The fighting conch is one of the most common shells on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and you can recognize it by looking out for the brilliant orange color. In the Sanibel area, I've actually found the best shelling at . Bring your tools - the list includes a bucket or bag to hold your finds and a small . Shellers are encouraged to limit their empty-shell haul. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. Its renown as one of the world's best locations for shelling has made Sanibel Island the home of the world's largest museum dedicated to shellfish. Causeway Beach Park sits on the man-made spit of island that was built to support the causeway which connects Sanibel Island with Ft. Myers on the mainland. There are gorgeous white sand beaches, and some of the best beaches for shelling on Sanibel are still-undiscovered gems. Shell Island Beach Club is located on Sanibel Island in sunny Florida and makes for a great vacation getaway. Updated April 7, 2022. Go on a shelling excursion! Explore Now! All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Sanibel's beaches are famous for their pristine sands and abundant shells. Trust me, I've done both. It wasn't too humid but it was still hot. Common shell varieties found in the area include alphabet cone, horn snail, scallops, lace murex, lightning whelk, tulip shells, lettered olive shells ( they're olive-shaped ), cockle shells, top snail, risso, vitinella, periwinkle, limpet shells, Cerith shell, Transverse and Ponderous Ark. Soak in a 50/50 solution of bleach and water for 5-10 minutes. One thing that Sanibel Island is known for (besides its beaches, of course!) Wenteltrap Shell - Wikimedia Commons. Toggle Navigation. Sanibel Island is located about 25 miles south of Fort Myers in Florida. Average high temperatures measure in at 85F (29C) while the average low temperature is 62F (17C). The real explosion and allure began to ramp up in the 1950s, local legend has it that a couple of women won in which was an editor of a newspaper had purchased a left-handed Junonia. 1.800.247.0448. Sanibel?s land mass sits vertical to the mainland coast as opposed to sitting parallel to shore Shelling Trips Read More 75 helpful votes. Sanibel Island offers a full day of walking with its 15-plus miles of mostly unbroken beach. In fact, Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the US for the thousands of . And when it comes to shelling on Sanibel and Captiva, there's one spot that sticks out above all the rest Blind Pass Beach 2. 8-12 inch piles 50 yards long and 10 yards wide all over the shore. Like the best Sanibel Island rentals, its units include full kitchens, living rooms, cozy beds, and free WiFi. Why Are There So Many Shelling Beaches on Sanibel Island? If shelling on Sanibel Island and in Southwest Florida is on your agenda, here's what you need to know: The best time to go shelling is at low tide, or after a storm or strong current. And even more than that, Sanibel Island beaches are known for being the best beaches for shelling in all of the United States! With the longest beach-front just steps away from your room, 2 swimming pools, a jaccuzzi and luxurious grounds; Shell Island . kayak rentals, complimentary beach chairs & umbrellas, some of the best shelling on the Island and shell cleaning stations. Along the shoreline, you can find tons of small shells, and the more you look, the greater your chances are for finding different types of shells! Silver Key Beach 6. You can go to any of the beaches on Sanibel Island and you will find shells. Captiva Island - Peaceful Destination for a Laid-Back Vacation near Sanibel Island. These snail shells are sometimes called "staircase shells", and "ladder shells". But Turner Beach is the clear choice for the best shelling beach on Sanibel and Captiva beaches. Where: Sanibel Island and 10,000 Islands in South Florida. In fact, there are so many shells, the sand resembles beach art at its best. Also, the winner for Best Shell Shop of Sanibel's own "Island Reporter" Readers Poll since 2000. You're probably in town to pick up a few shells - and everyone agrees that Bowman's Beach is the best place to try the "Sanibel . Guide to the World's Best Beach Combing Destinations. 