Visitors have also said that the jetty makes it easy for shells to pile up. I found a lot of sand dollars right on the beach, but our captain mentioned they were mostly found around a little point in shallow water. It stretches far into the water, which is great for fishing or taking photos even surfing when wind conditions are right. Shell To bleach a sand dollar white it is important to soak in fresh water first. Its not unusual at some Florida beaches to see people snorkeling in shallow water in search of shells! Due to their close location, they have a lot of the same elements, such as the number of tourists. And more specifically, Southwest Florida can make for a perfect Florida shelling trip where you can go beach hopping along the coast from Tampa to Marco Island to different beaches in search of shells and beautiful views! Favorite Captiva restaurants plan openings - Sanibel Island Forum Sanibel Island Shelling on Sanibel Shelling is an exciting but relaxing hobby, and theres always. It took almost a full hour to motor to Cayo Costa (there wasnt a good wind for sailing) and it was CHILLY. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Sanibel Island Named One of the Best Beach Towns in Florida, Along the River: The Caloosahatchee in Southwest Florida. Plus, theyve got nature trails and kayak launches! The Gulf Coast island near Fort Myers benefits from its east-west orientation. And they sell maps, guides and shell posters too. We got to the marina about 10 minutes early and were treated to a pretty good show by some local manatees so the time flew by. Shelling and Beaches | Sanibel Island If the aperture of the shell discovered has a hardcover, then there is a creature inside. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD Live shells and mollusks cannot be taken off the beach. Copyright 2023 Sandalfoot Condominium Association, Inc. all rights reserved -. WHAT MAKES TURNER BEACH SO UNFORGETTABLE? Sanibel Island Loggerhead sea turtles have often been known to visit this beach. Shelling on Sanibel: Visitors from Buffalo uncover two large horse Photo by Anne McKinnell. During a Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, this shelling cruise with Treasure Seekers. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. You can look for shells along any Cayo Costa beach. Her top-selling Sarasota, Sanibel Island, Dont forget a bag, sunscreen and water. Sanibel Island is world renowned for its shells. managed by RealTech Webmasters. Finding seashells requires patience and effort. Two more businesses on the market Apr 03, 2023. Plenty of roomavailable. Turner Beachis the best shelling beach on Sanibel and the Captiva islands. You can bike to this beach on the Periwinkle pathway (you can see it on the map). Sanibel Island has a wide variety of beaches, some of which are less crowded than others. This prevents any smells or dirt from sticking to the seashells. You can look for shells along any Marco Island beach. Positive news from Blue Dolphin Apr 02, 2023. When looking on aSanibel Island map, you may notice that Blind Pass Beach is right next to Turner Beach, which is also ranked among the best shelling spots on Sanibel Island. Maria is a travel passionate who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others to help them enjoy their planned excursion. Chamber speaker shares real estate predictions, properties status At the end of the day, when looking at one's bag full of scotch bonnet, whelk, conch, or whatever unique shell they were looking for, the effort will have been worth it. If you find one you get to be in the local newspaper. Its relatively low number of visitors and rare variety of seashells make it a haven for all shellers. This is a Florida shell identification guide for Paradise Coast that was posted near Marco Island shelling beaches. You can make it an overnight Florida shelling trip at Cayo Costa State Park! Yes, Sanibel Island does have public beaches! You may also be interested in shelling at Caladesi Island State Park. Shelling Which has a rating of 4.6 stars with almost 600 evaluations on Google Reviews. Wake up and walk out onto a gorgeous white sand beach and look out at the glorious Gulf of Mexico as the sun shines on its emerald-turquoise waves. Its hard to choose the best beach for shelling on Sanibel since the entire island is a mecca for seashell enthusiasts. BIG ISLAND Although Sanibel property values for single-family homes and condos will dip in the immediate future, they ultimately will appreciate above pre-hurricane levels, Royal Shell Real Estate and Royal Shell Vacations President and Managing Partner Michael Polly told members of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce on April 12 at I swear I saw it, and I also swear I wasnt drinking. Ready to take an unforgettabletour ofSanibel Island beaches? For more shelling tips and facts keep scrolling! See for yourself whySanibel is one of the best shelling attractions on the planet. Sanibel and Captiva islands have about fifteen miles of jaw-dropping beaches. The Best Shelling Beaches on Sanibelthe Seashell Capital of the So the shells remaining on the beach are of common kinds. Sanibel Island has breathtaking white sand beaches, clear blue water and an abundance of colorful shells that have been dubbed "Treasures From the Sea.". Save. (This can be at any Marco Island beach, not just South Beach! For Shelling on Sanibel moves back home Apr 05, 2023. Like a Local. So it is no surprise that shelling on Sanibel and Captiva islands is on most shellers bucket lists. