Shelling

Shelling on Sanibel Island Sanibel Shelling Can’t Be Beat

Sanibel is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north south. Hence, the island is gifted with great sandy beaches and an abundance of shells.

Best Shelling Times

Low tide will yield the best results on any given day. The best times of the year to shell are after winter storms and tropical disturbances. When winds and waves stir up the Gulf of Mexico shelling can uncover all sorts of seashore surprises. Shellers on Sanibel and Captiva sometimes shell at night for the best opportunity.

Sanibel & Captiva Tide Charts

The early bird gets the worm

Shelling on Sanibel Island2 The islands rank tops in the world for their shelling because of geography.  The east-west torque of Sanibel’s south end acts like a shovel scooping up all the sea shells that the Gulf imports from Caribbean and other southern seas.  People come from all over the world, drawn by the great variety of shells.  Get up early and get them before some one else does.