How many shells can you take from Sanibel Island?

As a result, the MFC passed a special Sanibel Shelling Rule (MFC Rule Chapter 46-26) restricting live shell collection to two specimens of any one species per person per day. This rule also required all non-residents to possess a State saltwater products fishing license, a little known and often ignored regulation.

Can you keep the shells you find on Sanibel Island?

Because seashells are important to the islands' chain of life, and because Sanibel and Captiva are refuge islands where all life is considered precious, the State of Florida has outlawed the collecting of live shells on the island.

Is it legal to pick up shells in Florida?

Collecting seashells is generally allowed on public beaches and shoreline areas in Florida, as long as the shells have no living creatures within them. The same shelling rules apply to starfish, sand dollars and sea urchins in many areas: If the creature is alive, leave it alone.

How do you get rare shells on Sanibel Island?

The rarest shell is the Junonia, also known as the Scaphella junonia. The great news is you can find it here on Sanibel Island. They are hard to find though. They are typically found a foot beneath the sand, closer to dunes.

What is the best month for shelling on Sanibel Island?

Although January, February and March are some of the best months to go shelling on Sanibel and Captiva, Stefanie Wolf, a marine biologist at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, said that because of the high winds the islands have been experiencing this spring, now is an opportune time to go shelling.

Looking for sea shells after a storm. Sanibel Island low-tide, post storm shelling.

How much is a Junonia shell worth?

They're highly sought-after for their beauty and rarity. People who may not be able to visit Sanibel or Marco Island may still want to own one. Smaller Junonia shells, measuring three inches or smaller, could sell for $30 to $40. Larger shells, measuring four inches or more, could go for $80 to $100!

Which shell is the most popular on Sanibel Island *?

The fighting conch is one of the most common shells on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and you can recognize it by looking out for the brilliant orange color. Also lookout for the lightning whelk, which can grow up to 16 inches long and lays its eggs in papery egg case streamers that you might also see onshore.

What happened to all the shells on Sanibel Island?

In the late 20th-century, locals started worrying that out-of-towners were pillaging too many shells. As a conservation measure, Sanibel banned the collection of any shells with their original mollusks living inside, as well as any sand dollars, starfish and sea urchins.

Where on Sanibel Island is best shelling?

Turner Beach is the best shelling beach on Sanibel and the Captiva islands. Its low amount of tourists and rare variety of seashells makes it a paradise for all shellers.

What is the rarest shell to find?

The Conus Gloriamaris or 'Glory of the Sea Cone' as it is more commonly known, is one of the most expensive and rarest seashells in the world.

How many shells can you take from the beach?

For example, Batemans Marine Park in NSW requires shell collectors to obtain a permit if they wish to collect more than 10 kg of shells and/or shell grit. Others impose a recreational “bag limit” of anywhere between five and 50 shells per day.

Can you take sand dollars from Sanibel Island?

You may collect sand dollars but first check to make sure that the sand dollar is not alive - turn it over - there are little centipede feet up and down the backside - gently touch them with your finger to see if they move, if they do it's alive and you should gently place it back into the water.

Can you take sand dollars from Sanibel?

We often find sand dollars on our beaches, and their beautiful skeletons make a great souvenir, but it's illegal to collect them when they are alive.

Why does Sanibel Island get so many shells?

A Unique Geography. The reason why Sanibel Island and Captiva Island beaches in particular are filled with shells is because both are barrier islands that are part of a large plateau in the Gulf of Mexico. A ground level swell pushes shells to this natural “shelf” and on to its beaches largely in tact.

Is it illegal to take a live sand dollar in Florida?

It is important to know that if you pick up a shell with a live animal in it, or a sand dollar, starfish or other sealife that is alive, you need to put it back. Taking live creatures from their habitat on a Florida beach is illegal and can result in hefty fines.

Is it OK to take shells from the beach?

In a study more than 30 years in the making, researchers have found that the removal of shells from beaches could damage ecosystems and endanger organisms that rely on shells for their survival.

What time of day is best to find seashells?

The best time, in general, is at low tide especially when the tides are low early in the morning. Finding seashells is often a matter of being on the beach at the right time. It is especially good after strong winds or storms. Low spring tides during full moon or new moon periods can be even better than usual.

Which is better for shelling Sanibel or Captiva?

Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Don't take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, it's just that Sanibel is truly the best there is.

Where are sand dollars on Sanibel Island?

Where you specifically want to go are the two best beaches on Sanibel Island for sand dollar hunting, and that is Bowman's Beach and Tarpon Bay Beach. The best places on the beaches are of course the shallows, specifically at low tide, and after a storm.

What beach in Florida has the most seashells?

Of all the Florida beaches, Sanibel Island may have the most widespread reputation for shelling. That's both a pro and a con. The reputation is well-earned, and there are always plenty of shells to be found on Sanibel Island.

What is the best beach in Florida to find seashells?

Sanibel Island is a Florida island located near Fort Meyers. This island is known for having some of the best beaches in Florida for shelling due to its geography. Every year, Sanibel makes the list of the best shelling beaches in Florida.

What beach has the most seashells?

Sanibel Island, Florida

There are lots of beaches in Florida for shelling, but perhaps none with as many shells as Sanibel Island. Known as the Shell Capital of the World, this barrier island west of Fort Myers runs from east to west and attracts many shells to wash up on its shores.

Why are Junonia shells so rare?

The types of shells that can be readily found on the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva come from animals that live close to shore. The Junonia sea snail lives miles offshore, in water between 30 and 130 meters deep! So it's very rare for the waves to roll them all the way to the beach without being damaged.

What is the Sanibel six?

Fort Myers is a sheller's paradise. In fact, the area has been named the #1 place for shelling (searching for and collecting seashells) in North America! The gentle surf in Southwest Florida washes thousands of shells onto the shore every day, many of them in pristine condition.

Where can I find sand dollars in Florida?

The beaches along the emerald coast of Florida have 2 sandbars – referred to as the 1st Sandbar and 2nd Sandbar. A great way to find live sand dollars is to swim out to the second sandbar with a paddleboard or raft. The second sandbar is located roughly 500 feet from the shore.