How to Sea Shell on Sanibel Island

Gentle breezes, swaying palms, exquisite beaches, and tens of thousands of colorful shells make Sanibel Island a tropical paradise. Here are a few tips on collecting and cleaning these colorful treasures.

Things You'll Need

• sunscreen
• mesh bag
• bathing suit
• casual clothing

Instructions

How to Sea Shell on Sanibel Island

1. Visit Sanibel Island in the winter for nice weather and tides that bring all shapes and sizes of shells onto the beaches by the zillions. Everyone from tots to adults will enjoy sifting through the surf for colorful treasures from the sea.

2. Stroll down any of the narrow lanes leading to Sanibel’s shell-strewn beaches. On the shores, you’ll find yourself ankle-deep in an incredible variety of shells. Unlike most barrier islands that lie north and south, Sanibel juts out into the rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico, running on a perpendicular scale, from east to northwest. This direction allows the island to catch the abundance of seashells that the gulf brings to its shores.

3. Go shelling early in the morning. Another good time to go shelling is during low tide when there is more beach to explore, and more of a variety of shells to pick up.

4. Visit the lighthouse. One of the best locations for smaller shells is near the lighthouse at the tip of the island. The Lighthouse Beach and Fishing Pier located at the eastern part of Sanibel is a great place to find both large and small shells.

5. Bring along a bag used to launder hosiery. Drop your shells in the bag, then dip it in the surf to rinse. You can also use long-handled, fine-mesh nets to avoid a lot of bending. To clean your shells, soak them in a 50-50 solution of bleach and water. There is no set time to let them soak because it varies by the type and quantity of seashells. Just make sure you remove them after the flaky leathery covering is gone. If after bleaching, there are still particles on the seashells, use a dental or water pick, toothbrush, or a grill brush to pick off the material. .

Tips & Warnings

• Book a room in a name-brand hotel located on Gulf Drive. Many are within walking distance of beaches in the area, and can be booked for around $250 a night.

• Search for package deals. Cheap accommodations are challenging during the winter season, but you can find bargains by researching.

• Rent a beach side condo with a friend. Sharing a room will make it less expensive.

• Look for inexpensive places in Ft. Myers, a short distance from Sanibel.

Resources

• Sanibel Island