Florida is home to numerous beaches with white sands, crystal-clear waters, big waves, and unparalleled beauty. However, there is more to the beach than just surf and sand. Beachcombing and shelling are some unique pleasures that people enjoy when out on the beach.
Some of the spectacular beaches in Florida have rich marine life, making them true shell treasure chests. Let’s take a look at some of the top beaches for shelling in Florida.
Sanibel And Captiva Islands
Known as The Shell Capital of the World, Sanibel has some of the best beaches for shelling. The terrain of this barrier island allows shells to be washed ashore all year round while its curved shape acts as a natural net that captures the shells.
For more exceptional shelling opportunities, go to the nearby Captiva Island. Compared to its sister Sanibel, Captiva is lesser known, making it quieter and more laid back. The most common shells on these two islands include conchs, tulip shells, cockles, olives, and sand dollars.
Marco Island
Part of the Ten Thousand Islands Group, Marco Island is every shell enthusiast's dream. The shelling paradise offers plenty of shelling spots to choose from including South Beach and Tigertail Beach. Sugar-white beaches reveal a wide range of treasures, allowing you to collect some of the most amazing exotic shells Florida has to offer.
The shell species found in this area are moon shells, lion's paws, murex shells, sunray venus shells, and worm-snail shells. If you are lucky, you might spot some marine life such as birds, crabs, and fish during your shelling tour.
Caladesi And Honeymoon Islands
Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island are found along the Gulf Coast near Tampa and Clearwater. With their protected status, the beaches are largely untouched, making them fun to explore for beachcombing.
The clear waters on the Gulf Coast allow for opportunities to look for shells without wandering too far from shore. Here, shells come in all sizes, shapes and colors. You can find interesting shells like Shiva shells, Chestnut turban shells, sand shells, and plenty others.
Anna Maria Island
Located seven miles off the coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island is a favorite vacation and shelling destination. Coquina Beach boasts clear waters and soft white sand, two factors that offer plenty of shelling opportunities. This is a great place to not only search for seashells but also shark teeth.
Barefoot Beach Preserve
This quiet and secluded gem spanning 340 acres of natural land offers some of the best shelling opportunities in the U.S. Featuring a mile of beachfront, Barefoot Beach has a vibrant marine life and is a perfect spot for collecting corals and shells.
Beachcombing at Barefoot Beach Preserve can see you find a bountiful supply of natural souvenirs. They include alphabet cones, shark teeth, worm shells, shark's eyes, skoot as well as kitten and lion's paws.
Fort Myers Beach
If you are on the hunt for natural treasures at the beach, take time to go to Fort Myers Beach. The clean, flat sandy beaches provide the perfect environment for seashells to accumulate. In addition to beachcombing, you can have a great time watching frolicking dolphins and other wildlife.
Fort Myers Beach is one of the best beaches for shelling in Florida. At this impressive seven-mile-long serene beach, you can discover gems like paper fig shells, junonia shells, tulip banded shells, olive shells, Florida cones, and more.
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