Sanibel and Captiva Islands are renowned for their amazing shelling opportunities, and tourists
from around the world visit the area to see the gorgeous beaches and wildlife. If you’re
planning on paying a visit to our gorgeous islands, here are some Of our best tips for shelling
during your stay!
Know Your Beaches
Before you can plan to start shelling on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, you need to make sure that
you know which beaches are open. Here you can see a current list of any closings. Between the
two islands, there are nine different beaches that are all amazing places to find some unique
Shells and enjoy the local wildlife, including:
- Bowman’s Beach
- Lighthouse Beach
- Blind Pass Beach
- Captiva Beach
- And more!
Come Prepared for Lots of Shells
Sanibel and Captiva have unique shelling opportunities because the islands are surrounded by a
gently sloping underwater Shelf. Sanibel is also positioned so that Shells are easily swept in by
currents, making the amount and variety of shells found here special. There are six types of
shells that are particularly common on Sanibel and Captiva beaches, including:
- Florida Fighting Conch
- Alphabet Cone
- Lightning Whelk
- Lace Murex
- Banded Tulip
- Lettered Olive
All of these shells make fantastic keepsakes to remember your time on the islands. Make sure
that you have the right tools to gather them before you come, including a scoop or sifter, a
bucket to collect your treasures, and some sunscreen. If you plan on getting Close to the water during your search, it’s also a good idea to bring some waterproof shoes to protect your feet
from any small, sharp shell pieces.
Start at Low Tide
Low tide is the best time of day to search for shells on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Early in the
morning, you can find unique and beautiful shells. In the aftermath Of a storm, you can also find
great shells on the beach that were washed up. However, make sure that the beach is open and
that it is safe to look around before attempting to visit after a thunderstorm or other storm.
Visit During the Sanibel Shell Festival
If you want to meet other people who love collecting and searching for shells, visiting during
the annual Sanibel Shell Festival is perfect for you. The festival happens every spring, and you
can learn more from the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club.
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.