7 Dreamy Beaches on Sanibel Island. Types of shells you may find: Sanibel . PACK WATER SHOES. For Information email us or call 1-800-851-5088 | Live Beach Cam | Book . Bowman's Beach 2. Scotch Bonnet Shell. Tides, moon phase, and the weather all play a role in the availability of shells on the beach. Here are the best times for shelling: [1] A Day After A Storm High winds from a heavy storm will ferry more shells onto the shore. Sanibel Island, a small barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico, is known for some of the best shell collecting in the United States. With Sanibel's east-west orientation, gentle waters push along the Gulf's sloping sea floor, allowing many shells to arrive unharmed. Tarpon Bay Beach Beachcombers flock to its . Sanibel is a little different as far as sand goes. Public tours are on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. You are reading "7 Best Sanibel Island Beaches " Back to Top. Award Winning Restaurant, Bar & Lounge On-Site Traditions On The Beach has an extensive menu featuring "Contemporary Cuisine, Sanibel Style . You can go to any of the beaches on Sanibel Island and you will find shells. I am looking for unusual shells and larger ones that average. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. We are proud to be closely associated with the musuem, which boasts a huge collection of the beautiful seashells found on Sanibel Island. For starters, the Gulf of Mexico lies a good 600 steps from the parking lot, across three bridges and an estuary. "Ding" Darling National . They contain thousands of shells you can find. (239) 301-8913 Reviews of Our Professionally-Guided Seashell Collecting Tours Below are reviews posted from our loyal customers. Lighthouse Beach Park 3. We recommend: Tarpon Bay, Bowman's Beach, Blind Pass and Algiers Beach. We've spent many years leading Sanibel Island shelling and dolphins boat tours for friends, family, and kids of all ages. . 3,350 posts. How To Restore Color To Your Seashells Tutorial. Both the West Wind Inn and the Island Inn would be good options for a beachfront hotel with good shelling. Keep in mind, all shelling is prohibited in J.N. Call now Book now. Sanibel Island is known for shelling and is one of the best places in the world to shell. 3. Popular Times to Visit Sanibel Island Average Tourist Volumes Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. SHELLING VIDEO. Walking barefoot is fine but it can get painful after stepping on a few shells. The best time for shelling is 1 hours before low tide until 1 hours after low tide. Go to www.iloveshelling.com for daily . Sanibel Island Weather in April: It's the driest month of the year in April with the precipitation levels averaging at 1 inch (25 mm). Shelling here is not only an adventure to you as a nature lover but you get to take a few pieces of nature's best souvenirs along with you to cherish for a lifetime. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, located on Sanibel Island. But the Sundial Resort also features a beachfront spa, 5 pools, 4 restaurants (indoor and outdoor dining), 2 bars, a sea school, ocean kayaks . At roughly 15 miles long and 5 miles across at its widest, Sanibel Island's small size belies its rich and intriguing history, abundant flora & fauna, plentiful stretches of exquisite beaches, and the depth of the culture & hospitality of its residents. A Southwest Florida institution, it is billed as the "world's largest collection of rare shells, corals, sponges and fossils from the seven seas.". Best Sanibel Beaches for Shelling. It is a famed destination for its salubrious sunsets, heritage lighthouse, and family-friendly resorts. Blind Pass Condominium 5117 Sea Bell Road Sanibel Island, FL 33957 Phone (toll free): 239-472-6981 Details such as what time of day to go shelling, what to bring, and which beach to go to will affect your shelling experience. All live shelling is forbidden in the State of Florida. Feb 9, 2011 | 171 . The average low temperature is 58F (14C). Not a question, but just an observation. Sanibel Island is located on the West Coast of Florida. Along the shoreline, you can find tons of small shells, and the more you look, the greater your chances are for finding different types of shells! Voted the Island's 'Best Hotel & Inn' Our rooms, suites, & cottages are situated on 10 acres of Gulf front property - making the Island Inn a beach lovers' paradise and the perfect location for shelling, kayaking, paddle boarding & more! Sanibel Island is a lush resort famous for its shelling; a laid-back community of shops, restaurants and recreational pursuits that all share a common goal; preservation of the island's . Don't take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, it's just that Sanibel is truly the best there is. Check Out The Island Inn's Guide to All the Local Sanibel Isalnd Beaches. 