How to collect seashells in coastal Florida

The inaugural National Seashell Day is June 20, and I know what you’re thinking: “Why the shell should I care?” Perhaps you’ve already made plans to enjoy National Vanilla Milkshake Day, also on June 20, or you predict you’ll be worn out from toasting National Martini Day on June 19. So many random national holidays to observe, so little time…. But National Seashell Day is worth “shellebrating,” and whether you plan a trip to coincide with the holiday, or another time on your own “shelldule,” here are some tips to know before you go:

Also: The 7 coolest camping sites at U.S. National Parks

Due to factors both geographical and geological, the Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel are among the world's best shelling destinations. Shells often wash up onshore fully intact.

Due to factors both geographical and geological, the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel are among the world’s best shelling destinations. | Photo courtesy of Tourist Bureau for The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel

Florida’s Gulf Coast is shell ground zero
I confess I didn’t really know much or care much about the protective outer layers of marine mollusks (yes, that’s what a seashells are…part of the animal’s body) until a recent excursion to Southwest Florida, and in particular to the beautiful subtropical islands of Sanibel and Captiva near coastal Fort Myers, where I learned thatwell-informed shelling can be a seriously fun and addictive activity.

Why the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel? Because they’re home to the finest shelling in North America, and are arguably among the best in the world, due to factors both geographical (the orientation of the Gulf Coast islands) and geological (they’re protected by a gently sloping undersea shelf). In fact, many shells wash up onshore fully intact, with up to 400 species of multi-hued shells piling several feet deep.

You will need shelling gear
Shelling is a low-key activity, but it’s still a good idea to bring the following items with you to the beach, both for your own comfort and/or to fake like you know what you’re doing: a mesh collection bag, some small plastic bags for shell storage, a small rake or claw, a metal sieve, a field notebook and waterproof pen, a magnifying glass, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, a lightweight backpack for storage and water shoes. Trust me on the latter: Walking over piles and piles of full and half-broken shells can hurt your feet. Plus, some of the best shells are found by wading into the ocean a little. I found many a fighting conch by reaching down into the water to grab them as the waves receded.

Know when and where to go
Typically, the best time to go shelling is about an hour before low tide until about an hour after. Full moons and new moons are especially ideal, because that’s when tides are higher and lower than usual. Also optimal is after a storm when high northwest winds stir up the ocean bottom, bringing more choice shells to shore.

The question of where to find the best shells is always changing. It all depends on wind, currents and tides. Visiting beachcombers will sometimes consult local experts such as Pam Rambo, Sanibel Island’s chief “shell-ebrity” and author of the informative website iloveshelling.com, on where to find the day’s best shelling spot. In order to access more remote stretches of sand, such as the state park on nearby barrier island Cayo Costa, you’ll have to charter a private boat or take a ferry.

Take a guided shell tour
Speaking of shell-ebrities, meeting up with a pro or going on a guided shelling tour will improve your beachcombing game tenfold. Captiva Cruises offers half- and full-day shelling excursions to North Captiva and Cayo Costa islands, and Rambo guides occasional ILoveShelling cruises, where she enthusiastically shares tips and advice, as well as secret shelling spots. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for angel wings and lightning whelks, fighting conchs and coquinas. Meanwhile, Sanibel Sea School offers marine science education for adults and myriad activities for kids.

The hard-to-find Junonia, a sheller’s treasure. | Photo courtesy of the Tourist Bureau for The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel

To see world record–size shells, shell art and several examples of the much-coveted brown-speckled junonia (the rarest shell of all), visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island, the only shell museum in the U.S. Live tank talks happen daily, and a number of events are happening on National Seashell Day, including shell crafting and giveaways.

Seashell care
Don’t collect live shells. In Lee County, it’s actually prohibited. Sometimes live shells wash up on the shore. If you’re not sure if a creature is still alive, try the ol’ “sniff test.” Dead animals have a strong odor. Still unsure? Best to place the shell back in water.

Use tweezers or a dental pick to remove dead critters from your shells, and freshwater to remove sand, salts and debris. If you’re really serious, you can soak shells overnight in a 50-50 solution of water and bleach. Just don’t do this to shiny shells or it will ruin their glossy finish.

Photo courtesy of South Seas Island Resort

Beyond shelling
There’s no shortage of other ways to entertain yourself in Southwest Florida. Enjoy beachfront golf and water sports at the South Seas Island Resort. Take a kayak tour to spot manatees, dolphins and other marine wildlife. Go on a cruise tothe magical private island of Useppa and dine at the historic Collier Inn, or dock at the marina on Cabbage Key for lunch at the rustic Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant, where visitors have taped thousands of one-dollar bills to every available surface and where Jimmy Buffett is rumored to have been inspired to write “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Back on Captiva Island, have dessert at one of the weirdest restaurants in America: the kitschy, Christmas-themed Bubble Room. When you’re conched out — er, konked out — find relaxing accommodations at South Seas.