Yes, you can easily find shells on both islands any time of day, but shelling at the right time is likely to yield the best shells. We found dozens upon dozens of sand dollars during our half-day cruise in 2020. Sanibel was one of the hardest hit locations on Sept. 28, 2022 when Hurricane Ian, an intense Category 4 storm, caused catastrophic damage across the barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico. Wheres your favorite place to go shelling? Join us on this smooth and fun boat tour of the Sanibel waters. In 2004, a Fort Myers woman died from infection after a 12-foot, 457-pound alligator attacked her while she worked on landscaping behind a home on Sanibel Island. Savage, who lives in Toledo, Ohio, felt compelled to share this uplifting Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. Shelling isnt only fun, but its Sanibel was one of the hardest hit locations on Sept. 28, 2022 when Hurricane Ian, an intense Category 4 storm, caused catastrophic damage across the barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico. The rarest shell is the Junonia, also known as the Scaphella junonia. But like the great Harry Houdini, Sanibel always seemed to dodge the bullet. doughnut_60. Don't worry, they'll be easily recognized thanks to the 'Sanibel Stoop!' Search near the waterline and find the shells before they come to shore. For many, thats the end of their shelling experience and their hauls are discarded before the flight home. Your a.m. low tide will be better than your p.m. because if youre the first one out in the morning, youll be getting those shells that have freshly washed ashore, Wolf said. Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander. Keylime Bistro is shooting for September and the Captiva Island Inn, sometime in 2024. Need a place to stay? Here are the best times for shelling: [1] A Day After A Storm High winds from a heavy storm will ferry more shells onto the shore. 5 ways to avoid getting attacked or killed by a Florida alligator, Shelling on Sanibel: Visitors from Buffalo uncover two large horse conch shells, Florida has averaged eight unprovoked bites per year, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Spotting alligators in Southwest Florida: 8 places you will likely see the large reptiles, Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP), Alligator myths debunked: Running zigzag won't help you and gators can climb, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy, Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator. Meals with a view are definitely not in short supply anywhere on the island, and any beachside establishment promises a stellar ocean view. The waters of Sanibel and Captiva provide for some of the worlds best boat cruises, and our family would like to guide you to the best fun-filled adventures. Snorkeling is a great way to take in all of this beautiful sea life from the shore, while scuba allows visitors to get an immersive, in-depth look at both the wrecks, reefs, and tropical fish under the surface. You can find great shells in the summer months too, including the month of May. Which Island Should I Visit- Sanibel or Captiva? I think you will not be disappointed if you make your own and only beach visit Bowmans Beach if shelling on Sanibel Island is your goal! Local Columns Thats the stoop locals and visitors call people bending over searching for coveted seashell treasure along the shoreline. Bivalves (two-shelled mollusks) include calico scallops, calico clams, giant cockles and pen shells, to name a few. Owned & operated by the Stewart family on Sanibel & Captiva Island since 1986. Alligator bites often result in serious infections. Early Morning: As noted, the morning low tide is the best for shelling. If you really want to get serious, the best days for shelling are the new moon and the full moon. One of the most beautiful islands in Florida. We who breathe in Sanibel air periodically would have stood up against the invaders and fought back, which we are doing in the rebuilding efforts. Gigantic waves will also push shells to the shore, resulting in heaps of treasures the following day. These are easy to make. Many shells are also found right below the surface of the sand. This time more than made up for all the earlier bullets that were dodged. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Climb aboard for a full day excursion! 52,075 forum posts. There are several sandbars on Captiva between South Seas Island Resorts south border and Wightman Lane that seem to pop up every time were there. The Sanibel Island Lighthouse, also known as Point Ybel Light, is another historic spot on the island. Avid shell collectors should circle October through November, when the tides in the area are at their lowest, making it a great time to discover new shell treasures. 