You may also be interested in stopping by the National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. 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! From the tiny dock, it was a short walk down a boardwalk to the beach. Although these beaches are the best for shelling, they are not the ideal beaches for swimming. And then the other main beach of Marco Island is South Beach. Via Hotels Fairy. My husband and I own a few timeshares on Sanibel Island and wouldnt trade it for the world! 2. This prevents any smells or dirt from sticking to the seashells. You cant just drive over the causeway and expect to stumble onto a beach. And next time Im in the area, Im planning to do another cruise with Captiva Cruises to either Useppa Island or Cabbage Key. WebThere is only Turner's Beach, a very small lot of the Captiva side of Blind Pass and the north parking area at the north end of Captiva Dr past the Village where the road ends several Justvisitour website,and take a virtual webcam tour right now. C.R.O.W. You will be just a few minutes walk away from a shelling beach! Does a beach vacation in paradise sound like its something you need in your life? Lighthouse beach is a common area for shells to wash up on the shore, resulting in large quantities. Interestingly, Sanibel was also home to pirates who could have buried their treasures there, so tourists can try their luck at finding some. You may also be interested in shelling at Caladesi Island State Park. Always wear shoes to protect your feet, and as youre walking, shuffle your feet to scare away fish and expose hidden mollusks in the sand. The waters of Sanibel Island beaches have a gradual slope, which allows shells to be washed up on the shoreline extremely easily. Yes, Sanibel Island does have public beaches! 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. You can book it here. Via Hotels Fairy. Imagine yourself breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of the Gulf of Mexico without a care in the world. I was really impressed with the shelling! Our guide to Sanibels public beach parks includes information about: Causeway Islands Park. One of the most beautiful islands in Florida. Pam is quite a shell-ebrity! Whether you go tent camping or cabin camping, it is basically bring your own everything! Search Near The Waterline. Sanibel beaches parking at public beaches costs $5 an hour. They're hunting for treasure. This long, skinny island just north of Captiva (the island north of Sanibel) is a state park with no roads or bridges. 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 Unless you have your own boat, the best way to get to Cayo Costa for shelling is on a shelling tour with Captiva Cruises . FOOD Fresh seafood with a waterfront view. I picked up almost a dozen sand dollars (and I was kind of at the back of the pack of people on our boat who headed the direction where the sand dollars are most often found) and found quite a few lightning whelks, olives, and even some urchins. Monitoring the tides and wind direction will help you find the rare shells you seek for your collection. Just keep an eye on the clock because however far down the beach you go, youll have to come back. Although these beaches are the best for shelling, they are not the ideal beaches for swimming. Grab a delicious beverage and curl up in a cozy spot and read about our favorite beaches. Every beach has different characteristics, with shells of different kinds and qualities. To maximize the experience, plan your trip to around low tide to avoid mangroves hugging the waterline. Some beaches you might not have to look as hard! Yet, there are warning signs posted 24-7 about swimming because of the severe current. Tarpon Beach is a great family-friendly spot thats perfect for shelling. Turner Beachis the best shelling beach on Sanibel and the Captiva islands. ~Maya. SanibelIsland.com & CaptivaIsland.com are two of the longest running online resources dedicated to serving the Sanibel and Captiva area. Positive news from Blue Dolphin Apr 02, 2023. But this year I will!! Photo by Anne McKinnell. However, they take a little work to find. But if we This is because of the difference in tourism. 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 beaches of Sanibel are some of the best in Florida, so dont forget our Locals Guide to the best Sanibel Island beaches dreamy, natural, and refreshingly uncrowded. Privacy & Legal Notice. You have a chance to find lots of different types of shells in Florida! Remember. CAPTIVA ISLAND. Turner Beachs unique rock jetty further bolsters its shelling reputation. These have over 250 kinds of seashells from the Gulf of Mexico and Carribean regions. Even though the sun is not shining, sunrise is a fantastic time for visitors to explore what mother nature has left behind. I would definitely do this cruise again or try the full day cruise to Northern Cayo Costa where you get four hours of shelling time (youd definitely want to pack a cooler for that one). This is an island right next to Sanibel Island. If you see one of their nests, please make sure not to disturb it. If youre planning a visit to our Sanibel Island rentals, you simply cant leave without hunting for some seashells. var addy3aa4edd50788e863c9742e65823c8950 = 'info' + '@'; Conde Nast Traveler names Bowman Beach one of the nation's top 24 beaches. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI With so many beaches to choose from, it can be difficult to know which is best for collecting seashells. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! the best beaches for shelling on Sanibel . This is probably the most remote beach on Sanibel Island. Which has a rating of 4.6 stars with almost 600 evaluations on Google Reviews. Airbnb is preferable to rent since it offers better prices in addition to the indoor and outdoor space in relation to the hotels. And whats the best advice for keeping seashells? These beaches are your first impression of Sanibel Island and its not a bad one, if we do say so ourselves. P.S. Blind Pass beach also has an online rating thats almost as good as Turner beach. For a tasty breakfast or lunch, visit Lighthouse Cafe nearby. Its one the largest beaches and one of our favorites! Shelling is an exciting but relaxing hobby, and theres always. Many of our beach vacation homes and condos have easy access to Sanibels white sand beaches, too. Expect to take a small hike from the parking lot to the beach. Its a local favorite! WYOMING Sanibel island has an annual Shell Fair and Show that is held every March. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. 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. Find your dream rental today and book! I have been to Florida many times, but never made it down to Sanibel. 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. Soak in a 50/50 solution of bleach and water for 5-10 minutes. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. Photo Credit: Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. is the best shelling beach on Sanibel and the Captiva islands. Lighthouse beach, along with Blind Pass (between Sanibel and Captiva) are the two top destinations for shelling. And she has some Hotel and Cottage Rental recommendations too! Via Sanibel Arts & Crafts Fair. Pick a Sanibel beach to visit and call home for a whileor try them all! Please note that Captiva beaches do not allow pets. Captiva Island beach parking can be difficult, as the parking lots are small. WebThe most valuable shell by most is the Junonia shell, which we have found more than any company in Southwest Florida. This coastal island offers a wide variety of shells due to the water current. You might even be lucky enough to find a coquina shell; look out for stripes, solids, and even plaids! Sunset time is particularly difficult for finding a parking spot because Turner Beach offers one of the best sunset-viewing vantage points. Let dry. This barrier island that sits positioned just perfectly on Floridas Gulf Coast to catch whatever treasures storms stir up in the ocean is famous for being the best shelling spot in Florida. For family fun, the most popular activity on Sanibel Island is shelling you barely can walk a step on the beach without indulging in the so-called "Sanibel Stoop" to search for shells. 14. This beach has a good-sized parking lot, but you will have to walk a bit to get to the beach. You can bike to this beach on the Periwinkle pathway (you can see it on the map). Bowmans Beach Park. 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. Turner Beach is different from Lighthouse Beach in Sanibel, Florida, which also rates high for the best shelling beach on Sanibel Island. To make shells shine wipe with mineral oil or baby oil. See more about planning your Florida shelling trip and beyond: Best Sanibel Island shelling; What to pack for shelling in Florida; Driving from Sanibel Island to Miami; Driving from Sanibel Island to Key West . Sanibel island has 15 miles of beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, abundant wildlife and the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country. Turner Beach is different than Lighthouse beach in Sanibel, Florida, which is also rumored to be the best shelling beach on Sanibel Island. You can make it an overnight Florida shelling trip at Cayo Costa State Park! And there is also Captiva Island for beaches and shelling! So, it is no surprise that shelling on Sanibel and Captiva islands is on most shellers bucket lists. Bivalves, on the other hand, have a shell with two hinged parts called valves. One example here is the cockleshell, which is common here but rare in other areas of the world. To bleach a sand dollar white it is important to soak in fresh water first. For example, if you are taking a sand dollar, make sure it is a bleach white color with no hairs. The parking area was easy to find and there was a crew member there to direct us to the marina and they also had a golf cart if you needed a ride (but it was a pretty close walk). On my latest trip to Sanibel, I came armed with a list of places I wanted to go shelling, but after doing some research into the area I found out that the best shelling in the area wasnt actually on Sanibel, but at nearby Cayo Costa State Park. This leaves the best shelling beach on Sanibel island free of crowds. Things are moving along in Captiva which was not impacted to the No collecting of live shells. Blind Pass Beach Park. Stay in the heart of Sanibel near all of the shops and restaurants and bike to different beaches each day. You might also consider going shelling after a storm when the tides have been a bit rough and are more likely to bring shells up to the shore. 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. Copyright 2023 Sandalfoot Condominium Association, Inc. all rights reserved -. If shelling is your goal, then you must go to the Gulf Coast of Florida! You can look for shells along any Marco Island beach. Bring bucket, net bag and scoop, sun lotion and hat. Being limited to boat traffic means the shelling is MUCH less picked over than nearby Sanibel and Captiva islands. , 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. Chelle Koster Walton the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean has been covering the destination for 30 years. While on the hunt for shells, chances are that you will see dolphins and manatees. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. To harden sand dollar for crafts or display: Mix equal portions of white glue and water. Dont forget a bag, sunscreen and water. The suggested time you give yourself is 2.5 hours. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. For the best finds, adventurers set out at sunrise, particularly after a significant storm. The museum opened in 1995 with dozens of seashell exhibits and expanded in 2021 with aquariums and touch tanks filled with live mollusks, which include octopi and cuttlefish in addition to seashells. For instance, what are the rules or laws in the area for taking shells? 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. (This can be at any Marco Island beach, not just South Beach! Shelling is an exciting but relaxing hobby, and theres alwayssomething to learn about it. What actually wouldve helped was having one of those scooper/strainers to grab them up with instead of having to reach down (thats when I usually got wet). If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). You wont be disappointed with any of them. This is the Captiva Island beach thats just across from bridge from Sanibel Island. 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. Keylime Bistro is shooting for September and the Captiva Island Inn, sometime in 2024. You can look for shells at this beach too. For more shelling tips and facts keep scrolling! 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. 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. NATIONAL LAKESHORES 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. Stay overnight and you can search for shells along the Gulf Coast as you watch the sunset! REYNA: I found the two shells in the water, both on Sanibel Island and both about 15-20 feet offshore. The Sanibel Island beach parking fee is hourly. Photo by Jim Anderson. Again, wind direction, tides, and weather will dictate the shelling conditions at Blind Pass. Bowmans Beach at the islands north end provides the best access for Although Sanibel property values for single-family homes and condos will dip in the immediate future, they ultimately will appreciate above pre-hurricane levels, Royal Shell Real Estate and Royal Shell Vacations President and Managing Partner Michael Polly told members of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce on April 12 at (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. Via. 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. This structure reaches from the beach into the Gulf of Mexico to prevent erosion. ZION UT 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. our few days turned into a month, and we had so much fun picking up shells and just enjoying the beautiful beach! | Contact Us. Parking, however, is limited, so arrive early, especially at a low tide or after a storm, when shelling is best. Two more businesses on the market Apr 03, 2023. This leaves the best shelling beach on Sanibel Island free of crowds. The beaches are on man-made islands that were built to help support the causeway, which connects Sanibel to the mainland in Fort Myers. We had come prepared with sweatshirts and beach blankets and it was still pretty brisk so pack accordingly. Nature. Youll find the best shelling in Sanibel Island along all the Gulf-side beaches, from the Lighthouse to North Captiva. I also met someone who found a baby starfish around here. The saying "earlier is better" is certainly true when it comes to shelling. If you are new to shell collecting, you may not know the right protocol for when you take your new seashells home. Just awesome. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI You can also stay at a rustic cabin in Cayo Costa State Park. moves back home Apr 05, 2023. Or what is the best time of day to go to Sanibel beach for shelling? REYNA: I found the two shells in the water, both on Sanibel Island and both about 15-20 feet offshore. The hour-and-a-half period just before and after low tide is ideal for shell collecting. document.getElementById('cloak3aa4edd50788e863c9742e65823c8950').innerHTML = ''; EVERGLADES FL So it is no surprise that shelling on Sanibel and Captiva islands is on most shellers bucket lists. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Somewhere in Lee County, Florida dwells every new and experienced shellers dream. But Tigertail Beach is known as the best shelling beach on Marco Island. Find the perfect beach for swimming, 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. Bowman's Beach. 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. You will drive through Sanibel Island to get to Captiva Island. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND I think this cruise is a BARGAIN and 100% worth the time and money. Ready for an unforgettabletour ofSanibel Island beaches? Most islands are north-south. There were probably 12-15 people on our boat and plenty of room to spread out. WebBowmans Beach. You can bike to this beach on the Periwinkle pathway (you can see it on the map). Or paddle the Calusa Blueway, a featured trail in a network of water routes. YELLOWSTONE WY 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. Like a Local. However, fossils can be discovered all day long on Sanibel Island. The further you walk from the public parking areas, the better chance youll have of finding unique shells this goes for any beach access point.. Its free. Thats because it is little-known, lying more than 10 miles from the causeway: Visitors drive by many other scenic beaches on the way to it. GRAND CANYON AZ There are so many options to help make your next beach vacation one of your best trips yet! 