Can you still go shelling on Sanibel Island?

Because seashells are important to the islands' chain of life, and because Sanibel and Captiva are refuge islands where all life is considered precious, the State of Florida has outlawed the collecting of live shells on the island.



Yes, you can absolutely still go shelling on Sanibel Island in 2026, and it remains the shelling capital of the world. Following the long recovery from Hurricane Ian years ago, the island's beaches have stabilized, and the natural "shelf" of the Gulf of Mexico continues to deposit thousands of shells daily. In March 2026, the island is hosting the 89th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival, a major event that celebrates both the scientific and artistic beauty of shells. The best shelling is typically found at Bowman's Beach or near the Sanibel Lighthouse at low tide or after a storm. In 2026, there is a renewed focus on "ethical shelling": you are strictly prohibited from taking any shells that contain a live organism (live shelling). The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium is fully operational and serves as the primary educational hub for visitors. While the island's infrastructure has been modernized, the pristine, uncrowded nature of its beaches makes it a top destination for collectors seeking the elusive "Junonia" shell.

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The great news is that many of our favorite Sanibel beaches are now open and ready for visitors! Here's what you need to know about which Sanibel beaches are open.

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By consensus, the Sanibel City Council supported the decision to end the requirement for reentry passes on January 2, 2023. The City of Sanibel asks that non-residents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian.

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The FEMA 50% rule is a minimum requirement for participation in the NFIP. It limits the cost of improvements (additions, alterations, and/or repairs) to non-conforming structures to less than 50% of the “market value” of structure prior to the start of work.

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The City of Sanibel is excited to announce that all public access beach park locations in Sanibel are now open to the public. The city announced on Thursday that the following areas are set to open Friday, June 30: Bayside parking lot at 110 – 153 Periwinkle Way for Lighthouse Beach Park.

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By TIFFANY REPECKI - | Oct 2, 2023. It has been one year since Hurricane Ian brought the islands to a halt with its devastating damage and the recovery of the Sanibel-Captiva business community has been a slow one — but it is returning.

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An estimated 6,400 people lived in the City of Sanibel as of April 2021, according to the US Census Bureau. The island is also home to a number of hotels and resorts and sees a significant amount of tourists each year. DeSantis has directed transportation authorities to prioritize the repair of the Sanibel Causeway.

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Note that Sanibel Island sustained significant damage in September 2022 as a result of Hurricane Ian. Though the island is open to the public as of January 2023, local officials are warning visitors that much of the island's attractions and businesses remain closed.

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Red Tide. At this time, there is no sign of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, in our area.

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Sanibel Causeway reopens after being damaged by Hurricane Ian. SANIBEL, Fla. — The causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced.

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The Mucky Duck is back! Nearly four months after Hurricane Ian ripped through Captiva and Sanibel Islands, The Mucky Duck restaurant is open again! After months of cleanup, it's a day Mucky Duck fans have anxiously awaited. But be prepared for a wait; the restaurant has been packed since reopening.

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At least 13 beaches in the Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva area are already open, and two more parts of Fort Myers Beach are expected to open this month, Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park. We're getting there, Visit Florida CEO Dana Young said about the area's recovery.

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Park leaders said all of the animals at the nature park survived and that only one building did not withstand the force of Ian. It's important (people) come visit us, especially during the summer, because we need their help to re-vitalize is, said Pam Cronin, the owner of The Shell Factory since 1996.

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