24,578 forum posts. WebSanibel Island beaches, including Bowmans Beach, are some of the best shelling beaches in Florida. Consult the tide schedule each day for the optimum shelling time. Yes, there was still a lot of destruction, but I also marveled at how much had been done since the nuclear bomb. All rights reserved. We look forward to seeing you here in paradise! I made it clear to them that Sanibel is my home and that I would never abandon it. By jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico, bent in a boomerang shape, our shorelines provide a natural catch-all for millions of shells. Finding a whole sand dollar is the Captiva and Sanibel Island shelling equivalent of winning with a scratch-off lottery ticket. We also recommend a mesh bag to sift out the sand. The above comments notwithstanding, you can find nice shells on Sanibel Island on any beach at any time of the day or night. amanx. One thing that Sanibel Island is known for (besides its beaches, of course!) Beach Stuff, located on Captiva Drive between Wightman and Lakia Lanes, has plenty of gear for you. When you want to find out where to find shells on Sanibel Island, you need to go to Lighthouse Beach and Blind Pass, especially during low tide to find the best Sanibel shelling opportunities. Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander. Low Tide: Each high tide brings in a new batch of shells, which stay on or near shore when the tide recedes. 0:37. Its easy to get lost in shelling and spend a good portion of the day looking for shells as you listen to the waves hit the shore. Call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). We saw this first-hand in 2020; the day after heavy winds and incredible waves, piles of shells stretched almost to the dunes. And I mean that. Popular Times to Visit Sanibel Island Average Tourist Volumes Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Dig your feet into the sand and slowly shuffle your feet along the sea bottom. Dig your feet into the sand and slowly shuffle your WebSanibel Island is world renowned for its shells. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 Mark H. Bickel. If youre looking for a lot of sand dollars, and I mean A LOT, youll want to take the cruise to Cayo Costa Island. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. The best place to look for sand dollars is in the water, a few feet from shore. Engage in a shell trade with relatives and use some of the smaller shells you or your children acquired to make a shell necklace. And I wound up spending the winter in New Jersey the first winter spent up north in many years. Visitor Disability and Home Care Services on Sanibel Island; Show More . Let the shells dry on some paper towels in the sun. What a great way to start your day! People of all ages can be seen stooped over, shuffling along the beach with their buckets and nets in hand. There are two low tides a day, morning and evening. TheFWC works to keep Floridians and visitors informed and recommendsthe following precautionary measures near alligators, including in or near the water, to reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators: According to the FWC, the best thing to do is fight back if an alligator bites you, providing as much noise and resistance as possible. Port Sanibel Marina | You may be lucky enough to kick up a sand dollar. The ground level was totally destroyed but the structure of the house itself remained intact. During their visit, guests will explore this nod to the 19th and 20th centuries thatis devoted to the original pioneers of the area. Sanibel Island Hotels and Places to Stay Sundial Beach Resort & Spa 3,818 Reviews View Hotel Sanibel Island, Southwest Gulf Coast West Wind Island Resort 3,145 Reviews View Hotel Sanibel Island, Southwest Gulf Coast Casa Ybel Resort 850 Reviews View Hotel Sanibel Island, Southwest Gulf Coast Island Inn 1,717 Reviews View Hotel But if we had to choose, we think Lighthouse Beach, Blind Pass Beach, and Tarpon Bay Road Beach are WebIdentify your shells using our popular photo guide to southwest Florida shells from Sanibel Island and beyond. Copyright Lisa Erickson, Capturing Captiva, About|Contact|Privacy Policy|Sitemap, The Mucky Duck reopens after Hurricane Ian, How To Support Sanibel and Captiva Businesses, Captiva Island Parking App Pay Via Phone, https://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/discover/on-water/shelling, https://sanibel-captiva.org/sanibel-island-shelling. Dont be surprised to find many an early bird shelling. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. Take them out of your soaking solution, scrub them and rinse them with water. These help marine life to grow and thrive, making for a colorful (literally!) Sometimes you should look for shells off the beaten path where everyone looks along the shoreline. The ocean current carries the shells to the San-Cap area where they await your discovery. There will be plenty of other open spots to search for your own seashell treasure. Come prepared with a bucket or bag to hold your shell loot and a small rake or shovel to rake through the shells to find the keepers among the broken shells, which are also known as throwback shells. Thats another great reason to collect shells. Even snorkeling is a great way to find shells. After many travels during a B.A. Show less . Home News Where to Find Shells on Sanibel Island. Try not to look where others are searching. Chances are, youll pull up a sand dollar. The FWC, the Sanibel Police Department, Sanibel Fire Department, and Lee County EMS all responded to the scene. Where to spot gators in SWFLSpotting alligators in Southwest Florida: 8 places you will likely see the large reptiles. A contracted nuisance alligator trapper has been dispatched to the scene, with FWC officials