Looking for seashells on the beach is a favorite pastime for many people visiting Florida. It’s incredibly easy, completely free, and the perfect activity for all ages. Add this activity to your itinerary with Edison Beach House and visit some of the best shelling beaches in Florida during your visit. Look for seashells right here in Fort Myers Beach and take a day trip to Sanibel Island for the absolute best shelling in the state. Every day, the tide pulls in new and unique seashells. See what you can find during your visit!
Where are the Best Shelling Beaches in Florida?
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach is the perfect place to start looking for seashells. Search for treasures along the beach in front of Edison Beach House. Then, discover even more fantastic shelling opportunities at these beaches in town:
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is world-renowned for its shelling beaches. But what makes shelling on Sanibel so spectacular? The island’s unique east-west orientation acts as a giant natural scoop for all the shells carried by the surrounding waterways. New shells are deposited every day on the sand, so you never know what you will find. Master the “Sanibel Stoop” and look for incredible shells at these beaches:
- Lighthouse Beach Park
- Bowman’s Beach
- Blind Pass (between Sanibel & Captiva)
Captiva Island
Right next to Sanibel Island is another shelling hotspot: Captiva Island. Captiva is a smaller island, offering a more remote and quiet environment for shelling. Find large seashells on these Captiva beaches and bring home a piece of Florida:
What Kind of Seashells Can I Find?
There are endless types of seashells that wash up on the beach. Here are some of the most common ones you will find along Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, and Captiva Island:
- Conch
- Junonia
- Lightning Whelk
- Cockle
- Scallops
- Murex
- Tulip
- Olive
- Coquina
If you are interested in shelling with a local guide, we recommend the tours with Adventures in Paradise and Captiva Cruises!
Stay at Our Beachfront Hotel in Fort Myers
Find more information on local beaches, when to go, and what to bring on the Sanibel Island Shelling page. And make sure you are familiar with Florida’s regulations on collecting seashells before you head out. Reserve your hotel room at Edison Beach House in Fort Myers Beach and stay close to the best shelling beaches in Florida!
