Sanibel Island and neighboring Captiva Island provide some of the best shelling in Florida or, for that matter, in the world. These islands are part of a huge plateau that stretches far out into the Gulf of Mexico. Shellfish of all types are attracted to this natural underwater shelf and make it their home. The east to west orientation of the island, rare for a barrier island, means that the shells wash ashore in startling numbers. The “Sanibel Stoop” is the local term for the posture assumed by most visitors to the island’s beaches when they happen upon a particularly lovely shell.
Sanibel Island shelling is more than a pastime for visitors, however. Its part of the local culture and an important, even defining, part of the local ecosystem. Florida shelling is famous for the varieties of shellfish that can be found. On Sanibel Island, however, there are some truly spectacular specimens to be found. Its renown as one of the world’s best locations for shelling has made Sanibel Island the home of the world’s largest museum dedicated to shellfish. Shelling in Florida, in all its glory and diversity, can be explored at the Bailey-Matthews Museum.
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum opened its doors in 1995. The museum contains 34 exhibits on shellfish and constitutes one of the most popular destinations on Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island shelling enthusiasts can visit the museum and see some of the rarer specimens that they may not have the good fortune to stumble upon when exploring the beaches. There is, however, a better than average chance that anyone engaging in Sanibel Island shelling excursions will find some truly remarkable creatures washed up from the sea. Most consider Sanibel to have the best shelling in Florida and it constitutes one of the island’s major tourist draws.
Florida shelling means searching out the best beaches. On both Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, most of the shoreline is occupied by beaches. One can visit just about any sandy strip along the sea and explore to their heart’s delight. Shelling in Florida has long been a draw for tourists but Sanibel Island shelling draws tourists and scientists alike. The wealth of natural beauty on this island is something which the island’s residents work hard to protect. It’s also one of the biggest draws for travelers. Shelling in Florida begins and ends on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island; a fact acknowledged around the world.