investigating the incident. We are sure that we can tailor fun activities that will meet your needs. Some are elusive such as the rare and treasured junonia so join in the hunt and have some fun! Here are some shells you can keep a lookout for to get you started: Seashell Finding Tip: Try shuffling your feet in the water to help move and bring half hidden shells to the surface. The great news is you can find it here on Sanibel Island. Apr 29, 2023, 5:01 PM. With more than 250 species of shells to search for on Sanibel Island, shelling can get overwhelming. Might have but wouldnt it. Departing from behind the "Ship Store Look for YELLOW Boat. Try these tips: When shelling commences, its important to clean your shells before they are proudly displayed. Shelling isnt only fun, but its highly addictive! Some of the best times to go shelling is during low tide or after a storm. Thats because its rare to come across one. Blame it on Hurricane Ian. If the sand dollar is whiter with no noticeable spine movement, the sand dollar is no longer alive and can be collected. When you are exploring the best beaches for shelling on Special Deals on Last-Minute Sanibel Vacations, Swing Away with Sanibel Golf and Tennis Specials, Sanibel Seasonal Specials at Oceans Reach. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. Many beach-side resorts offer shell washing stations and places to take photos of all your shells. You can go to any of the beaches on Sanibel Island and you will find shells. If its low tide, you can search these piles for the best of the best shells. Cruise with us for Fishing, Shelling & Lunch Excursions, Sea Life Encounters, Dolphin Watches, and Sunset Dolphin Cruises. Soak the sea shells in water or a 50/50 solution of water and bleach to get the sand out of them. Several rooms in our home have seashell jars. We like to bring ours home; we cant think of a more special souvenir. Donate. RC Otters has announced they will be having a grand re-opening sometime in May, according to the Sanibel Captiva Guide. Keep pets on a leash/small children away from the waters edge. Get an up-close experience with Sea Horses, Puffer Fish, Starfish and so much more!Guided by our marine biologists, join us on this fantastic eco-tour and see why this hands-on boat touris a fan-favorite year after year. Gastropods have one shell and include species such as conches and whelks. Copyright SANIBEL-CAPTIVA - Island Reporter, Islander and Current | https://www.captivasanibel.com | 2340 Periwinkle Way P.O. Shelling on Sanibel: Visitors from Buffalo uncover two large horse conch shells. 2023 www.news-press.com. For shell picking on Sanibel, timing is critical. Let the cool ocean breeze comfort you on your way to finding over 300 year-round dolphinsin their natural habitat! Tips for This was our 10th year at Ocean's Reach. If youre going to be out shelling for a while, youll likely want a shell scoop and either a bucket or a mesh shelling bag to carry all your shells. With so much to do, it's a tougher challenge to figure out what to do first on this beautiful Florida island. As one of Florida's top ten best beach towns, it has a reputation to live up to - and it certainly does. Try your hand at the Sanibel Stoop, the familiar bent-at-the-waist posture youll see all along the beach as shell enthusiasts add to their finds. It has been reported by various environmental officials that due to the higher temperatures this spring, mating season has started a little earlier. If youve ever been on the Sanibel or Captiva beach in the morning, youve likely seen the shell enthusiasts walking the beach each morning doing the Sanibel Stoop (hunched over, walking along the beach looking for shells). To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Adventures in Paradise Cruises & Tours hopes to show you just how amazing the islands of Sanibel and Captiva are and why we fell in love with the sea. Serving all of Southwest Florida: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Naples. Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Cruises One of the best times to find shells on Sanibel Island is in the early morning hours. Parking can fill up fast so its best to get there early. I can hardly wait to resume my normal snowbird schedule as Sanibel fully recovers from the nuclear bomb. November is typically a good time for shelling all over the island due to changes in temps, winds and tides. FWC states that alligators tend to become more active during the warmer months when the temperatures are between 82 and 92 degrees. You might not know this but its illegal for residents and tourists to remove live sand dollars from the shore. If youve ever been on the Sanibel or Captiva beach in the morning, youve likely seen the shell enthusiasts walking the beach each morning doing the Sanibel Stoop (hunched over, walking along the beach looking for shells). Ian screwed up my winter. Accessibility | Copyright all rights reserved Site by Exploritech, Inc. Looking at low tide will provide you with the best chance of finding a high number of perfect shells. You might be looking for a quiet spot when you are seeking out the best beaches for shelling on 2. The hour-and-a-half period just before and after low tide What shells you want to find, which beach you walk and where on the beach you are looking