12. We're excited to introduce you to beautiful locations, exciting animals, and one-of-a-kind shells! Wentletraps Shells. And even more than that, Sanibel Island beaches are known for being the best beaches for shelling in all of the United States! Sanibel - Best Place to Stay in Sanibel Island for your First Time. Also, look for the rack lines, rows of seaweed left on the beach by incoming and outgoing tides. My twins started collecting shells from the beach on our first trip but this year they really got into it! The shelling is better on Sanibel than Captiva but beautiful shells can be found on both islands. One of the best Island resorts that you and your family will return to for many years to come. A beloved boutique hotel on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, Sanibel Island Beach Resort wraps guests in a warm embrace of Old Florida charm. Its low amount of tourists and rare variety of seashells makes it a paradise for all shellers. Shelling has become so popular in Sanibel Island that the action of bending over to pick up a shell is known as the Sanibel Stoop. 10 Best U.S. Drive through the main shopping district in Sanibel, turn right, then left, and drive about 6 miles before you see the sign for Bowman's Beach. Sanibel Island and its world-famous beaches have long been known for fantastic shelling because of their best-known shells that show up; the Alphabet Cone, Junonia, and many more. The first tip we will give you is Gulf-side beaches are the best places to find shells on vacation. All were collected, at different times and by many collectors, on the islands of Sanibel, Captiva, and neighboring areas. Toggle navigation 1.800.247.0448. . Re: Best beachfront hotel for shelling. You can find a Marco Island tide table here . The store is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. Causeway Islands Park. 3111 W. Gulf Drive Sanibel Island, FL 33957 Open daily . It's like nothing I've ever seen. We will be going in early June next year. Obey the rules - in Florida it is against the law to take a live shell. The stretch of beach along the Gulf of Mexico is an excellent destination for shelling, with a variety of public beaches available for you to explore. It's a pretty spectacular sight. 1. It's tough to go wrong with either . Answer 1 of 14: My husband and I are planning on stopping for a day at Sanibel. Bowman's Beach at the island's north end provides the best access for shifting your beach stroll into high gear. But there are definitely some spots that are better than others. Also lookout for the lightning whelk, which can grow up to 16 inches long and lays its eggs in papery egg case streamers that you might also see onshore. Sanibel Island is known by many as a shelling and wildlife destination, while Marco Island's reputation is often tied to the nearby Ten Thousand Islands and its tourist offerings. 114 reviews. This would be a rare find on our beaches. Answer 1 of 19: Would Sanibel or Captiva be the better place to shell? I would be just as happy with other shells also. Located at the western end of Sanibel, Bowman's Beach is one of the premier beaches to find good shells on Sanibel. Ranked #1 for Best Vacation Destination in the World by Frommers. we've visited Sanibel at least 30 times over the last 20 years, always in the off season, May - December and have never seen the island so busy. We're in the middle of a two week vacation and the beaches are crazy busy for this time of year. 6. . Sanibel and the 10,000 islands are well known for their insane PILES of seashells. Here's a list of shells you can bring back to your Sanibel Island vacation rental: Junonia, Conch, Lightning Whelk, Cockle, Scallops, Murex, Tulip, Olive, and Coquina. Adventures in Paradise Downtown St. Petersburg. I think the shelling is good year round, but the weather was great in the winter. An Hour Before Or After Low Tide A fresh batch of seashells are brought by each high tide. 1. Shelling Charters and Sightseeing Voyages Sanibel and her neighboring barrier cays are some of the most extreme shelling locations on the planet. Shelling & Lunch Cruise "The best fun-filled adventure in paradise!" Photo Gallery. 2. The shelling is better on Sanibel than Captiva but beautiful shells can be found on both islands. Islander and Current | https://www.captivasanibel.com | 2340 Periwinkle Way P.O. Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island With Kids Shelling. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches Gulfside City Park Bowman's Beach Blind Pass Beach Generally, the best time to go shelling is after a storm or when the tide is low. Credit: Courtesy of California State Parks, 2009. Low tide is usually the best since that's when all the shells are uncovered after being washed up. In Dutch, Wenteltrap means spiral staircase. As goofy as a grown man looks in water shoes they are essential if you are going to be doing lots of walking up and down the beach. If you really want to get serious, the best days for shelling are the new moon and the full moon. Shell-lovers from all over the world come to the Sanibel Island's Gulf Coast, considered one of the best shelling spots in the United States. Any recommendations on the best shelling spots and any particular time of. Water will be a brownish color, change water frequently until fairly clear or just continually flush with water until water stays fairly clear. Facebook; Pinterest; Instagram; 239-579-0348 Shellove From The Blog. One of the coolest features of Southwest Florida is all of the different islands that can only be reached by boat. The island's unique formation and east-west stretch is ideal for finding special shell treasures. Select Page. 1 year ago. Thank. According to the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce, the island is one of the best places in the world to find unique shells - and its shores are home to more than 250 different types. 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, Florida, 33957, Phone: 239-472-4648. Back to: Things to do on Sanibel Island, Florida. Turner Beach is the best shelling beach on Sanibel and the Captiva islands. Sanibel. Don't forget your cameras and keep an eye out for the many resident butterflies, birds, and wildlife. It is usually uncrowded which makes hunting for the . Check the tide board at Guest Services which is updated daily. It is best to shell (you'll get used to it being a verb) one hour before or after low tide but treasures can be found at any time. We offer an awesome Shelling & Lunch Cruise to North Captiva Island - again only accessible by boat. How and Where To Collect, Beach Comb on Sanibel, Captiva, Southwest Florida Islands Lee County. . All shelling is prohibited in J.N. Download Our Coupon (239) 472-6991 Sanibel Island - 1157 . What: Seashells. On Sanibel Island, however, there are some truly spectacular specimens to be found. 365 Atlanta Traveler 45+ Leisurely Things to do on Sanibel Island Beyond Shelling; . You won't be disappointed with any of them. Part museum, part gift shop, part nature park, it is a great addition to a shelling vacation. Shelling isn't only fun, but it's highly addictive! 2019 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL 33957 +1.239.472.8236 visit website. Seashells are so important to the islands' chain of life that the State of Florida has outlawed the collection of live shells (with inhabitants) as well as living sand dollars, starfish and sea urchins. Explore six acres of a diverse selection of tropical plants at Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens. Low tide is best to venture out and find seashells. Best Things To Do in. Top 4 Places to Stay on Sanibel Island. 2. Blind Pass Beach 4. Guide to find seashells Conch Shells Sand Dollars. The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Island Inn has partnered with The Bailey-Mathews National Shell Museum to offer daily, expert-led beach walks exclusively to our guests. When: Shelling during low tide is always best simply because more of what's . Listed below are 12 proven shelling tips that will help you experience a fun and successful shelling expedition. Ranked in the top 10 best U.S. shelling beaches by Travel + Leisure, Sanibel Island draws visitors from all over to collect special treasures. the best beaches for shelling on Sanibel. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. Both of these hotels also have on-site dining if that is important. January to March are some of the best months to go shelling on Sanibel. She Sells Sea Shells has been Voted The "Best Shell Shop" in Southwest Florida by the readers of the Ft. Myers "The News Press", in their annual poll each year since 2000. I've heard that it's the best place to find washed up shells. The best location for shelling is only steps away from your accommodations at West Wind Island Resort, right on the white-sand beaches of Sanibel Island! Would driving there or going on a "shelling tour" be better? The Best Shelling Beaches on Sanibel Shelling is a random game and that's part of the fun. Although January, February and March are some of the best months to go shelling on Sanibel and Captiva, Stefanie Wolf, a marine biologist at the Bailey-Matth . Report inappropriate content. Shelling Beaches: Silver Strand State Beach Coronado Island, CA. