Shelling

With direct access to pristine white sandy beaches from all of our Inns, you’ll discover the “Treasures from the Sea” in the form of a colorful mosaic of shells that wash up along our shores. In fact, since our stretch of quiet shoreline is less frequented than busy, local public beaches, you’ll enjoy a greater bounty of shells to choose from! With each passing storm or low tide here on Sanibel Island, visitors are treated to a magnificent shelling experience that cannot be found anywhere else throughout the world.

People from around the globe come to admire these remarkable shells, each uniquely beautiful in their own way. Seashells are so important to the islands’ chain of life that the State of Florida has outlawed the collection of live shells (with inhabitants) as well as living sand dollars, starfish and sea urchins. Shellers are encouraged to limit their empty-shell haul. Keep in mind, all shelling is prohibited in J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Learn about the “Sanibel Stoop” and the best time to shell, as well as how to shell and what to expect when shelling on our precious island shores here.

A backdrop of beach shells