TAMMY BOTZON

I read in a previous post that Sanabel Island is a great place to find sea shells. Does anyone know where we go (what beach) and the best time of day?
Also, how far away is it from Orlando where we will be staying?
Thank you!

Les

Tammy,
There are no more shells! My wife got them all. Damn!

Larry

When you get there, ask the locals. It should be on the gulf side and best 'hunting' at low tide. Enjoy

BeenThere

Sanibel is a longish-shaped island. At the southern tip (gulf-side) there is a park (state, maybe -- I don't think it's national) which includes the beach.

I had read that Sanibel is the best place in the U.S. for shelling, and i wouldn't disagree. Find out when low tide is in the morning (I asked at our hotel) and plan to arrive BEFORE then -- it does get crowded!

Bring something to put your shells in, net laundry bags work well because you can drag them in the water. We found shells that I'd previously only seen for sale in souvenir shops on other vacations! Have fun.

Nan

The shells are everywhere on the gulf side. Best time is early in the morning or when the tide is low. A little secret, walk out to about shoulder deep and you can feel the good shells with your feet. But dont keep the live ones and watch out for sting rays. We got the most beautiful shells that way and shared them with others on the beach

Cheryl

On the Captiva side of the Sanibel/Captiva bridge, right next to the stone breakwall. There is a small public parking lot and bathrooms. The shells wash up by the hundreds at high tide. Wear beach shoes because the broken shells are sharp! The surf is very rough there, so I don't recommend entering the water. However, there is a small inlet there, and during low tide you can walk across to the beach on the Sanibel side. Have fun!