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Photo Credit: Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Sanibel Island has miles of beaches. Cash and credit cards are accepted. var addy_text96e8d58e4046721c2e14e150e6423097 = 'advertising' + '@' + 'sanibelisland' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloak96e8d58e4046721c2e14e150e6423097').innerHTML += ''+addy_text96e8d58e4046721c2e14e150e6423097+'<\/a>'; This email address is being protected from spambots. Beachfront. We boarded right on time and were off pretty quickly. Some of the best shelling beaches in the United States are in Florida! Please return to water. Since its a smaller catamaran (or boat), theyre actually able to dock at Cayo Costa which is nice instead of landing at the beach and wading in. If you want to make it a beach shelling walk from North Beach to further north, the Friends of Honeymoon Island State Park say that the Honeymoon Island North Beach Trek is 5 miles round trip. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Beaches SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI Cayo Costa State Park is also an island in Florida. , Hi Angie! All rights reserved. Its free. You will be just a few minutes walk away from a shelling beach! The waters of Sanibel Island beaches have a gradual slope, which allows shells to be washed up on the shoreline extremely easily. When you visit Sanibel Island beaches, you can find shells almost anytime if you look hard enough. Florida by Land: Go Beachcombing Chelle Koster Walton the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean has been covering the destination for 30 years. In addition to being a haven for shell collectors, Sanibel Island is also known for being a stunning location for sunbathing. Youll 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. Thus, most people choose a beach along the way and never reach Turner Beach. Shelling on Sanibel Quick list of where to find some of the best shelling beaches in Florida: ROAD TRIP AMERICA If it is brown with spikes, it is most likely alive. The crew gave us some tips about which direction to head depending on what we were looking for and I decided to head to the right since it was more common to find sand dollars down that way. Shelling is an exciting but relaxing hobby, and theres alwayssomething to learn about it. When sighting a lot of Sand Dollars and 9-Legged Sea Stars in the waters, that means that it is the spawning season. This stays true for Turner beach which is on the northern tip of the island. Via Sanibel Arts & Crafts Fair. This makes them very accessible to shellers. What actually wouldve helped was having one of those scooper/strainers to grab them up with instead of having to reach down (thats when I usually got wet). You might also consider going shelling after a storm when the tides have been a bit rough and are more likely to bring shells up to the shore. You can also check out the Lighthouse Beach Park Virtual Tour from Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), which is updated weekly with a new photo showing the beach and its surrounding waters. There are a few other shell beaches that make the top list, such as the one on St. Bart (Caribbean) and at Shark Bay (Australia), but none come close to Sanibels variety of shells. WebThe most valuable shell by most is the Junonia shell, which we have found more than any company in Southwest Florida. Florida is home to several mesmerizing islands, Sanibel is a perfect destination, especially for spring break, Sanibel was also home to pirates who could have buried their treasures there, Sanibel Island is both family- and pet-friendly, Shell Island Is A Hidden Secret In Panama, Florida, If collectors are found taking live shells from the shore, they may be subject to a costly fine, 10 Of The Best Florida Beaches For Families, 10 Cheap Vacation Spots In Chicago You Should Visit This Summer, 10 Cheap Vacation Spots In Washington DC That Won't Break The Bank, 10 Unique Boutique Hotels In Washington DC Worth Staying At This Summer, 10 Things To Do In Dubrovnik: Complete Guide To Croatia's Medieval Seaside City, 10 Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen: Complete Guide To This Riviera Maya Paradise, 8 Things To Do In Havana: Complete Guide To Cuba's Capital City, 10 Awesome Reasons To Visit Vietnam This Summer, 10 Best Hiking Trails In North Cascades National Park, 10 Cheap Vacation Spots In Africa You Should Visit This Summer. (Limited parking means limited people on the beach!). You can look for shells along any Honeymoon Island beach. They're hunting for treasure. Sanibel Island What You'll Find: Sand dollars, olives, ocher stars, Chelle Koster Walton the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean has been covering the destination for 30 years. For tourists seeking a beach getaway, Florida is home to several mesmerizing islands, including the paradisiac Sanibel Island, which is a barrier island located in the Gulf of Mexico. Ever since I did this shelling cruise with Treasure Seekers out of Marco Island to the Ten Thousand Islands (the best shelling in Florida by a landslide), Ive had pretty low expectations of other shelling spots. All