Water will be a brownish color, change water frequently until fairly clear or just continually flush with water until water stays fairly clear. 7 replies Sanibel Island Hotels and Places to Stay Sundial Beach Resort & Spa 3,818 Reviews View Hotel Sanibel Island, Southwest Gulf Coast West Wind Island Resort 3,145 Reviews View Hotel Sanibel Island, Southwest Gulf Coast Casa Ybel Resort 850 Reviews View Hotel Sanibel Island, Southwest Gulf Coast Island Inn Theres tons of parking (including several handicapped spaces) that makes it easy to get onto the shore. Public restrooms are available and parking is free, too. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Shelling is an exciting hobby, and theres alwayssomething to learn about it. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI You have a chance to find lots of different types of shells in Florida! Positive news from Blue Dolphin Apr 02, 2023. Maria is a travel passionate who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others to help them enjoy their planned excursion. Its relatively low number of visitors and rare variety of seashells make it a haven for all shellers. The larger shells tend to wash ashore more frequently as you work your way along the coast toward the west end. 4 min read. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands - Florida Trippers East | Cape Coral, FL 33904, Location: 1870 Clayton Ct. | Fort Myers, FL 33907, Location: 3000 Tamiami Trail North | Naples, FL 34103, Location: 4090 NW 84th Ct. | Ocala, FL 34482, Location: 1547 Periwinkle Way | Sanibel Island, FL 33957, Location: Crossroads 17 Highway 64 E. | Cashiers, NC 28717, Location: 225 Main St. | Highlands, NC 28741, Location: 19387 Rosman Highway | Sapphire, NC 28774. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. But Turner Beach is the clear choice for the best shelling beach on Sanibel and Captiva beaches. Best beach for shelling on Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum A spectacular Sanibel Island sunset captured by Nature Study. I booked the half day morning trip (9AM-12PM) to Southern Cayo Costa. Good progress at Collect your seashells, then take a fun trip to the Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum. The view from the causeway is amazing in its own right, but the Causeway Beaches are always teeming with happy beachgoers, parasailers, kiteboarders and boaters. You might also want to revisit the Waterside Inn, those fruity colored rental cottages right on the beach in Sanibel. You can look for shells along any Marco Island beach. ), So you might want to have a look in the shallow water too to see if you can find something. 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. Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park. I found a lot of sand dollars right on the beach, but our captain mentioned they were mostly found around a little point in shallow water. Sanibel Island It doesnt take much to go shelling in Florida, but you may want to pack extra things for your Florida shelling trip like a shell scooper! So, expect a lot of competition at all times of the day searching for your Sanibel treasure., Learn more about how tides and weather affect shelling by reading our blog: How Tides Affect Shelling & Fishing, Head to the opposite end of the island and youll find Blind Pass Beach just before you cross into Captiva Island. Top 3 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island Many of the islands beach parks and accesses are tucked out of sight. It was probably 65 degrees at 9AM (beginning of December) but overcast and with the wind it was pretty cool. Visitors should be very careful with where they step throughout the spawning season. If the aperture of the shell discovered has a hardcover, then there is a creature inside. People from all over the world come to collect and admire the colorful "Treasures From the Sea". Give us a call today so we can help you start planning the perfect Sanibel beach vacation. So theres more to Sanibel island than just shells! If you want to make it a beach shelling walk from North Beach to further north, the Friends of Honeymoon Island State Park say that the Honeymoon Island North Beach Trek is 5 miles round trip. The proper way to determine this depends on the kind of seashell or mineral. A remarkable area with rare shells but few people, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are home to the best, IN SEARCH OF THE BEST SHELLING BEACH ON SANIBEL. If it is brown with spikes, it is most likely alive. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD Do you heart Sanibel? Please note that alcoholic beverages are prohibited November through May. Tarpon Beach is a great family-friendly spot thats perfect for shelling. CAPTIVA ISLAND. There is a tram that can take you from the ferry dock to the campground and cabins. But note that there are warning signs posted 24-7 about swimming because of the brisk current. At the end of the day, when looking at one's bag full of scotch bonnet, whelk, conch, or whatever unique shell they were looking for, the effort will have been worth it. You will drive through Sanibel Island to get to Captiva Island. Why is Turner Beach so unoccupied if it is wonderful? COPYRIGHT 2023 | ROYAL SHELL | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | SITEMAP | PRIVACY POLICY, Florida Locations: Bonita Springs | Estero | Cape Coral | Captiva Island Fort Myers | Naples | Marco Island | Ocala | Sanibel Island Somewhere in Lee County, Florida dwells every new and experienced shellers dream. The Best Shelling Beach on Sanibel and Captiva Beaches: 2021 Fresh seafood with a waterfront view. Sunset time is particularly difficult for finding a parking spot because Turner Beach offers one of the best sunset-viewing vantage points. GRAND CANYON AZ 14. Find your dream rental today and book! The fishing and shelling combination makes the perfect date for beach lovers. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Via Sanibel Arts & Crafts Fair. The fighting conch is one of the most common shells on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and you can recognize it by looking out for the brilliant orange color. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. It is illegal to take "live shells." Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Luminary Hotel & Co in Downtown Fort Myers Review, Matlacha Isles & Pine Island: A Great Fort Myers Day Trips. That said, I found lots of shells at Oasis Beach without walking very far from the parking lot! And even more than that, Sanibel Island beaches are known for being the best beaches for shelling in all of the United States! One day I aim to visit. And the survey says: Turner Beach at Blind Pass on Captiva Island rates 4.6 stars with almost 3,400 evaluations on Google Reviews. 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. When staying in a close place, it becomes simpler to leave in the early morning to go shelling before other shellers arrive. Shelling 1. Being limited to boat traffic means the shelling is MUCH less picked over than nearby Sanibel and Captiva islands. If youre planning a visit to our Sanibel Island rentals, you simply cant leave without hunting for some seashells. I am already a big followers of Pams blog to. And share my account with your travel loving friends! Remember,maintainingand cleaning your seashellsis all part of being asavvy shell hunter. Getting together to dig in the sand and come up with a treasure will create memories youll cherish forever. on the island of Cayo Costa! 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. Somewhere in Lee County, Florida lies every new and experienced shellers dream. The points of an island are often the best for both fishing and shelling. Just. With so many beaches to choose from, it can be difficult to know which is best for collecting seashells. It is time to plan your next beach escape to Sanibel Island! This stays true for Turner Beach at the pass between Sanibel and Captiva, where waters flush through, bringing both shells and fish. One was at Tarpon Bay Beach and the other was at Bowmans Bay Beach. Shelling is popular especially after winter storms. You may also be interested in shelling at Caladesi Island State Park. 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. ), This can also be a reason to bring snorkeling gear when you go shelling! During a WebYou have plenty of choices. 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 legendary Sanibel stoop. Both Turner beach and Blind Pass beach are popular for fishing, shelling, and jet skiing. ~Maya. My fianc and I went last June, and planned on staying a few days. What fun to go shelling along the surf and beaches of Sanibel Island, unique in that it lies east and west, different than most islands which lie north and south, this direction allows Sanibel Island to catch abundant sea shells that the Gulf of Mexico brings to its shores. the best beaches for shelling on Sanibel . Loggerhead sea turtles have often been known to visit this beach. Theres a reason why the beaches of Sanibel Island are considered some of the best shelling locations in the world! It can be difficult or impossible to get to some of the finest shelling beaches if there is no nearby lodge. Gasparilla Island Lovers Key Conde Nast Traveler names Bowman Beach one of the nation's top 24 beaches. When unsure, it is best to admire it and then leave it behind or return it gently to the water. If it is open and then closes after you touch it, it is definitely alive. The boat ride to shelling hotspots will take about 15-20 minutes. You may be wondering why this beach is so unoccupied if it is wonderful. Captiva Island beach parking can be difficult, as the parking lots are small. It is usually uncrowded which makes hunting for the best shells easy, with plenty of opportunities to find unique or rare shells that are not already in your collection. Every beach has different characteristics, with shells of different kinds and qualities. 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. And I was very happy with the amount and kind of shells I found. Sanibel Island Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel is the place to go if youre hunting for smaller shells. Sanibel Island UTAH If you are both a shell enthusiast and a fisher, then Turner beach will be even more appealing. C.R.O.W. You can go to compare your seashells collected to the shells in the museum. Map of where the best shelling in Florida is located. Quick list of where to find some of the best shelling beaches in Florida: ROAD TRIP AMERICA And next time Im in the area, Im planning to do another cruise with Captiva Cruises to either Useppa Island or Cabbage Key. Captiva Island beaches have a Blind Pass Beach Park. So the shells remaining on the beach are of common kinds. That said, Sanibel Island beaches are not the only beaches in Florida where you can have a happy shelling experience. Soak shells in a 50/50 solution of water and bleach, few hours or overnight. Photo by Anne McKinnell. , 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. Lighthouse Beach is just off the causeway, to your left at the first intersection. Blind Pass Beach is popular with shellers as well as fishermen and fisherwomen. Expect to take a small hike from the parking lot to the beach. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. var addy3aa4edd50788e863c9742e65823c8950 = 'info' + '@'; Visitors have also said that the jetty makes it easy for shells to pile up. Airbnb is preferable to rent since it offers better prices in addition to the indoor and outdoor space in relation to the hotels. One of the most important tips to remember is to never take any live shells, such as sand dollars, sea stars, and urchins. There are 2 public beaches on Captiva Island, and once again, you can find shells at all Captiva Island beaches. Yet, there are warning signs posted 24-7 about swimming because of the severe current. They can also search for shells in tidal pools that develop between a small sandbar and the shore that forms just offshore when the tide is low. Thus, most people choose a beach along the way and never reach Turner beach. This is probably the most remote beach on Sanibel Island. There are so many options to help make your next beach vacation one of your best trips yet! Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, this shelling cruise with Treasure Seekers. Chamber speaker shares real estate predictions, properties status Its one the largest beaches and one of our favorites! Keep in mind that both beaches have limited parking, and you cannot use your Sanibel beach parking receipt on Captiva beaches. The suggested time you give yourself is 2.5 hours. Sanibel island has 15 miles of beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, abundant wildlife and the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country. Imagine yourself breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of the Gulf of Mexico without a care in the world. I love the shell specimen posters. One of the most beautiful islands in Florida. In addition to a gorgeous white sand beach, there is a historic lighthouse, fishing pier and boardwalk nature trail. But if we You will find that Turner Beach is the best shelling beach around. Cayo Costa State Park is also an island in Florida. This leaves the best shelling beach on Sanibel island free of crowds. 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. This prevents any smells or dirt from sticking to the seashells. If shelling is your goal, then you must go to the Gulf Coast of Florida! SNORKELING SHIRTS EVERGLADES FL Sanibel is a perfect destination, especially for spring break, with its gorgeous shores and fun activities perfect for all ages. Good progress at Loggerhead Mar 30, 2023. Save. Sanibel is a perfect destination, especially for spring break, with its gorgeous shores and fun activities perfect for all ages. 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. The city ofSanibel Island, located along the Gulf of Mexico just a short drive from Fort Myers, is justly famed for its sunsets, lighthouse, and luxurious resorts. If it is open and then closes after you touch it, it is definitely alive. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, historically destructive hurricane in September 2022, pack extra things for your Florida shelling trip, swimming goggles or snorkeling gear for shelling, Shelling cruise to Keewaydin Island from Naples, best beaches for shelling in all of the United States, How to make reservations for Koreshan State Park, How to make reservations for Collier-Seminole State Park, How to make reservations for Cayo Costa State Park, Driving from Tampa to Miami with shelling stops, Koreshan State Park campground (30-40 minutes from Sanibel Island, 20-30 minutes to Bonita Beach and Fort Myers Beach), Collier-Seminole State Park campground (20 minutes from Marco Island). Wearing polarized sunglasses will aid in shell hunting on the sand and in the ocean. Thanks for stopping by! The best way to discover the greatest shells is by getting in the water and getting positioned where the waves break. Your experience may vary! A remarkable area with rare shells but few people, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are home to the best shelling beach. OAHU HALEAKALA HI Both Sanibel and Capitva are barrier islands, which means they create a barrier between the mainland and the harsh forces of the ocean. So that our beaches keep pristine we have a few rules: In order to perform this action you have to login. Vote- Best Beach in the South Nominees: 2023 10Best Readers' All that is required to shell are one's hands and bags to put the shells in. Via. Find the perfect beach for swimming, For the experience to be memorable, collectors should enjoy their time looking for shells, preferably by taking a seat next to a pile of them. Explore more things to do in Southwest Florida! The Best Shelling Beaches on Sanibelthe Seashell Capital of the They're hunting for treasure. This is because of the difference in tourism. These have over 250 kinds of seashells from the Gulf of Mexico and Carribean regions. WYOMING Sanibel fishing pier and lighthouse beach, one of the six public beaches on the island. You should clean the shells right away in freshwater, with a little bleach if possible. So, it is no surprise that shelling on Sanibel and Captiva islands is on most shellers bucket lists. Let us know which one is your favorite or if you have any other questions about Sanibel beaches or Sanibel Island vacation rentals. , Hi Angie! Of course, there are many great spots to search for seashells, so dont limit yourself just to these three beaches. And its part of section 10-62 of the Sanibel code, which states that dogs must be leashed on beaches, public property or on any public right-of-way. Blind Pass Beach is also popular with shellers, but be aware that there are no restrooms on the Sanibel side. We didn't find any large size shells (8 inches or bigger); the fighting conchs were the largest we found. Although these beaches are the best for shelling, they are not the ideal beaches for swimming. Luxury. Sanibel is so great for shelling, it stands to reason the beach just to the north Captiva -- is also really good. Shelling on Sanibel Whether you are starting your collection or adding to your current one, make the trip past all the other astounding beaches. You can make it a day trip for shelling at Cayo Costa State Park, or if youve got some time to spare, you can make it a night (or more!) You will be just a few minutes walk away from a shelling beach! The Sanibel City Pier, also commonly called the Sanibel fishing pier, Although it should go without saying that low tide is usually ideal for discovering and finding the best and largest shells, the incoming tide can also be fruitful. Start your journey from the North Beach parking lot. Sanibel Island Shelling: A Locals Guide to Finding the Theres a small bridge that you can drive across or walk across or bike across! Youll want to master the Sanibel stoop, which is the bending-at-the-hips motion youll use to grab a shell from the sand. For the best finds, adventurers set out at sunrise, particularly after a significant storm. You can make it a multi-day Florida shelling trip by tent camping at Cayo Costa State Park! 1. This is one of the reasons why Sanibel is known as one of the best shelling destinations in the world. Chamber speaker shares real estate predictions, properties status 2. Check them out and let us know what you find! Search Near The Waterline. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI Located at the western end of Sanibel, Bowman's Beach is one of the premier beaches to find good Its low amount of tourists and rare variety of seashells makes it a paradise for all shellers. This is a structure that reaches from the beach through the ocean to prevent erosion. Lighthouse beach, along with Blind Pass (between Sanibel and Captiva) are the two top destinations for shelling. If you are new to shell collecting, you may not know the right protocol for when you take your new seashells home. Pams blog is the go to place for Sanibel Island Shelling Tips, Shelling Adventures, and a sea of great photographs of beaches and shellers. So it is no surprise that shelling on Sanibel and Captiva islands is on most shellers bucket lists. Beach is all part of being asavvy shell hunter. 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. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Chelle Koster Walton the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean has been covering the destination for 30 years. Here are the best places to stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island on the water both beachfront and bayfront: 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. I have been to Florida many times, but never made it down to Sanibel. The eyes will be properly protected from UV rays and the bright sun, which can make it difficult to see the finest shells. You can bike to this beach on the Periwinkle pathway (you can see it on the map). var addy_text3aa4edd50788e863c9742e65823c8950 = 'info' + '@' + 'sanibelisland' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloak3aa4edd50788e863c9742e65823c8950').innerHTML += ''+addy_text3aa4edd50788e863c9742e65823c8950+'<\/a>'; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. And as a result, there are plenty of interesting minerals for shellers to pick through and admire. 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 Youll find it on the west end of Sanibel, nearly on the way to Captiva. COME VISIT THE BEST SHELLING BEACH ON SANIBEL. REYNA: I found the two shells in the water, both on Sanibel Island and both about 15-20 feet offshore. And then the other main beach of Marco Island is South Beach. Ever since I did this shelling cruise with Treasure Seekers out of Marco Island to the Ten Thousand Islands (the best shelling in Florida by a landslide), Ive had pretty low expectations of other shelling spots. BIG ISLAND But the area is very popular with beach go-ers and shellers because the beach is close to the mainland. It took almost a full hour to motor to Cayo Costa (there wasnt a good wind for sailing) and it was CHILLY. NEW YORK FOOD Fresh seafood with a waterfront view. For example, what are the rules or laws in the area for taking shells? It stretches far into the water, which is great for fishing or taking photos even surfing when wind conditions are right. This is Turner Beach at Blind Pass, Captiva Island. Beachfront. The fishing and shelling combination makes the perfect formula for beach lovers. This museum opened in 1995 with dozens of seashell exhibits. Bowmans Beach Lighthouse Beach Blind Pass Beach Turner Beach THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND If you are new to shell collecting, you may not know the protocol for taking your new seashells home. 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. You can book it here. Turner Beachs unique rock jetty further bolsters its shelling reputation. Captiva businesses plan openings. melsbells88. Pro Tip: Theres a Starbucks right across the street from the South Seas Island Resort if you want to grab coffee and a light breakfast before your cruise. Florida by Land: Go Beachcombing This is one of the most popular tourist spots on Sanibel Island. You can go to any of the beaches on Sanibel Island and you will find shells. Being limited to boat traffic means the shelling is MUCH less picked over than nearby Sanibel and Captiva islands. Blind Pass beach also has an online rating thats almost as good as Turner beach. Ready for an unforgettabletour ofSanibel Island beaches? And there are many stunning options. Best beaches for shelling in Southwest Florida our few days turned into a month, and we had so much fun picking up shells and just enjoying the beautiful beach! 1159 Causeway BlvdSanibel Island, FL 33957, Copyright 2019 Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce | All Rights Reserved Worldwide. is the best shelling beach on Sanibel and the Captiva islands. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited November thru May. There were 20 or so people lined up waiting to get on the boat when we got back to the dock and well, you know what they say about shellingthe early bird gets the worm. GRAND TETON WY The Gulf Coast island near Fort Myers benefits from its east-west orientation. WebBowmans Beach. WHAT MAKES TURNER BEACH SO UNFORGETTABLE? The Best Shelling Beach on Sanibel and Captiva Beaches: 2021 All have handicap parking. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 You may also be interested in stopping by the National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. This makes them very accessible to shellers. Live sea stars, on the other hand, will be flexible and often still wriggling. 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 such as Alison Hagerup Beach on Captiva Island or Bowmans Beach (also known for as a top shelling beach) or Tarpon Bay Beach on Sanibel. 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. We hope this helps give you a place to start when shelling on Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island If you are both a shell enthusiast and an angler, Turner Beach is also an appealing beach destination. Live shells and mollusks cannot be taken off the beach. Its impossible not to feel relaxed as you drive by. There were probably 12-15 people on our boat and plenty of room to spread out. The beaches are on man-made islands that were built to help support the causeway, which connects Sanibel to the mainland in Fort Myers. Ready to take an unforgettabletour ofSanibel Island beaches? This long, skinny island just north of Captiva (the island north of Sanibel) is a state park with no roads or bridges. When strolling the beaches, shellers must maintain the darkness because even the smallest percentage of artificial light may damage the eggs and disorient the baby sea turtles from making it to the ocean. Stop by the Sanibel Island visitor center to get your own Florida shell identification guide that you can carry with you to the beach! Also on Sanibel Island, sea turtles come to deposit their eggs. Photo Credit: Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. If you see one of their nests, please make sure not to disturb it. 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. Like a Local. Moreover though, out of all the ways to spend a day on Sanibel, shelling is a top activity; it's not only a ton of fun but also extremely addictive. Shellers point out that the jetty causes shells to pile up, making them easily accessible. No collecting of live shells. 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). These islands have beaches that have the title of the Best Lighthouse Beach Park. This coastal island offers a wide variety of shells due to the water current. WebSanibel fishing pier and lighthouse beach, one of the six public beaches on the island. There are several public beaches on Sanibel Island and you can find shells at all Sanibel Island beaches. Somewhere in Lee County, Florida dwells every new and experienced shellers dream. Sanibel and Captiva islands have about 15 miles of jaw-dropping beaches. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING For example, if you are taking a sand dollar, make sure it is a bleach white color with no hairs. But there is so much else to do on Sanibel Island fine accommodations, fresh seafood, fishing, boating, and just plain relaxation, a chance to get away from the hurly burly, a chance to draw closer to nature.