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. This is one of the most popular tourist spots on Sanibel Island. This leaves the best shelling beach on Sanibel island free of crowds. Also, they mentioned that they had water and soda available for purchase on the boat, but youre welcome to bring your own as well. We were advised to arrive at the resort around 8:30 which was good advice because its a good little drive from the guard shack at the resort entrance back to the marina. Visitors should be very careful with where they step throughout the spawning season. Turner Beachis the best shelling beach on Sanibel and the Captiva islands. You can make it an overnight Florida shelling trip at Cayo Costa State Park! Positive news from Blue Dolphin Apr 02, 2023. var addy_text96e8d58e4046721c2e14e150e6423097 = 'advertising' + '@' + 'sanibelisland' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloak96e8d58e4046721c2e14e150e6423097').innerHTML += ''+addy_text96e8d58e4046721c2e14e150e6423097+'<\/a>'; This email address is being protected from spambots. Since Sanibel is made out of shells, created by nature over thousands of years, when locals dig in the backyard they often find perfectly intact conchs, whelks, scallops and clam shells. I think its safe to say, Sanibel Island, FL, has the worlds best shelling beaches. We have a variety of Sanibel Island condo rentals to choose from. Contact us today to learn more. I hear the shell exhibits at the museum are fabulous! To make shells shine wipe with mineral oil or baby oil. Lucky for you, there are usually fewer folks at Blind Pass than Lighthouse Beach, mainly due to the longer drive and limited parking., Maybe youve noticed a theme with the first two locations being at opposite ends of the island. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. People from all over the world come to collect and admire the colorful "Treasures From the Sea". Wake up and walk out onto a gorgeous white sand beach and look out at the glorious Gulf of Mexico as the sun shines on its emerald-turquoise waves. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. You might also want to revisit the Waterside Inn, those fruity colored rental cottages right on the beach in Sanibel. If they do not move, then you have just found one of Captivas' treasures! Paid parking tickets are not interchangeable between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. Bowmans Beach Park. Captiva Island beaches have a (Remember to only LOOK if you find something thats alive! This is a structure that reaches from the beach through the ocean to prevent erosion. Please return to water. However, there is one time thats preferable: low tide. If you can go after a storm the shelling choices will be even better. Like a Local. Particularly at low tide springs and at full and new moons, the shells will be more exposed and easier to find. Lighthouse beach, along with Blind Pass (between Sanibel and Captiva) are the two top destinations for shelling. Being limited to boat traffic means the shelling is MUCH less picked over than nearby Sanibel and Captiva islands. (Limited parking means limited people on the beach!). 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. When staying in a close place, it becomes simpler to leave in the early morning to go shelling before other shellers arrive. 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. Copyright 2023 Sandalfoot Condominium Association, Inc. all rights reserved -. Ready to take an unforgettabletour ofSanibel Island beaches? And next time Im in the area, Im planning to do another cruise with Captiva Cruises to either Useppa Island or Cabbage Key. Unless you have your own boat, the best way to get to Cayo Costa for shelling is on a shelling tour with Captiva Cruises . Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. These beaches are your first impression of Sanibel Island and its not a bad one, if we do say so ourselves. You may be wondering why this beach is so unoccupied if it is wonderful. In gastropods such as conchs and whelks, you can usually see the live mollusk tucked inside. Sunset time is particularly difficult for finding a parking spot because Turner Beach offers one of the best sunset-viewing vantage points. That said, I found lots of shells at Oasis Beach without walking very far from the parking lot! Blind Pass Beach is a very close second to Turner beach when it comes to the best shelling spots on Sanibel island. Plenty of roomavailable. Voted Best Waterfront Dining in Southwest Florida, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa boasts five fantastic restaurant options: Shima Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Shima Grab N Go sushi market, The Sea Breeze Caf, Turtles Pool & Beach Bar and However, fossils can be discovered all day long on Sanibel Island. You will find that Turner Beach is the best shelling beach around. Theres a small bridge that you can drive across or walk across or bike across! PEARL HARBOR HI My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. First, youll need the right equipment. If it is brown with spikes, it is most likely alive. Monitoring the tides and wind direction will help you find the rare shells you seek for your collection. Chelle Koster Walton the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean has been covering the destination for 30 years. Grab a delicious beverage and curl up in a cozy spot and read about our favorite beaches. It is usually uncrowded, which makes hunting for the best shells less competitive, with plenty of opportunities to find rare shells that are not already in your collection. All have handicap parking. From the tiny dock, it was a short walk down a boardwalk to the beach. 