Although you may find some great little treasures on Fort Myers Beach, for the best shelling, we recommend taking a day trip to the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.
Sanibel Island and Captiva Island have been referred to as the “Shell Islands” because they are actually made out of shells.
This phenomenon was created over thousands of years, due to the unique geography of the islands. Sanibel Island winds and twists along the coastline, among a string of lined islands. The east-west torque of the south end of the island sort of acts as a “shovel” for the shells that come in from the Gulf, Caribbean, and other southern seas.
- Conchs
- Whelks
- Scallops
- Clam shells
- Coquinas
- …and the rare Junonias (one of the most prized shells!)
Often, these shells can be found perfectly intact!
If you’ve had your fill of searching the beaches for shells, but still want to bring home some “shelly” souvenirs, you may want to consider a visit to the “Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum” at some point during your trip. This museum features over 30 exhibits of shells from around the world! They also have activities such as a learning lab, with a hands-on display area for children, games, and a tank with indigenous mollusks.
The mission of the Shell Museum is more than just to show off the beautiful shells of Southwest Florida. It is also to educate about a further awareness of nature and promote collection-based research on shells and mollusks in Southwest FL. They focus on art and history, as well as shell habitat.
Ready to do some treasure hunting? Browse Ft Myers Beach vacation rentals online, or call us at 1-888-BEACH-IT, and we’ll find you the perfect beach condo, villa, or island house that will give you access to the most beautiful shells you’ve ever seen!
