Sanibel is so great for shelling, it stands to reason the beach just to the north Captiva -- is also really good. But wait, check out all the Sanibel Island Shell Crafts on my other blog Completely Coastal. Once descended, some gorgeous beauties could be found. Our captain and first mate gave us a great tour of the surrounding area and let us know what to expect once we got to the island. Shelling is an exciting hobby, and theres alwayssomething to learn about it. 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 var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Shelling and Beaches | Sanibel Island Dont forget a bag, sunscreen and water. With so many beaches to choose from, it could be difficult to know which is best for collecting seashells. Save. If it is brown with spikes, it is most likely alive. Jessica Reyna's daughter, Delaney Kain, holds the two shells the family found on a recent visit to Sanibel Island. In addition to being a haven for shell collectors, Sanibel Island is also known for being a stunning location for sunbathing. Justvisitour websiteand take a virtual webcam tour right now. The museum opened in 1995 with dozens of seashell exhibits and expanded in 2021 with aquariums and touch tanks filled with live mollusks, which include octopi and cuttlefish in addition to seashells. In addition to a gorgeous white sand beach, there is a historic lighthouse, fishing pier and boardwalk nature trail. January is the coldest it gets, and the water temperature might be in the high 60s still reasonable to go swimming for some people but maybe not all!). Most islands are north-south. Blind Pass Beach Park. Which is good, because as of early 2023, Sanibel Island beaches are still closed from the historically destructive hurricane in September 2022. Local news updates at 6-month point Mar 30, 2023. Theres tons of parking (including several handicapped spaces) that makes it easy to get onto the shore. Sanibel Island Shelling Tips and Tricks | Sandalfoot Condos Best beaches for shelling in Southwest Florida To enjoy solitude and completely natural surroundings, try hiking the North Beach. A leashed dog prevents the chances of Fido accidentally digging up a sea turtles nest, disturbing a colony of shorebirds and disturbing sensitive beach vegetation. The beaches are narrow and not the best for collecting seashells, but theyre perfect for lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun with a good book. The islands unique formation and east-west stretch is ideal for finding special shell treasures. For shell picking on Sanibel, timing is critical. We had come prepared with sweatshirts and beach blankets and it was still pretty brisk so pack accordingly. Treasure Seekers offers shelling tours; eco and shelling tours(private only); eco and sunset tours(private only); and shelling and fishing tours. At the easternmost tip of Sanibel Island, Lighthouse Beach is the first island beach roadblock for seashells washing ashore from southern seas, resulting in large quantities. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING And as a result, there are plenty of interesting minerals for shellers to pick through and admire. It is one of my dream destinations. No collecting of live shells. 1. Ready for an unforgettabletour ofSanibel Island beaches? Interestingly, Sanibel was also home to pirates who could have buried their treasures there, so tourists can try their luck at finding some. WIND CAVE SD Shelling on Sanibel Note, Lighthouse beach is probably the busiest beach on the island. Well it being December, I wasnt really prepared to go wading around in cold water, but Ill do pretty much anything to find sand dollars so in I went! For that reason, we recommend checking out Sanibels Blind Pass Beach. Two more businesses on the market Apr 03, 2023. Its one of the best state parks in Southwest Florida. GRAND CANYON AZ Whether this will be the start of your collection or furthering your current one, make the trip past all the other astounding beaches. Sanibel island has an annual Shell Fair and Show that is held every March. I hear the shell exhibits at the museum are fabulous! This coastal island offers a wide variety of shells due to the water current. And even more than that, Sanibel Island beaches are known for being the best beaches for shelling in all of the United States! You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For outdooradventures, consider the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a way station for migratory birds and a home for manatees and dolphins. Or what is the best time of day to go to Sanibel beach for shelling? You see, when the winds and storms come from the South, beaches that face directly south, like the one at Tarpon Beach Road, will see an increased number of shells on the shore. LANAI Return them to the water. In gastropods such as conchs and whelks, you can usually see the live mollusk tucked inside. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS This structure reaches from the beach into the Gulf of Mexico to prevent erosion. You may collect sand dollars but first check to make sure that the sand dollar is not alive - turn it over - there are little centipede feet up and down the backside - gently touch them with your finger to see if they move, if they do it's alive and you should gently place it back into the water. Restrooms are located at all public beach accesses. You will be just a few minutes walk away from a shelling beach! The proper way to determine this depends on the kind of seashell or specimen. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES Where did you find your shells on Sanibel? Luckily, weve got all the tips and tricks youll need for finding unique shells on the shores of Sanibel Island. Cash and credit cards are accepted. The larger shells tend to wash ashore more frequently as you work your way along the coast toward the west end. The points of an island are often the best for both fishing and shelling. Bowmans Beach is another good option that tends to be less crowded. Quick list of where to find some of the best shelling beaches in Florida: ROAD TRIP AMERICA Somewhere in Lee County, Florida dwells every new and experienced shellers dream. Bring bucket, net bag and scoop, sun lotion and hat. So theres more to Sanibel island than just shells! WebThere is only Turner's Beach, a very small lot of the Captiva side of Blind Pass and the north parking area at the north end of Captiva Dr past the Village where the road ends several Up to 30,000 visitors come to Sanibel and its neighbor island Captiva each week at peak season (December to April). IDAHO Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 C.R.O.W. Well, not technically. All have handicap parking. Public restrooms are available and parking is free, too. The east-west torque of Sanibels south end acts like a shovel scooping up all the seashells travelling from the Caribbean and other southern seas. The beach was very soft and sandy the day I went, but often at good shelling beaches you dont want to be barefoot. If youre planning to visit the area, make sure to do plenty of research to find out whats open, whats available and whats just not even there anymore. You can make it an overnight Florida shelling trip at Cayo Costa State Park! When people think about visiting the Sunshine State and taking a beach vacation with their loved ones, Sanibel beaches are often the first to come to mind. Its not unusual at the best shelling beaches in Florida to see people walking into the water with their shelling stick! The island is actually made of shells. PICTURED ROCKS MI When not finding shells on one beach, collectors should not feel discouraged but rather change their location. Shellers point out that the jetty causes shells to pile up, making them easily accessible. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We didn't find any large size shells (8 inches or bigger); the fighting conchs were the largest we found. Turner Beachis the best shelling beach on Sanibel and the Captiva islands. Find the perfect beach for swimming, This is one of the most popular visitor attractions on Sanibel Island. Now, I would NOT want to be on the afternoon shelling trip. You can go to compare your seashells collected to the shells in the museum. This leaves the best shelling beach on Sanibel island free of crowds. The extremities of an island are often the best for both fishing and shelling. Sanibel Island has some pretty picture-perfect beaches and if youve visited this beautiful island, then you already know that. Best Beach When unsure, it is best to admire it and then leave it behind so that living animals on the beach are not disturbed. Its one the largest beaches and one of our favorites! When we were there most restaurants in the area werent opening until 8AM and I didnt want to be rushed trying to grab breakfast in Sanibel early and make it to Captiva on time. Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! Tourist information provided by the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber. WYOMING Rinse throughly, let dry preferably in sun to bleach further. Its low amount of tourists and rare variety of seashells makes it a paradise for all shellers. Fruit Flavored Fun at Waterside Inn Beach Cottages in Sanibel, FL, Serene Sanibel Cottage Style Home in Blue & Yellow with some Pink and Florals in the Mix, Beaches in the US where you Can Walk for Miles and Miles, Heavenly Beach Cottage in Pastel by Tracey Rapisardi. Yes, Sanibel Island does have public beaches! (Limited parking means limited people on the beach!). While on the hunt for shells, chances are that you will see dolphins and manatees. Its not normally as busy as other island beaches. The Sanibel Island beach parking fee is hourly. Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel is the place to go if youre hunting for smaller shells. Camping near a shelling beach in Florida: Some people create shell art right on the beach. Blue Skies, Sunshine and Summertime on Sanibel Captiva Islands, What to do on Sanibel-Captiva this Summer, Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting. But if we To make shells shine wipe with mineral oil or baby oil. Related: Shell Island Is A Hidden Secret In Panama, Florida. WebEdison and Ford Estates Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum BEACHES Lovers Key is a destination for beachside weddings and a home for manatees, roseate spoonbills, and bald eagles. From the tiny dock, it was a short walk down a boardwalk to the beach. Makes for some wonderful reading. Theres a small bridge that you can drive across or walk across or bike across! All that is required to shell are one's hands and bags to put the shells in. Turner Beach is different than Lighthouse beach in Sanibel, Florida, which is also rumored to be the best shelling beach on Sanibel Island. Sanibel and Captiva islands have about fifteen miles of jaw-dropping beaches. Lighthouse beach, along with Blind Pass (between Sanibel and Captiva) are the two top destinations for shelling. Via Hotels Fairy. Shell collectors should dive since Sanibel's water clarity is not the finest, especially at the surface, where it will be difficult to spot any shells. We affectionately call this the "Sanibel Stoop!". WebFor shell collectors, Honeymoon Island truly elevates the experience. 