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. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Collect your seashells, then take a fun trip to the Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum. When it comes to seashells, remember that an open shell does not mean there is no life. If you are new to shell collecting, you may not know the protocol for taking your new seashells home. When looking on aSanibel Island map, 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. Stop by the Sanibel Island visitor center to get your own Florida shell identification guide that you can carry with you to the beach! THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND Beach, parking is limited at Blind Pass , but we highly recommend a visit if you love shelling psst its one of THE best Sanibel beaches for shelling! 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. Sea Turtle Nesting Season: While the island is still in various stages of recovery, mother nature is right on track. For a tasty breakfast or lunch, visit Lighthouse Cafe nearby. If shelling is your goal, then you must go to the Gulf Coast of Florida! Via. You can book it here. LANAI Treasure Seekers offers shelling tours; eco and shelling tours(private only); eco and sunset tours(private only); and shelling and fishing tours. (239) 472-1950, Average Homeowner Tenureship is Now 10 Years, Sanibel Island Resident Finds 9 Junonia Shells!, Hurricane-Damaged Homes on Sanibel, What Buyers Need To Know. Our guide to Sanibels public beach parks includes information about: Causeway Islands Park. You can look for shells along any Cayo Costa beach. Airbnb is preferable to rent since it offers better prices in addition to the indoor and outdoor space in relation to the hotels. 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. The beaches are on man-made islands that were built to help support the causeway, which connects Sanibel to the mainland in Fort Myers. Luxury. One was at Tarpon Bay Beach and the other was at Bowmans Bay Beach. New restaurant opens today Mar 24, 2023. The waters of Sanibel Island beaches have a gradual slope, which allows shells to be washed up on the shoreline extremely easily. Justvisitour websiteand take a virtual webcam tour right now. Youll find it on the west end of Sanibel, nearly on the way to Captiva. 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! Where do you find shells on Sanibel Island? The suggested time you give yourself is 2.5 hours. Soak shells in a 50/50 solution of water and bleach, few hours or overnight. So, here are some tips for visitors on Sanibel shelling in this slice of heaven that will show them where, when, and how to find the finest shells and build a stunning collection. This long, skinny island just north of Captiva (the island north of Sanibel) is a state park with no roads or bridges. I love the shell specimen posters. If it is open and then closes after you touch it, it is definitely alive. NEW YORK When sighting a lot of Sand Dollars and 9-Legged Sea Stars in the waters, that means that it is the spawning season. UTAH Sanibel shelling is not only a ton of fun but is also extremely addictive. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The islands unique formation and east-west stretch is ideal for finding special shell treasures. There are many gulf coast beaches you can go to whereif you look hard enough you will find at least a few shells! A remarkable area with rare shells but few people. Logo and Sandalfoot are Service Marks of: Sandalfoot Employee Relief Go Fund Me Page, Website So it is no surprise that shelling on Sanibel and Captiva islands is on most shellers bucket lists. The legendary Sanibel stoop. For example, if you are taking a sand dollar, make sure it is a bleach white color with no hairs. My husband and I own a few timeshares on Sanibel Island and wouldnt trade it for the world! You may discover a new favorite beach! BADLANDS SD Again, wind direction, tides, and weather will dictate the shelling conditions at Blind Pass. Does a beach vacation in paradise sound like its something you need in your life? Many of our beach vacation homes and condos have easy access to Sanibels white sand beaches, too. Its relatively low number of visitors and rare variety of seashells make it a haven for all shellers. It is time to plan your next beach escape to Sanibel Island! This prevents any smells or dirt from sticking to the seashells. If you have never been, I strongly suggest you find your way there real soon!! Let us know which one is your favorite or if you have any other questions about Sanibel beaches or Sanibel Island vacation rentals. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. What to Pack When You Travel to Southwest Florida, Creative Ways to Find Laptop Sunshade and Work from the Beach. Every beach has different characteristics, with shells of different kinds and qualities. Sanibel island has an annual Shell Fair and Show that is held every March. A spectacular Sanibel Island sunset captured by Nature Study. WebThe Sanibel Island beach parking fee is hourly. 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 melsbells88. Any questions? So, it is no surprise that shelling on Sanibel and Captiva islands is on most shellers bucket lists. A leashed dog prevents the chances of Fido accidentally digging up a sea turtles nest, disturbing a colony of shorebirds and disturbing sensitive beach vegetation. You have a chance to find lots of different types of shells in Florida! Expect to take a small hike from the parking lot to the beach. Photo Credit: Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Privacy & Legal Notice. The beach was very soft and sandy the day I went, but often at good shelling beaches you dont want to be barefoot. See current fees. Captiva businesses plan openings. This is a Florida shell identification guide for Paradise Coast that was posted near Marco Island shelling beaches. And whats the best advice for keeping seashells? The fishing and shelling combination makes the perfect date for beach lovers. For more shelling tips and facts keep scrolling! Turner Beachs unique rock jetty further bolsters its shelling reputation. It puts you in the right frame of mind and youll be on Island Time in no time. There is the Cayo Costa State Park campground, so you can go tent camping. If youre planning a visit to our Sanibel Island rentals, you simply cant leave without hunting for some seashells. Its not unusual at some Florida beaches to see people snorkeling in shallow water in search of shells! For example, what are the rules or laws in the area for taking shells? Shelling is an exciting but relaxing hobby, and theres alwayssomething to learn about it. Its said that going to North Beach and then walking further up north along the beach away from everything and everyone is the best shelling on Honeymoon Island. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI Low tide is best to venture out and find seashells. 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). Via Sanibel Arts & Crafts Fair. Chelle Koster Walton the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean has been covering the destination for 30 years. Related: 10 Of The Best Florida Beaches For Families. RELATED: The Best Shelling Beaches on Sanibel, Sanibel Restaurant Recommendations: What I Liked & What I Didnt, A Visit to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Backpack or Hip pack to keep your hands free, Shelling bags and a container for your sand dollars (tupperware works good), Towels or beach blankets to sit on or wrap up in if its chilly, A shell strainer/scooper (they sell these in a lot of shops around the island), Water shoes/sandals that strap onto your feet. Cayo Costa State Park is also an island in Florida. Let dry. Ready to plan your vacation? I booked the half day morning trip (9AM-12PM) to Southern Cayo Costa. Strong winds may lift a variety of marine treasures that are ideal for adding to shell collections. Its also good doggie etiquette! We have vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes whether youre planning a romantic couples getaway or a large family reunion. Conde Nast Traveler names Bowman Beach one of the nation's top 24 beaches. During a People think it catches shells differently, Burgard says. This stays true for Turner beach which is on the northern tip of the island. Sanibel and Captiva islands have about fifteen miles of jaw-dropping beaches. 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. But note that there are warning signs posted 24-7 about swimming because of the brisk current. MAUI 14. WebTop 3 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island Its hard to choose the best beach for shelling on Sanibel since the entire island is a mecca for seashell enthusiasts. But if we Theres a nice one for sale, framed and ready to hang, at Ocean Offerings. And even more than that, Sanibel Island beaches are known for being the best beaches for shelling in all of the United States! 5400 Plantation Rd, Captiva Island. When you visit Sanibel Island beaches, you can find shells almost anytime if you look hard enough. This prevents any smells or dirt from sticking to the seashells. moves back home Apr 05, 2023. Well, not technically. Parking, however, is limited, so arrive early, especially at a low tide or after a storm, when shelling is best. Marco Island is another popular beach destination in Florida. And she has some Hotel and Cottage Rental recommendations too! ), This can also be a reason to bring snorkeling gear when you go shelling! Report inappropriate content. WebSanibel Island Beaches Sanibel Island has breathtaking white sand beaches, clear blue water and an abundance of colorful shells that have been dubbed "Treasures From the
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