I think it's a really powerful message to send people: I started from this darkness, and I've come out of it in very much a better place."

Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers 2024 Summer Tour Dates:

June 29 – St. Louis, MO @ Duck Room at Blueberry Hill

June 30 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Twilight Series

July 2 – Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy + Harriet’s

July 4-5 – Quincy, CA @ High Sierra Music Festival

July 7 – Portland, OR @ The Get Down

July 9 – Seattle, WA @ Madame Lou’s

July 10 – Boise, ID @ Neurolux

July 11 – Victor, ID @ Music On Main

July 13 – Denver, CO @ Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station

July 24 – Thomas, WV @ Purple Fiddle

July 25 – Check, VA @ FloydFest

July 26 – Raleigh, NC @ Kings

July 27 – Fayetteville, WV @ The Outpost New River Gorge

August 8 – Lowell, MI @ Sizzlin Showboat at Riverwalk Plaza

August 9 – Indianapolis, IN @ Hi Fi

August 15 – Ann Arbor, MI @ Sonic Lunch (Daytime Set)

August 22 – Charlotte, NC @ River Jam at the US National Whitewater Center

August 23 – Chattanooga, TN @ Nightfall Concert Series at Miller Plaza

August 24 – Covington, KY @ The Rooftop at Madison Live

September 27 – Kalamazoo, MI @ Bell’s Eccentric Café – Beer Garden

September 28 – Valpraiso, IN @ Valpo Brewfest

September 29 – Columbus, OH @ Natalie’s Grandview

October 1 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Crafthouse Stage & Grill

October 2 – Bethlehem, PA @ Musikfest Café

October 3 – New York, NY @ Drom

October 4 – Boston, MA @ Arts at the Armory

October 5 – Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy

October 6 – Washington, D.C. @ Pearl Street Warehouse

October 8 – Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall

October 10 – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl

October 11 – Nashville, TN @ East Room

October 12 – Bentonville, AR @ City Sessions

October 13 – Dallas, TX @ Deep Ellum Art Co.

October 15 – Austin, TX @ 3STEN ACL Live

October 17 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar

October 18 – San Diego, CA @ Winston’s Beach Club

October 19 – Venice, CA @ Venice West

October 20 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill

October 22 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Atrium at the Catalyst

October 24 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Soundwell

October 26 – Basalt, CO @ The Arts Campus at Willits

October 27 – Greeley, CO @ Moxi Theater

October 30 – Minneapolis, MN @ Green Room

November 1 – Appleton, WI @ Appleton Beer Factory

November 2 – Chicago, IL @ Subterranean

November 3 – Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon

November 9 – Lansing, MI @ Grewal Hall

Photo Credit: Jake Mulka

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    Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers 2024 Summer Tour Dates: June 29 - St. Louis, MO @ Duck Room at Blueberry Hill. June 30 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Twilight Series.

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