Sanibel Island Vacation | Shelling on Your Sanibel Island Vacation

Sanibel and Captive Islands are notably among the best in the world for shelling due to the abundance and variety of shells that are always available on both islands. The Islands are actually made out of shells. Shells that are fully intact are frequently found all over the islands. The reason shells are so plentiful is over the course of thousands of years, Mother Nature and her tidal currents have created a natural scoop stretching out into the Gulf of Mexico entrapping seashells imported from the Caribbean and other southern seas. An abundance of both varieties are available on the islands.

Gastropods and Bivalves are the two major varieties of seashells. Soft-tissued animals called mollusks occupy them and grow within the shell creating the variety of sizes within each type. The Gastropod is singled shelled and includes species such as conchs and whelks. Bivalves, are two-hinged shells such as clams, cockles and scallops. The mollusks that occupy these shells build their shells by secreting a liquid that hardens around them. Before the liquid hardens, special glands in the mollusk create color pigments in the liquid producing the striking variety of color within the shell as it hardens. This process re-occurs as the animal grows.

People come from all over the world to shell on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. They parade along the shores doubled over with buckets and shovels in hand in a stance dubbed as the Sanibel Stoop. One of our favorite places to shell on the Islands is the pass that divides Sanibel from Captiva on Sanibel-Captiva Road. Located on both the Sanibel and Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, this beach is popular with both shellers and fishermen. It’s a beautiful pass with strong currents so shells are always plentiful. Caution is the order of the day though, especially with little ones, as signs posted warn against swimming because of the swift currents that flow through the pass.

There are a variety of resources available on the islands regarding shelling and where to go, but we have found that the best resources are the locals that live on the islands. They can direct you to small out of the way, lesser known areas that offer peace and serenity for those seeking tranquility and serenity.

As you plan your Sanibel Island vacation, be sure to include your pail and shovel, beach shoes and suntan lotion, to find some of the most beautiful shells in the world. And remember, shells that are still occupied by the amazing creatures that dwell within are strictly off limits.