In a recent Yahoo! News article, Sanibel Island was showcased for its amazing seashells. For many, the island is known as the Seashell Capital of the World, as there are over 250 different species of shells that can be found scattered along the sandy beaches. Over the course of a single year, thousands of people visit the island to explore the shells and add to their own collections.
Why Sanibel Is a Shelling Destination
Sanibel Island is unique and different from many other islands because it runs perpendicular. This means that many currents push water onto the beaches that carry shells. Sanibel Island has another area similar to a sandbar that helps to form shells and push them onto the shores with minimal damage. Sanibel has been known for its shells for decades, and it continues to be a destination for shell lovers.
Where Can You Find Shells on Sanibel Island?
You can find shells on virtually any part of Sanibel Island, but there are some beaches that are particularly popular for shelling. Some of the most popular beaches include:
- Bowman’s Beach: 1700 Bowmans Beach Road
- Blind Pass Beach: 6491 Sanibel Captiva Road
- Lighthouse Beach: 110 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, so you should always check online ahead of time to ensure that your preferred beach is open. It’s a good idea to go shelling during low tide, as the shells will be easier to find.
What Types of Shells Can Be Found on Sanibel Island?
Whether you’re an experienced sheller or hunting for shells for the first time, there’s plenty to see on Sanibel Island. The two primary types of shells are gastropods and bivalves. Gastropods are species with one shell, including conchs. Bivalves, as the name implies, have two halves of one shell that are held together with a hinged part known as a valve. Some of the most popular types of shells that you might discover during your trip include:
- Alphabet Cone
- Banded Tulip
- Florida Fighting Conch
- Lace Murex
- Lettered Olive
- And more!
The rarest shell that can be found on Sanibel Island is known as the Junonia shell. This shell Is extremely rare, as the sea snail that the shell comes from lives in water that is between 30-130 feet deep. As a result, it is not very often that waves wash them up to the beach without shattering or damaging them.
Contact Kingfisher Vacation Rentals to Learn More about Sanibel Island Properties
At Kingfisher Vacation Rentals we choose vacation rentals over hotels every time! We are actively open and assisting owners every day with their recovery process. We’re also ready to bring new properties into our award-winning program. If you are interested in discussing how our unmatched marketing approach and comprehensive owner services will benefit you, call today! For more information about Sanibel and Captiva, visit our website, email us at info@gokingfisher.com, stop by our Captiva office, or give us a call today at 239-472-2100.