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. 10 Best U.S. Shelling Beaches - Travel + Leisure There are NO facilities at this part of Cayo Costa so you need to bring everything you want with you (but there is a restroom on the boat). Honeymoon Island State Park is a Florida state park near Tampa. This isnt the easiest beach to visit on Sanibel (mostly because of the parking), but if shelling is your priority, this is the spot you dont want to Please note that alcoholic beverages are prohibited November through May. 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. When the cruises leave from the resort marina, youll need to pay $5 cash at the guard shack for parking (when they leave from their other location, they collect your parking fee online when you checkout). 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. Sanibel beaches are some of the most popular and desired beaches in Southwest Florida. OAHU The beaches of Sanibel are some of the best in Florida, so dont forget our Locals Guide to the best Sanibel Island beaches dreamy, natural, and refreshingly uncrowded. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). What to wear shelling in Florida: Wear water shoes when youre shelling in Florida! My husband and I own a few timeshares on Sanibel Island and wouldnt trade it for the world! Live shells and mollusks cannot be taken off the beach. The beauty with this beach is you need to drive by many other scenic beaches on the way to it. This is because of the difference in visitor numbers. Sanibel Island With paint brush cover sand dollar with mixture. Theres a reason why the beaches of Sanibel Island are considered some of the best shelling locations in the world! If collectors are found taking live shells from the shore, they may be subject to a costly fine, not to mention doing so can have negative effects on the environment. You can book it here. See current fees under Sanibel toll plaza. Turner Beachis the best shelling beach on Sanibel and the Captiva islands. Captiva businesses plan openings. There are days here when you have layers of shells four feet thick, the director of the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum said in an article by the New York Times. Sanibel is a perfect destination, especially for spring break, with its gorgeous shores and fun activities perfect for all ages. We were advised to arrive at the resort around 8:30 which was good advice because its a good little drive from the guard shack at the resort entrance back to the marina. And I was very happy with the amount and kind of shells I found. Blind Pass Beach scores an online rating close to Turner Beach. Best pools on Sanibel? Sanibel Island visitors probably need a shell scoop and a bucket or net shelling bag to transport all their finds. Two of America's most greatest innovators, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, chose Fort Myers as their winter homes and as an extension of their friendship. Shelling is an exciting but relaxing hobby, and theres alwayssomething to learn about it. The fishing and shelling combination makes the perfect date for beach lovers. If you are new to shell collecting, you may not know the right protocol for when you take your new seashells home. PEARL HARBOR HI The Gulf Coast island near Fort Myers benefits from its east-west orientation. Indulge in chef-prepared cuisine as you dine overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico on Sanibel Island. I think its safe to say, Sanibel Island, FL, has the worlds best shelling beaches. For family fun, the most popular activity on Sanibel Island is shelling you barely can walk a step on the beach without indulging in the so-called "Sanibel Stoop" to search for shells. The best way to discover the greatest shells is by getting in the water and getting positioned where the waves break. For more shelling tips and facts keep scrolling! And as a result, there are plenty of interesting minerals for shellers to pick through and admire. Via. You can make it a multi-day Florida shelling trip by staying in a rustic camping cabin at Cayo Costa State Park! Beachfront. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit A lot of the Sanibel Island beach parking lots are small, and Bowmans Beach has one of the bigger parking lots so itll be easier to go to as well. Sanibel Island Justvisitour website,and take a virtual webcam tour right now. Shelling in Sanibel Island is a one-of-a-kind experience that you and your family are sure to love. Youll be relatively secluded, thoughif thats what youre looking for. , Hi Angie! There are bike racks if you choose to cycle around the island. For a tasty breakfast or lunch, visit Lighthouse Cafe nearby. Parking, however, is limited, so arrive early, especially at a low tide or after a storm, when shelling is best. Blind Pass beach also has an online rating thats almost as good as Turner beach. You will drive through Sanibel Island to get to Captiva Island. People of