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Sanibel/Captiva islands
shelling guide
 Sanibel and Captiva have earned their reputation as the Shell Islands
honestly. They are actually made out of shells. When islanders dig gardens
in their backyards, they find conchs, whelks, scallops and clam shells often
perfectly intact.
The best shelling, of
course, is found on the
beaches of Sanibel
and Captiva Islands. The islands rank tops in the world for their shelling
because of geography. Sanibel does the twist as it parades along the
coastline among a string of other more orderly, straight-and-narrow islands.
The east-west torque of Sanibel's south end acts like a shovel scooping up
all the sea shells that the Gulf imports from Caribbean and other southern
seas.
  The abundance and variety
of shells have made Sanibel and Captiva Islands shell-obsessed. People come
from all over the world, drawn by the song of the seashell. They parade
along the sands doubled over in a stance that's been dubbed the Sanibel
Stoop. Every March, they gather to compare and appreciate shell collections
and shell art at the annual Sanibel Shell Fair & Show. Throughout the year,
shell shops sell seashells by the seashore (and by the thousands). Shells
are the dominant motif in island decor and boutique gifts. You'll find
everything from finely crafted "shell igrams" to lucite toilet seats with
seashells lacquered in.
Where to
Shell
All of the Gulf-side
shelling beaches from the Lighthouse to North Captiva
When
to Shell
At low tide when the seashells are more exposed, especially at low spring
tides (at full and new moons) and after Gulf storms have driven the shells
up the Gulf onto the beach.
How to
Shell
Bring bucket or net bag and scoop. Wear shoes and shuffle to expose
partially hidden mollusks and to scare away rays. Stingrays are easily
frightened and rarely sting shellers if they follow the simple "shuffle
rule."
What to
Expect
Shells of many types and sizes are found on our shelling beaches. As a
general rule the smaller seashells are found on the Lighthouse end of the
island chain and the larger ones nearer Captiva and North Captiva. Conch,
Junonia, Lightning Whelk, Cockle, Scallops, Murex, Tulip, Olive and Coquina,
are among the species you may expect to find.
Shelling Tips
It is illegal to take live shells on Sanibel and Captiva. Respect the
privacy of non-public shelling beaches. Use your scoop to dredge deeper
sections and drop-offs. |
