If you plan to visit my hometown in Southwest Florida to collect different types of seashells, you are warmly welcome! You will find some of the best beaches for seashells in Florida, a state that always appreciates beachcombers—just like you. Florida has over 1350 miles of coastline, which is a good and happy feast for beachcombers like you.
Strong water currents bring seashells from distant locations to Florida’s east coast. These beaches are rich in seashells, which I have enjoyed collecting since childhood.
So, without further ado, here are the finest Florida beaches for collecting sea shells.
A- The Gulf Coast: Best Shelling Beaches in Florida
1. TigerTail (Marco Island)
In 2022, we took a guided shell tour to one the best beaches for seashells in Florida Tiger Tail and Dickman Island near Marco Island. We decided to do it again for my wife’s birthday in mid-January.
We witnessed a bunch of boat tours since it’s winter and many people visit the Marco Island area. There were plenty of shells, but we found some nice ones, like alphabet cones and rose matrices.
Marco Island is a great place for seashell collectors. It’s amazing—less crowded and cleaner than Naples. You can find a lot of different seashells here. I recommend Tigertail Beach on Marco Island. You can find conch shells, horse conchs, moon snails, lightning whelks, sand dollars, and starfish.
Tigertail Beach is perfect for finding different kinds of seashells. I also love Snook Inn and Oyster Society for food. I hope they weren’t damaged by the recent hurricane.
Tips To Follow For A Great Trip
1. Go early in the morning for seal shell collecting, to get a good piece.
2. There’s a beach bar on the first floor of a nearby condo.
3. Cocomos has great food and I enjoy it.
4. You can enjoy live music and food.
5. It’s usually pretty quiet.
6. Dolphin Tiki has great meals.
7. Soft lounge areas.
8. Visit the Calusa Artifacts Museum.
9. Try the sunset chicken tenders.
Fun Fact: The burrowing owls on Marco Island will make your trip unforgettable—especially for your kids.
Note:
As of October 12, 2024, Tigertail Beach on Marco Island is recovering from the effects of Hurricane Milton. The storm caused flooding, particularly on the night of October 9, and affected roads and beach access. While no rescues were required, cleanup efforts are ongoing. Power restoration continues after 77% of the island lost electricity, and high tides have further complicated beach activities.
So, before going to the beach check local news and weather updates.
2. Sanibel Island: Shelling Capital of Florida
Sanibel Island is close to Fort Myers and is one of the best places for collecting sea shells.
Do you know, that Sanibel is Known as the “Shell Capital of Florida”?
It’s also famous for its great restaurants, and wildlife, and is a popular spot for beachcombers, researchers, picnics, and swimming.
Address: 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
When you visit Sanibel, make sure to check out “She Sells Sea Shells,” a shop perfect for shell lovers. I once visited Sanibel island shelling during a Christmas break while working at the Whitney Lab for Biosciences in Florida and that was the most awesome time I ever spent for shell collection.
Early in the mornings, we would head to the beach and find all sorts of shells, like conchs and whelks. After a red tide, we even found larger shells, including an eyeball-shaped one!
Mostly people ask curiously, “Does Sanibel Island still have lots of shells?” The answer is yes! Sanibel is one of the best places to find bigger and more unique shells, especially compared to other areas.
Captiva, a nearby island, is also great for shelling and can be reached by boat from the northern part of Sanibel.
Pro Tips for Shelling on Sanibel
1. Arrive Early
Early risers tourists quickly pick up the best shells. So do not be a night owl, if you are planning to collect shells. Go early to bed, and rise early and get the best shell of your choice, but before collecting shells, make sure to check for living creatures inside.
2. Visit in winter
November to March is the peak season for shells. In the summer (July and August), you’ll mostly find dead or broken shells.
3. Head to the west side
The western beaches are closer to the Gulf and have more shells.
4. Low tide is best
Go when the tide is low—this is when the beach is packed with shells.
5. Clean up after yourself
Don’t leave trash on the beach.
6. Respect live creatures:
Leave living creatures inside their shells. Sadly, many kids pick up live conch shells, and some parents say, “It doesn’t matter, we’ll take them out.” Not only is this illegal, but it’s also unethical.
7. Visit the Shell Museum
If you’re having trouble how to identify different types of seashells, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a great resource.
8. Bring a Small Bag
You’ll want a bag or container to hold the tiny shells you find, as they can get mixed in with larger ones.
9. Blind Pass Beach
This is one of the top spots for serious shell collectors.
10. Watch your step:
Avoid stepping on shells with sandals—some might have live creatures inside.
3. Captiva Island: A Shelling Paradise
Captiva is one of the best islands, home to over 400 species of sea life and shells. It is located in Lee County of southwest SW Florida, USA. It’s located near the northern part of Sanibel Island, and both islands are fantastic destinations for beachcombers.
Captiva Address
14790, Captiva , Dr Captiva , FL 33924
This beautiful island boasts sandy beaches, crystal-clear Caribbean blue waters, and an abundance of sea shells and beautiful seastars of Florida.
You can visit Captiva Island year-round for shelling, but the spring season is particularly great. Sunset is the most captivating time to visit on your boat, although collecting shells at that time can be a bit challenging.
Back in the 90s, Captiva was so packed with shells that it was hard to walk without stepping on some truly beautiful specimens.
Bowman’s Beach on Captiva is my personal favorite.