all ages can be seen stooped over, shuffling along the beach with their buckets and nets in hand. Like a Local. If you see one of their nests, please make sure not to disturb it. Any questions? McCallion & McCallion Realty A super handy laminated Sanibel Folding Shell Guide. Sunset time is particularly difficult for finding a parking spot because Turner Beach offers one of the best sunset-viewing vantage points. Its normally operated on a motorized catamaran that makes the trip from Captiva to Cayo Costa in about 30 minutes, but the day before our trip I got a call that the boat had been taken in for repairs and we would be sailing on a sailing catamaran (which also had a motor) so our trip was extended a bit until 12:30PM or so since it would take longer to get there and back. Top 3 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island 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. Bowmans Beach at the islands north end provides the best access for To fully appreciate the waterways aroundFort Myersand its Gulf coast beaches and the hundreds of islands, set sail. Copyright 2023 Sandalfoot Condominium Association, Inc. all rights reserved -. Marco Island is another popular beach destination in Florida. Blind Pass Beach is a very close second to Turner beach when it comes to the best shelling spots on Sanibel island. WebThe most valuable shell by most is the Junonia shell, which we have found more than any company in Southwest Florida. Sanibels most coveted shell, the Junonia. When collecting a seashell or specimen from a beach, make sure that there is no longer a living creature inside of it. You may want to bring swimming goggles or snorkeling gear for shelling! (Lots of people rent bikes on Sanibel Island.). Cayo Costa State Park is also an island in Florida. Airbnb is preferable to rent since it offers better prices in addition to the indoor and outdoor space in relation to the hotels. Captiva Island beaches have a Shell Hunting on Ten Thousand Islands - visitflorida.com Lighthouse beach is a common area for shells to wash up on the shore, resulting in large quantities. We have a variety of Sanibel Island condo rentals to choose from. CAPTIVA ISLAND. Its also good doggie etiquette! Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park. Via Sanibel Arts & Crafts Fair. If you find one you get to be in the local newspaper. This prevents any smells or dirt from sticking to the seashells. People do look for shells barefoot, but you might not want to step on sharp shells barefoot! So if you want to go swimming at a Sanibel or Captiva Island beach, it is best to swim with caution or choose a safer beach. Its not unusual at some Florida beaches to see people bending over in shallow water in search of shells! Also, they mentioned that they had water and soda available for purchase on the boat, but youre welcome to bring your own as well. Captiva Island beach parking can be difficult, as the parking lots are small. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND One of the best Florida state parks for shelling is also still closed. WebTop 3 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island Its hard to choose the best beach for shelling on Sanibel since the entire island is a mecca for seashell enthusiasts. I was wearing shorts and strap-on sandals so that helped, but if I went again I wouldve worn some kind of athletic quick drying shorts instead of denim. ), This can also be a reason to bring snorkeling gear when you go shelling! Bivalves, on the other hand, have a shell with two hinged parts called valves. One example here is the cockleshell, which is common here but rare in other areas of the world. So it is no surprise that shelling on Sanibel and Captiva islands is on most shellers bucket lists. Our guide to Sanibels public beach parks includes information about: Causeway Islands Park. Unless you have your own boat, the best way to get to Cayo Costa for shelling is on a shelling tour with Captiva Cruises . There were probably 12-15 people on our boat and plenty of room to spread out. Just. 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. Somewhere in Lee County, Florida dwells every new and experienced shellers dream. SanibelIsland.com & CaptivaIsland.com are two of the longest running online resources dedicated to serving the Sanibel and Captiva area. This rule is strictly enforced, and if you are caught taking a live shell from the beach, you could be hit with a $500 fine. 1159 Causeway BlvdSanibel Island, FL 33957, Copyright 2019 Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce | All Rights Reserved Worldwide. 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. Search Near The Waterline. Photo by Anne McKinnell. During a 1. This prevents any smells or dirt from sticking to the seashells. The beaches are on man-made islands that were built to help support the causeway, which connects Sanibel to the mainland in Fort Myers. Just awesome. 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. Remember,maintainingand cleaning your seashellsis all part of being asavvy shell hunter. This is one of the reasons why Sanibel is known as one of the best shelling destinations in the world. Beaches The best shelling is during the winter, at low tide, preferably after a storm. Being limited to boat traffic means the shelling is MUCH less picked over than nearby Sanibel and Captiva islands.
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