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). Save. 1159 Causeway BlvdSanibel Island, FL 33957, Copyright 2019 Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce | All Rights Reserved Worldwide. (You might find Marco Island water temperature in the winter to be cold though! on the island of Cayo Costa! You may discover a new favorite beach! Plenty of roomavailable. 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. This is the beach at the farthest west end of Sanibel Island, just before the bridge to Captiva Island. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. Its not unusual at the best shelling beaches in Florida to see people walking into the water with their shelling stick! One of the most important tips to remember is to never take any live shells, such as sand dollars, sea stars, and urchins. You can also check out the Lighthouse Beach Park Virtual Tour from Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), which is updated weekly with a new photo showing the beach and its surrounding waters. You may be wondering why this beach is so unoccupied if it is wonderful. Its not unusual at some Florida beaches to see people snorkeling in shallow water in search of shells! Honeymoon Island State Park is a Florida state park near Tampa. COME VISIT THE BEST SHELLING BEACH ON SANIBEL. It is illegal to take "live shells." You can look for shells along any Cayo Costa beach. Where do you find shells on Sanibel Island? Both are great places to scour the shoreline for a prized possession. First, youll need the right equipment. Don't be alarmed by all those people stooped over on the beach. I think its safe to say, Sanibel Island, FL, has the worlds best shelling beaches. Makes for some wonderful reading. You might also want to revisit the Waterside Inn, those fruity colored rental cottages right on the beach in Sanibel. var addy_text3aa4edd50788e863c9742e65823c8950 = 'info' + '@' + 'sanibelisland' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloak3aa4edd50788e863c9742e65823c8950').innerHTML += ''+addy_text3aa4edd50788e863c9742e65823c8950+'<\/a>'; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. And one of the things that makes Cayo Costa State Park special is that you need to go by boat to get there! ), So you might want to have a look in the shallow water too to see if you can find something. Note, Lighthouse beach is probably the busiest beach on the island. Collect your seashells, then take a fun trip to the Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum. For some, it can be an almost-healing, disciplinary activity. var addy_text96e8d58e4046721c2e14e150e6423097 = 'advertising' + '@' + 'sanibelisland' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloak96e8d58e4046721c2e14e150e6423097').innerHTML += ''+addy_text96e8d58e4046721c2e14e150e6423097+'<\/a>'; This email address is being protected from spambots. Well, not technically. This is a Florida shell identification guide that was provided near Sanibel Island shelling beaches. If they do not move, then you have just found one of Captivas' treasures! HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Its 2.5 miles one way to Honeymoon Islands north tip, and 2.5 miles back. moves back home Apr 05, 2023. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 All the popular beaches are located on the western side of the islands, facing the Gulf of Mexico and are easily accessed. Sanibel City Pier beach. When sighting a lot of Sand Dollars and 9-Legged Sea Stars in the waters, that means that it is the spawning season. Wearing polarized sunglasses will aid in shell hunting on the sand and in the ocean. Blind Pass Beach is also popular with shellers, but be aware that there are no restrooms on the Sanibel side. This beach is toward the middle of the island along Algiers Lane off Casa Ybel Road. MICHIGAN MOUNT RUSHMORE SD Sanibel beaches are some of the most popular and desired beaches in Southwest Florida. Restrooms are located at all public beach accesses. People think it catches shells differently, Burgard says. Unless you have your own boat, the best way to get to Cayo Costa for shelling is on a shelling tour with Captiva Cruises. The boat doesnt move locations on this shelling trip to pick you up somewhere else down the beach. Along the shoreline, you can find tons of small shells, and the more you look, the greater your chances are for finding different types of shells! It took almost a full hour to motor to Cayo Costa (there wasnt a good wind for sailing) and it was CHILLY. Shelling is an exciting hobby, and theres alwayssomething to learn about 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. As a result, Sanibel and Captiva are at an advantageous position the oceans current literally delivers the shells to you. But Turner Beach is the clear choice for the best shelling beach on Sanibel and Captiva beaches. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. And share my account with your travel loving friends! Luxury. But the area is very popular with beachgoers and shellers because the beach is close to the causeway and because it has a large parking lot and a fishing pier. 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. 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. The island is actually made of shells. Thanks for stopping by! There are nature trails to enjoy if youd like a change of scenery. See for yourself whySanibel is one of the best shelling attractions on the planet. , Hi Angie! Sanibel and Captiva Islands are barrier islands with an east-west orientation. Sanibel and Captiva islands have about fifteen miles of jaw-dropping beaches. 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.
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