have handicap parking. McCallion & McCallion Realty To maximize the experience, plan your trip to around low tide to avoid mangroves hugging the waterline. You might also want to revisit the Waterside Inn, those fruity colored rental cottages right on the beach in Sanibel. Sanibel is a perfect destination, especially for spring break, with its gorgeous shores and fun activities perfect for all ages. This structure reaches from the beach into the Gulf of Mexico to prevent erosion. There is a parking fee along with bathrooms and outdoor showers. If it is open and then closes after you touch it, it is definitely alive. I think this cruise is a BARGAIN and 100% worth the time and money. But there is so much else to do on Sanibel Island fine accommodations, fresh seafood, fishing, boating, and just plain relaxation, a chance to get away from the hurly burly, a chance to draw closer to nature. Once descended, some gorgeous beauties could be found. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Positive news from Blue Dolphin Apr 02, 2023. You cant just drive over the causeway and expect to stumble onto a beach. NATIONAL LAKESHORES Blind Pass Beach Park. This barrier island that sits positioned just perfectly on Floridas Gulf Coast to catch whatever treasures storms stir up in the ocean is famous for being the best shelling spot in Florida. Its not normally as busy as other island beaches. WebBowmans Beach. But the area is very popular with beachgoers and shellers because the beach is close to the causeway and because it has a large parking lot and a fishing pier. If shelling is your goal, then you must go to the Gulf Coast of Florida! Both Turner Beach and Blind Pass Beach are popular for fishing, shelling and board sports. There are bike racks if you choose to cycle around the island. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. PICTURED ROCKS MI Its a local favorite! This is the beach at the farthest west end of Sanibel Island, just before the bridge to Captiva Island. COPYRIGHT 2023 | ROYAL SHELL | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | SITEMAP | PRIVACY POLICY, Florida Locations: Bonita Springs | Estero | Cape Coral | Captiva Island Fort Myers | Naples | Marco Island | Ocala | Sanibel Island Sanibel Island Up to 30,000 visitors come to Sanibel and its neighbor island Captiva each week at peak season (December to April). In gastropods such as conchs and whelks, you can usually see the live mollusk tucked inside. But Turner Beach is the clear choice for the best shelling beach on Sanibel and Captiva beaches. Sanibel island has 15 miles of beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, abundant wildlife and the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country. Every beach has different conditions each day, so it pays off As a result, Sanibel and Captiva are at an advantageous position the oceans current literally delivers the shells to you. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING Theres a small bridge that you can drive across or walk across or bike across! What to Pack When You Travel to Southwest Florida, Creative Ways to Find Laptop Sunshade and Work from the Beach. Bowmans Beach is another good option that tends to be less crowded. Explore the map. Unless you have your own boat, the best way to get to Cayo Costa for shelling is on a shelling tour with Captiva Cruises . Unless you have your own boat, the best way to get to Cayo Costa for shelling is on a shelling tour with Captiva Cruises. Sanibel is a perfect destination, especially for spring break, with its gorgeous shores and fun activities perfect for all ages. A remarkable area with rare shells but few people, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are home to the best shelling beach. The boat ride to shelling hotspots will take about 15-20 minutes. (239) 472-1950, Average Homeowner Tenureship is Now 10 Years, Sanibel Island Resident Finds 9 Junonia Shells!, Hurricane-Damaged Homes on Sanibel, What Buyers Need To Know. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are barrier islands with an east-west orientation. If you are both a shell enthusiast and an angler, Turner Beach is also an appealing beach destination. Any questions? Our guide to Sanibels public beach parks includes information about: Causeway Islands Park. There are nature trails to enjoy if youd like a change of scenery. You may discover a new favorite beach! Bowmans Beach Park. The legendary Sanibel stoop. WIND CAVE SD Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Sanibel shelling is not only a ton of fun but is also extremely addictive. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Via Hotels Fairy. Tarpon Beach is a great family-friendly spot thats perfect for shelling. The best way to discover the greatest shells is by getting in the water and getting positioned where the waves break. Although these beaches are the best for shelling, they are not the ideal beaches for swimming. var addy96e8d58e4046721c2e14e150e6423097 = 'advertising' + '@'; Fresh seafood with a waterfront view. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; Both are great places to scour the shoreline for a prized possession. Remember,maintainingand cleaning your seashellsis all part of being asavvy shell hunter! If youre planning a visit to our Sanibel Island rentals, you simply cant leave without hunting for some seashells.