One of the best places in the entire world to collect seashells is located right here in the United States down in Florida on Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island can be found off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers.
Sanibel Island is about 12 miles long and only 3 miles wide. You may want to first stop at the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center if you have never visited this Florida island before. They can hook you up with everything you need to know regarding places to dine, shop, hunt for shells, relax on the beach, and more.
Arriving at Sanibel:
Even though it is an island, Sanibel Island can be accessed with your Fort Lauderdale car rental. You will cross over the Sanibel Causeway, and the cost is $6 per car. If you head to the west, you’ll find the island’s shopping and dining district. If you head to the east, you’ll pass by a quieter commercial section before ending up at the Sanibel Lighthouse and its beach.
Let’s learn a bit about where to look for seashells now! You’ll want to check out the east-west torque of Sanibel’s south end. This end acts like a shovel by scooping up all the seashells the Gulf imports from both the Caribbean and other southern seas.
People come from all over the world to hunt shells here at Sanibel Island. And each March there is even a shell collectors get together as the Sanibel Shell Fair and Art show comes to town. You’ll find many shells that have been made into island decorations and boutique gifts you can take home with you.
You’ll want to shell at low tide when the seashells are more out in the open, especially at low spring tides (full and new moons) and after storms have brought in an abundance of shells to the shore. Shells you will discover include conch, sand dollars, junonia, lightning whelk, cockle, scallops, murex, tulip, olive, conquina, and more!
Besides shelling you can enjoy boating, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, bird watching, riding bicycles, taking a nature or historical tour, golfing, miniature golfing, tennis, and more! Feel free to visit just for the day in your Fort Lauderdale cheap car rental or stay several nights. For those of you looking to spend the night, there are a variety of places to stay in including resorts, small inns, cottages, or private homes that are rented out.
Enjoy your island getaway to Sanibel Island. And for more ideas on places to visit around the Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers area, please shoot us a message.