Whenever I plan my regular shelling trips to Sanibel and Captiva, I’ve come across treasures like conch, Junonia, Scotch bonnet, cockle, murex, olive, lightning whelk, lion’s paw, tulip, scallop, and coquina shells.
I’ve collected many of these and displayed them in my home’s decorated room.
If you’re searching for rare shells, the north side of Captiva is the place to explore.
4. Other Recommended Beaches of The Gulf Coast
1. Fort De Soto
Ideal for finding large shells and sand dollars.
2. Venice Beach
Known for its abundance of shark teeth.
Shelling Rules on The Gulf Coast Beaches
1. Open fires are not allowed.
2. Collecting live shells is prohibited.
3. Parking fees are $4 per hour at Captiva and Sanibel (both cash and credit card accepted).
4. Paid parking fees are non-refundable.
5. Over-collecting shells can harm the environment.
Pro Tips for Shelling
1. I clean my shells with 100% bleach, soaking them for 24 hours. If find barnacles or other debris, use a toothbrush for a more thorough cleaning. To give your shells a beautiful shine, apply mineral oil or baby oil.
2. Use a mesh bag that slings over your shoulder, freeing up both hands and bring a small container to protect delicate shells.
3. Always remember—don’t pick up live shells.
4. For the best shelling experience, bring a bucket, a net bag, a scoop, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
5. Arrive early at sunrise, during low tide, or right after a storm to find the best shells.
B- Best Beaches for Shells on the East Coast of Florida
Marco Island and other nearby beaches are excellent for sea shelling. Earlier in 2023, I found dozens of conch shells and dried sand dollars there. I recommend visiting in the winter, early in the morning at sunrise, when the tides are low.
Some tourists and beachcombers say they struggle to find good shells on the east coast of Florida. This is because the roughness of the Atlantic Ocean often breaks shells into pieces. In contrast, the Gulf is calmer and better suited for shelling.
If you’re looking for the best beaches for shells on Florida’s east coast, here are my top recommendations:
1. Venice Beach
Popular for shark teeth, located just south of Sarasota. To be honest, when my wife and I went there, we filled a full plastic cup of shark teeth in just 20 minutes.
2. Satellite Beach
Also highly recommended for shark teeth.
3. Ten Thousand Islands
Another excellent location for shelling.
4. Canaveral National Seashore
A great spot for finding fine shells.
5. Fernandina Beach
Fantastic for collecting shark teeth, especially after a storm. It’s located on Amelia Island near Jacksonville. Specifically, check out 230 feet south of N. Fletcher Ave & Elizabeth St.
Rules For Fernandina Beach Shell Combing
1. Collecting dead coral pieces from Florida’s beaches depends on their condition. Be sure to check the Florida Marine Resources Act (FMRA) before taking any coral.
2. Collecting substrates with live organisms is illegal unless you have a license from an aquaculture area.
3. I strongly encourage you not to leave the beach with bags full of shells. Enjoy the experience, take photos, and bring home only a few shells if needed.
6. Vero Beach for Sea Shells
Address:
Vero Beach, FL 32963, USA (located on the Treasure Coast, east-central Florida)
Why It’s Famous?
Famous for its unspoiled coastline. The beach is known for its peaceful, family-friendly environment and offers stunning sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean.
Vero Beach is home to a diverse range of seashells.
Tips for Shelling
- Visit during low tide or after a storm for the best shell finds.
2. Mornings are ideal as fewer crowds mean a better chance of spotting rare shells.
3. Bring a mesh bag or bucket for easy collection(already mentioned above )
4. Wear water shoes to navigate rocky or uneven surfaces comfortably.
Types of Shells Found
Common shell finds at Vero Beach include:
Scallops, Olive shells, Auger shells,
Moon Snail shells,
7. Cocoa Beach for Sea Shells
Address:
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA (located on Florida’s Space Coast)
Why It’s Famous?
Cocoa Beach is good for its wide, sandy shores, perfect for surfing and family-friendly activities. Good due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which washes up a variety of beautiful sea treasures.
The beach is known for its atmosphere, close to popular attractions like the Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach Pier.
Tips for Shelling At Vero Beach
- Bring a small rake or scoop to dig for buried shells.
2. Explore the jetties and rock formations, where shells often accumulate.
Types of Shells Found
Conch shells, Whelks, Coquina shells, Scallop shells, and Pen shells.
8. Daytona Beach for Sea Shells
Address: Daytona Beach, FL 32118, USA (located on Florida’s Atlantic coast)
Why It’s Famous?
Daytona Beach is globally known for its hard-packed sand, which is popular for driving on the beach and motorsports events.
Proximity to attractions like Daytona International Speedway makes it a lively destination for all kinds of visitors.
Tips for Shelling at Daytona Beach
Walk along the water’s edge, and explore less crowded areas for more unique shells.
Bring a small container or mesh bag to carry your collection.
Types of Shells Found
Atlantic Coquina shells, Olive shells, Scallop shells, Auger shells, Lightning Whelk shells, and Large, spiraled shells.
Conclusion
The best Beaches for Seashells in Florida are Sanibel, Captiva, and Marco Island. Remember to be careful and respect the environment when collecting shells. Enjoy your time exploring Florida’s beaches.
You will find the best beaches for seashells in Florida for your beachcombing hobby/activity, but always follow the local environmental rules, and do not overflood your collection bag while going back home.
Take memories not the whole beach. Because it will disturb the balance of nature. Be a good citizen, please.
