Tourists walk along the famous shell-strewn beaches of Sanibel, Fla. The beaches are known all over the world for the shells.
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Sanibel Island Shelling – Travel & Leisure Ranked Sanibel Island #1 of the Top 10 Best U.S Shelling Beaches. Shell-lovers from all over the world make pilgrimages to tiny Sanibel Island's Gulf Coast, considered the best shelling spot in North America according to Travel & Leisure Magazine.
Seashell Treasure HuntSand dollars, moon snails, conch shells, pin shells, periwinkles, whelk and olive shells are just a few of the indigenous seashells found here. And, as long as there are no creatures living in them, there is no limit to how many of these one-of-a-kind souvenirs you can take home with you.
Even though Shell Island might feel like a personal paradise, you don't need any special permission to visit. If you own a personal boat or choose to rent one during your time in the area, you can boat to Shell Island and anchor close to shore.
All Sanibel beaches and nearshore waters to one-half mile from shore are protected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Rule 46-26. This rule prohibits the harvest and possession of live shellfish. Sand dollars, sea stars (starfish), and sea urchins are also protected.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands are famous for their beach shelling, simply due to geography. By jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico, bent in a boomerang shape, our shorelines provide a natural catch-all for millions of shells.
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-Matthews National Shell Museum, said that because of the high winds the islands have been experiencing this spring, now is an opportune time to go shelling.
The recreational collection of sea shells is allowed depending on whether or not the harvested sea shell contains a living organism, the type of organism it contains and where you will be collecting. Sea shells containing live organisms cannot be sold unless the seller has a valid commercial saltwater products license.
Junonia is one of the rarest shells to find. It's highly coveted among beachcombers. Because Junonia snails live on the ocean floor, their shells aren't likely to wash up on the beach. Once a Junonia dies, its shell is more likely to stay buried than to travel the 60 to 150 feet to the sand.
Sanibel Island Shelling – Travel & Leisure Ranked Sanibel Island #1 of the Top 10 Best U.S Shelling Beaches. Shell-lovers from all over the world make pilgrimages to tiny Sanibel Island's Gulf Coast, considered the best shelling spot in North America according to Travel & Leisure Magazine.
Shell Island offers swimming on its Gulf side and Bay side. The undeveloped Island has water all around it for ultimate fun and a lot of room for relaxing comfort. Snorkeling is also a fun activity to explore the turquoise waters.
You can only access Shell Island by boat. What are the best months to see dolphins in Florida? Dolphins in Florida can be enjoyed year-round. The Water Planet Shell Island Dolphin Tours in Panama City Beach are offered March through November.
But what is it that makes Sanibel Island so famous and well-known? Sanibel Island is known as a shelling destination thanks to its world famous shell beaches.
How much does it cost to go to Shell Island? Shell Island is free to visit and with no concessions or services on the island, there is nothing to spend your money on there. However, if you plan to explore by boat, rental prices can range from $30-$50 per hour depending on the type of vessel (pontoon boat, etc.).
Sanibel Island is now open to anyone who wants to visit. The reopening comes just a day after the tolls on the Sanibel Causeway were reinstated. Sanibel's recovery progress includes 80% of right-of-way debris being removed from the East Periwinkle Way bridge.