These 6 Free Shell Identification Apps Helped Me Identify 90% of Rare Shells
I often receive messages from marine biology enthusiasts asking about free seashell identification apps that work. Instead of guessing or carrying a heavy field seashell identification guide, your phone can do the work for you. So, I’ve compiled a list of the 6 free shell Identification Apps that will help you how to Identify different types of seashells using free apps.
Why Use a Free Shell Identification App?
Not everyone is an expert in seashells, and that’s okay! Free Seashell identification apps can:
- Instantly recognize shells using your phone’s camera
- Provide details about the shell’s origin and species
- Help you build a personal collection of identified shells
- Make learning about marine life fun and interactive
- And the fun part is, that these all are free, so no burden on the pocket, budget-friendly for the sea shell collectors in their starting phase of the shell collection hobby or career.
Now, let’s check out the top 6 free seashell identification apps!
Top 6 Free Shell Identification Apps
1. Seek by iNaturalist
Features of Seek by iNaturalist App:
- Uses image recognition to identify shells, plants, and animals
- Provides real-time shell identification without needing an internet connection
- No account required to use the app
- Offers fun challenges and achievements for nature lovers.
How to Get Seek by iNaturalist?
Platform: Available for both Android and iOS operating systems.
Download Links:
2. Bintan SeaShell
Features of Bintan SeaShell App:
- Specially designed for identifying seashells from Bintan, Indonesia
- High-quality images with detailed descriptions
- Can work for seashells from other regions as well
- Budget friendly
How to get Bintan SeaShell?
Platform: Available only on Apples iOS App Store.
Download Link:
3. Plankton – Seashell Identifier
Features of Plankton App:
- Quick and simple shell identification through photo uploads
- AI-based recognition for accurate results
- Lightweight app with a user-friendly interface
- Best for budget friendly seekers
Download Plankton for Android
Platform: Android
Download Link:
4. PictureThis
Features of PictureThis app:
- Originally a plant identifier but now includes seashell recognition
- Provides detailed descriptions and fun facts about species
- Has a vast database with high accuracy
- Available on both Android and Apple operating systems
- Free to download
Download PictureThis app
Platform: Available on Google play store for Android, and on Apple App Store for iOS
Download Links:
5. Conchology
Features of the Conchology app:
- Extensive seashell database with thousands of species
- Searchable by shape, color, or location
- Includes scientific classification details
Get the Conchology app:
Platform: Available for both Android & iOS operating systems.
Download Links:
6. Seashell Identification (Web-based Tool)
Platform: Web
Link: Seashell Identification Website
Features of the Seashell Identification Web Version:
- Available in the web version for desktop, laptop, & Windows users
- Allows users to upload shell images for identification
- Browse through a collection of identified seashells
- Works well on desktop for those who prefer a larger screen
How to Get Started
- Download an App – Choose one or more apps from the list above and install them on your device.
- Take a Photo – Snap a clear picture of your seashell.
- Get Identification – Let the app analyze the image and suggest a match.
- Learn and Collect – Read about your shell and start building your own digital collection!
Tips for Finding & Identifying Seashells
Want to find the best seashells? Here are some helpful tips:
- Go Early in the Morning: The best time for shell collecting is right after high tide.
- Look Near the Waterline: Newly washed-up shells are usually closer to the shore.
- Check Tidal Pools: Small pools of water often hold hidden treasures!
- Be Respectful: Never take shells with living creatures inside. Always leave them in their natural habitat.
- Books about seashells: These 10 Must-Read Seashell Books Can Boost Your Identification Skills, so buy and read them.
- If you’ve successfully collected seashells but they’re dirty and you’re looking for a way to clean them, this guide on how to clean seashells like a pro is all you need. I’ve also included my expert tips.
What Are the Best Places for Shelling in Florida?
On the Gulf Coast, I would recommend Sanibel and Captiva—they are some of the best beaches for finding seashells. Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island are also great.
Beaches that stick out from the coast (instead of running straight) collect more shells because waves push them there. Sanibel is famous for this; it sticks out at an angle, so shells pile up in huge numbers.
Other great shelling spots on the Gulf Coast include:
- Marco Island: Known for rare shells like the Junonia.
- Lovers Key State Park: Less crowded and full of shells.
- Cayo Costa State Park: Only accessible by boat, but excellent for shelling.
- Fort Myers Beach: famous for money cowrie shells, and a good mix of shells and easy access.
- Tigertail Beach (Marco Island): is among the best best beaches for seashells in Florida , here is great varieties of sand dollars and unique shells .
For the best shelling, go after a storm, at low tide, or early in the morning before others collect the best finds. Before visiting, check beach conditions—recent hurricanes have affected many shelling beaches, and some may still be closed or recovering.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
In this article we covered 6 free shell identification apps, these apps can make beachcombing more fun and educational. Whether you’re an occasional collector or a passionate shell hunter, these apps will help you discover the names and stories behind your finds.
Next time you find a unique shell, don’t just wonder—identify it with one of these free apps. Happy shell hunting!