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Adore by Sea or Shore: 8 Perfect Dates Around The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel Shelling is best at full or new moons because those tides are more extreme. Blind Pass Condominium 5117 Sea Bell Road Sanibel Island, FL 33957 Phone (toll free): 239-472-6981 All of our Sanibel beaches are great for shelling. is shelling. Beach Access. To bleach a sand dollar white it is important to soak in fresh water first. Also, before you get . Nonetheless, the weather can sometimes be limiting, especially when there are minimal winds. The best time to go beachcombing for seashells and sea glass is during low tide as the calm waters gentle pull the sand away naturally sifting through the sand, leaving the shells exposed or at high tide and after tropical storms. I guess our little piece of paradise has made it to the Big Time. Sanibel Town - Best Area in Sanibel Island for Families. Skip to content. Box 809, Sanibel Island, FL 33957 | 239-472-1587 | Ogden Newspapers . Lion's Paw Shell - Wikimedia Commons. The best time to go shelling on Marco Island. Sanibel shelling, in all its glory and diversity, can be explored at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Sanibel Island is the kind of island you seek for a laid-back and sandy tropical vacation where kids play in the surf and adults follow suit. Bowman's Beach. Greetings from Sanibel Island and The Sea Shells of Sanibel Condominium Rentals. 40 Beach Dr. NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701 +1.727.317.4943 SANIBEL MOORINGS BOTANICAL GARDEN. This guide depicts species from the collection of The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. 4. Both Sanibel Island and Marco Island offer distinctive experiences in terms of activities, beaches, dining options, and more. This mollusk guide is being expanded and updated on a regular basis; make sure you bookmark and check the site to follow its progress. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Sanibel by far has the reputation for being the best shelling in Florida, but I'm here to tell you that it's actually Marco Island. First up on our list of Dreamy Beaches on Sanibel Island is the first string of beaches you'll encounter on your way to Sanibel. Gigantic waves will also push shells to the shore, resulting in heaps of treasures the following day. This law is not to discourage shellers from shelling on the beaches in the Ft. Myers and Sanibel Islands region but to protect the "chain of life" for wildlife in the area. Swaying palms and sandy beaches set the stage for days spent shelling, soaking up the sun, or taking a siesta in a shady hammock in the sand. In May, the average high temperature increases to 89F . If you can go after a storm the shelling choices will be even . Any of these destinations can work as tropical vacation spots, but Sanibel has something unique some of the best "shelling" in the world. Fort Myers - Where to Stay near Sanibel Island on a Budget. Visit www.shellfactory.com or call 239-995-2141. This is hard to emphasize enough. Crafts for Your Sanibel Island Finds If you want to try your hand at shelling, but you're not sure what to do with your findings, we have a few suggestions. Being a barrier island, Sanibel?s most uncommon characteristic is its east-west situation in the Gulf of Mexico. Island Inn Beach. Shelling is best at full or new moons because those tides are more extreme. Gulfside City Park 7. About Pam; Shell Love Bug; . 1. WELCOME TO SANIBEL ISLAND BEACH RESORT. Shelling On The Beach. No one area is good all the time, and no collection worth viewing was ever found on one outing, so shell seekers . Turner Beach 5. Why Go: Named for its shimmering oyster-strewn shore, this popular . Choose a Good Shelling Spot. The beaches are lined with more shells than you could ever collect. Anytime is a good time to collect seashells, but often, the early morning at low tide is best. Whether this will be the start of your collection or furthering your current one, make the trip past all the other astounding beaches. It is best to shell (you'll get used to it being a verb) one hour before or after low tide but treasures can be found at any time. Sanibel gets good shells (the area around Blind Pass is best), but there's also a LOT of competition to find them. Not far from Captiva, Fort Myers, Naples and Marco Island.