Where to Find Seashells
There is something that lures thousands of us to the beaches in search of beautiful shells. It is an indescribable feeling to find the "perfect" shell -- no knicks or blemishes, no barnacles attached -- a faultless specimen with just the right color and shape. Even though perfect specimens are hard to find, knowing where to look can increase the odds of finding them.
Below are a list of beaches known for their consistent
quality and quantity of shells and if you want to make shelling the main objective of your
next Florida visit, there is also a list of shelling tours. If you simply want to see beautiful shells, check out the shell museums. And finally, if you just want to shop for those shells you seldom find and those nautical craft items there is a handy list of shell shops.
Beaches:
Shells can be found on just about any beach in
Florida. These are some of the best known for their abundance of shells.
**Always check local regulations regarding collection of live (shells with animal
tissue still inside) shells. Collection of live shells are prohibited in some areas.
- Marco
Island
Go back to main page for location information, but not before you take in the great
information on shelling
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Sanibel-Captiva
Sanibel has an abundance of shells and white sandy beaches. Captiva is a great shelling
area although not a good beach for swimming.
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Shelling Tours:
Have you been on a shelling tour in Florida
that is not listed? Write me an email and
let me know about it, so it can be included in this list.
- Day
Star Charter Shelling
Exclusive shelling trips to remote islands off Naples.
- Grey
Pelican Charters
Capt. Mike Fuery takes you to the shallow bay waters to remote North Captiva and Cayo
Costa Islands to sample shelling today... the way it used to be.
- Jug Creek
Cruises
Day cruises offer a variety of activities in the Pine Island Sound area including
shelling.
- Marco
Island Sea Excursions
Cruise to uninhabited barrier islands or sandbars only accessible by boat for great
shelling excursions.
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Shell Museums:
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Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Hear the sounds of the Everglades as you stroll through
the Kingdom of Landshells, see cameos carved from shells, explore how nature has created
shells, and discover why seashells wash ashore. Located on Sanibel Island. Adults $5,
children 8-16 $3, and 7 and under free. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-
South
Florida Museum
Florida's story is told from prehistoric to present
with fossil, bird and shell collections and with life-size dioramas, exhibits of Indian
life, and Southwest Florida's maritime traditions. Located on Florida's west coast in
Bradenton. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Adults
$7.50, children 5-12 $4, and under 5 free with paid adult.
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Shell Shops:
- Shell Factory
This North Fort Myers landmark has the world's largest collection of rare sea shells,
sponges, coral, fossils and sea life specimens. Truly a unique Florida shopping experience
with gifts from every exotic shore as well as wildlife exhibits, aquariums and alligators.
Spend an hour or a day.
- Shell World's
Cyber-Island
Online shopping for shells, nautical supplies, coastal decorations and island
wear.
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