7 Best Shelling Beaches in Florida

By VacationIdea Staff on June 6, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of captiva - Fotolia.com

Shelling is one of the oldest and most relaxing beach activities, enjoyed all around the world. People of all ages and backgrounds can spend hours walking up and down the coast, listening to the waves crashing down, feeling the warmth of the sun on their skin, and keeping their eyes low to the ground, looking for the next perfect shell to add to their collection.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Sanibel Island

This is unquestionably the number one shelling spot in all of Florida. Ask any Floridian resident for the best beach to do some shelling, and they'll immediately tell you to take a trip to Sanibel. Located on the Gulf Coast near Fort Myers, Sanibel is a little island that can be reached by a causeway and is well-known for its wildlife and lighthouse, along with its soft, welcoming beaches. Hundreds of different types of shells have been found at Sanibel over the years, with the gentle waters just off the coast providing the perfect conditions to keep the shells as shiny and damage-free as possible.

2.Captiva Island

Just north of Sanibel Island sits the long, slender island of Captiva. Captiva and Sanibel were once the same island but got split up in the 1920s after a bad hurricane hit the area. Now, Captiva Island is one of the top shelling destinations in Florida, with countless shells being washed up on the sands all around this island throughout the year. The best time to look for shells at Captiva Island is after a storm.

3.Marco Island

Just a little drive away from the beautiful coastal city of Naples, Marco Island offers some super shelling opportunities in the Sunshine State. One of the best beaches for shell collecting on this little island is Tigertail, which is situated on the northern part of Marco Island and also features several amenities and even a play area for children.

4.Cayo Costa

If you're looking to do some shelling in Florida, Cayo Costa is a must-visit location, but you'll need to be prepared as it's not actually possible to get to this beach by foot or car. Cayo Costa, located near Captiva and Sanibel, is only accessible by car but is one of the most pristine spots in all of Florida and is consistently filled with gorgeous, untouched shells just waiting to be plucked from the sand. Due to the difficult accessibility of this location, it never gets too crowded, so you can have the place to yourself if you choose the right times.

5.Venice Beach

Not far from the city of Sarasota, Venice Beach is a very unique shelling spot. Why? Well, this beach is actually one of the best places in all of Florida to search for fossilized shark teeth. Plenty of pretty, colorful shells can also be found at this location, which offers gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico. Try looking near the pier for the best shelling results.

6.Jupiter Island

If you're looking to do some shelling on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, Jupiter Island is a great place to be. Not far from West Palm Beach, Jupiter comes with an entry fee that goes towards the conservation of this beautiful beach. More than 200 different kinds of shells have been found on this beach.

7.Naples Beach

Naples beach is best known as a gathering spot for locals and residents to surf, sunbathe, and watch the sunset, but it's not a bad spot for shelling either. The fishing pier is a good spot to look for shells, and you can find some real gems at low tide.

8.More Info

In the United States, some of the best shelling spots of all can be found in Florida. The Sunshine State is known all around the world for its warm weather and beautiful beaches, many of which are filled with all sorts of treasures just waiting to be discovered. The tide brings in dozens of different shells, many of which are perfectly pristine and can serve as super decorations for the home or simple souvenirs, as well as being used in dozens of different craft projects.

Shelling is a big part of Florida culture. There are even shell museums, shelling tours, and shell shops selling shells of all kinds. But there's nothing better for a shelling enthusiast than simply visiting a beach and finding their own specimens. There are countless beaches along the long coastline of the Sunshine State, and some are much better for shelling than others. Here are some details on the top places to go shelling in Florida.

7 Best Shelling Beaches in Florida

Sanibel Island, Photo: bettys4240/stock.adobe.com
Captiva Island, Photo: Thomas/stock.adobe.com
Marco Island, Photo: Kjersti/stock.adobe.com
Cayo Costa, Photo: elvirkin/stock.adobe.com
Venice Beach, Photo: fannyes/stock.adobe.com
Jupiter Island, Photo: iofoto/stock.adobe.com
Naples Beach, Photo: etemwanich/stock.adobe.com
More Info, Photo: SailingAway/stock.adobe.com
Cover Photo: Courtesy of captiva - Fotolia.com

More Ideas in Florida: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

At the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, guests have everything they need to have a relaxing, intimate and adventurous private beach getaway. From water sports and white sandy beaches to luxurious spa packages and poolside cocktails, guests who choose to lodge at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort can have the customized tropical beach vacation of their dreams.

Gulf Front View – The maximum capacity of the Gulf Front View room is two people. Guests can choose between a room with a king-size bed and a room with two queen-size beds. Each room is complete with a private balcony to take in the warm Gulf scenery, waters and breeze each morning. Guests can also take a hot, steamy shower after a long day at the beach in their high-end marble bathroom. Pearly white bedding and light curtains and wall paint add to the relaxation and tranquil setting of this room.