all are important. We continue to enjoy this resort as our kids have grown up coming to OR each year of their life. Live sand dollars also leave a yellow tint on your skin from a pigment they excrete called echinochrome. Contact us directly by calling +1.239.472.8443 every day between 8am and 5pm. During a recent vacation on Sanibel Island, Jessica Reyna and her family participated in the popular tradition of shelling along the beach. WebSanibel Island Northern Beach Locals argue this is the best beach to find shells at on this beautiful inhabited island. WebKnown as the Shelling Capital of the World, Sanibel is by far the most popular destination in Florida for shelling.Its unique barrier island terrain allows shells to be washed up ashore throughout the year, where shell lovers do the Sanibel Stoop and discover pastel coquinas, junonia and lightning whelks. Check the tide board at Guest Services which is updated daily. bornwithwheels. Exhibits. Not at all, according to an interview with retired trapperGator Bill Robb for Florida Today. 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You are cordially invited to an Adventure in Paradise where our staff will treat you, your family, and your guests like royalty. My advice: raise your hands, look as big as possible, back up, and once youve made yourself look large if the alligator doesnt retreat, get out as fast as you can in a straight line.". We also offer private charters and activities whether your group is large or small; Island Trolley Tours, Wedding Cruises, and more! His tongue-in-cheek humor is always offered with a smile. Gigantic waves will also push shells to the shore, resulting in heaps of treasures the following day. Ive had a wonderful life on Sanibel, made many friends and exulted in the lifestyle. One thing that Sanibel Island is known for (besides its beaches, of course!) Royal Shell is restoring the cottages as close to their original condition as possible. Some vacation rentals and resorts even provide a tide chart at check-in. Finding a whole sand dollar is the Captiva and Sanibel Island shelling equivalent of winning with a scratch-off lottery ticket. Keep tabs on a moon phase calendar too. If someone is concerned about an alligator, they should call FWCs toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at. Moon Phases: If your trip overlaps a full moon or new moon, youre in luck. You may also be interested in visiting the National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. Another great trip for our family. During the peak summer season, there's something to do on any given day regardless of whether it's a weekday or weekend day, so visitors won't ever need to worry about planning their trip around weekend entertainment. The upper level, which is where I live, was mostly undamaged and I will be able to stay in it in August when I will return to Sanibel for several weeks. WebIn addition to the tides, the recent weather and currents have a significant effect. A Sanibel Island tide chart to keep tabs on low tides can be found here. Patience and faith. They also advise those to seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an alligator. Want to learn how to avoid gators and survive an attack in case of an emergency? Visit. A 37-year-old Sanibel man was cleaning out debris from Hurricane Ian Monday afternoon when he was suddenly attacked by an alligator, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials. I typically spend half the year on Sanibel and the other half in New Jersey. WebThe best time for shelling is 1 hours before low tide until 1 hours after low tide. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWCs toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at866-FWC-GATOR(866-392-4286) to have a contracted nuisance alligator trapper dispatched to resolve the situation. Sanibel Island is such a shelling hub that theres an unofficial phrase for shelling named after Sanibel Island: The Sanibel Stoop. WebServing all of Southwest Florida: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Naples. Ive been a regular on Sanibel since the last century. Beach Stuff on Captiva Island has smaller jars for shells available for purchase. If you see a small creature inside the shell, its considered to be alive. More Myths with Gator BillAlligator myths debunked: Running zigzag won't help you and gators can climb, "If you run back and forth, aka zig-zagging, that will shorten the distance between you and the alligator. Call us at 239-437-1660 to plan your trip and water sports activities today! Sitemap, Look where the sand is wet further away from the coastline where everyone is walking, Bring a decent size shovel and a gardening spade to scoop up the sand. An Hour Before Or After Low Tide A fresh batch of seashells are brought by each high tide. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are home to anything from outdoor, pet-friendly dining to lounges and sports bars. Knowing when to look for seashells is extremely important. His tongue-in-cheek humor is always offered with a smile. You can also look for circular impressions in the sand, just below the waterline. The when and where are extremely important, but other factors come into play, depending on what type of shells youre looking for and how many shells you want to take home.