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.
The State of Florida has outlawed the collecting of live shells on the island. Live shell is defined as any specimen containing an inhabitant, whether or not the mollusk seems alive. The law also protects sand dollars, starfish, and sea urchins.
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.
Turner Beach is the best shelling beach on Sanibel and the Captiva islands. Its relatively low number of visitors and rare variety of seashells make it a haven for all shellers. Whether you are starting your collection or adding to your current one, make the trip past all the other astounding beaches.
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.