Pool & Gulf View and Partial Pool & Gulf View – For the Pool/Partial Pool & Gulf View rooms, guests can choose between having a room with one king-size bed or two queen-size beds. Just as the name implies, guests can observe the pristine, resort pool and Gulf from the comfort of their private 75sf balcony. This room is 402sf with windows that are soundproof and can be opened. These rooms are air-conditioned, non-smoking and are also available as connecting rooms. The Pool/Partial Pool & Gulf View rooms are not mobility accessible. The maximum capacity of these rooms is four people.

Tropical View – These guest rooms are available with one king-size bed or two queen-size beds. It is 402sf with a private 75sf balcony. The Tropical View Room is air-conditioned, with soundproof windows that open, a nighttime turndown service and newspaper delivery (upon guest’s request). This room is mobility accessible, with unique accommodations including a roll-in shower. It is also hearing accessible, complete with notification devices and visual alarms.

Non-Water View – These rooms are 402sf and are available to guests with one king-size bed or two queen-size beds. They are also air-conditioned, non-smoking and with windows that are soundproof and can be opened. Connecting rooms for Non-Water View are available for select rooms. The total outdoor balcony space is 75sf, with a specialty turndown service in the evening and a newspaper delivery upon guest’s request. The JW Marriott also offers mobility accessible and hearing accessibly Non-Water View rooms.

Corner Sunset Suite – The Corner Sunset Suite is a modern, bright suite with a more spacious layout for guests who prefer an ampler seating or living area. This suite is 410sf, air-conditioned and non-smoking. Windows can be opened to let in the sweet Atlantic breeze at dawn or dusk. There is a turndown hospitality service for guests as well as newspaper delivery service upon request. The Corner Sunset Suite is not offered as mobility or hearing accessible.

Terrace Suite – The Terrace Suite has one king-size bed with a private balcony, terrace, and patio. This spacious suite is 800sf, with a separate living room, dining room and bedroom for guests’ to feel right at home. Connecting rooms are available. The Suite is air-conditioned and non-smoking. This Suite offers its guests a turndown hospitality service and newspaper delivery upon request. The Terrace Suite is available as mobility and hearing accessible.

Lanai – The Lanai Suite is available with a king-size bed or two queen-size beds. It is 800sf with an outdoor lanai space. This Suite is air-conditioned, non-smoking and is available with connecting rooms. The living room, dining room and bedroom are all separated. Newspaper delivery is available to guests upon request. The JW Marriott offers mobility and hearing accessible Lanai Suites.

There are a number of amenities and accommodations available to guests who choose to lodge in any of the luxurious rooms and suites at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. It is important to note that not all amenities are offered in every single room or suite. Some of these amenities include:

-Rollaway beds

-Cribs permitted

-Marble bath features

-Hair dryer

-Sofa sleeper

-Alarm clock

-Chair

-In-room safe

-Writing desk with electrical outlet

-Iron and ironing board

-24-hour room service

-Coffee maker

-Tea service

-Wet bar

-Mini-refrigerator

-Phone with voicemail

-High-speed Internet (fee)

-Premium movie options

-CNN, HBO and ESPN

-Satellite/Cable

Dining

Dining options available at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort include a 24-hour room service option. There is also a convenience/sundry store onsite. Guests can take advantage of the buffet, continental and full American breakfast options, provided to guests for a fee.

Spa by JW

There are many spa treatments and service offered to guests at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. Professional, expert staff work hard to ensure each spa guest leaves the spa feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, and renewed. Some of the amenities, treatments and services available at the JW Spa include:

-Therapy Baths

-Waxing

-Massages

-Steam Room

-Plunge Pools

-Paraffin hand treatments

-Fitness classes

-Manicures and pedicures

-Body wrap

-Facials

-Body scrub

Golf

Golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the two, private world-class golf courses available to golfers in this sunny, mesmerizing Florida location. The Rookery and Hammock Bay can keep guests golfing all day amongst its beautifully manicured 36 holes. These championship golf courses include a Club House and Club House Restaurant for guests to cool down and socialize in. There is also a driving range, putting green, rentals and lessons available to golfers. Kids golf for free at The Rookery and Hammock Bay making it an ideal location for families.

Fitness

Aside from swimming in the mesmerizing Gulf waters, guests at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort can also take a dip in Quinn’s Outdoor Pool and the Tiki Fantasy Pool. Towels are provided at both pools. In addition, both outdoor pools are heated. Guests who want a more soothing pool experience can relax in the whirlpool.

400 South Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, Florida 34145, