Sanibel and Captiva have earned their reputation as the Shell Islands honestly. They are actually made out of shells, like some magnificent work of shell art created over thousands of years. 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. (No home should be without one!) 

Learn more about Seashell Ecology and Seashell preservation in our Guide to Florida Seashells.

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 our shelling beaches.

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, 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.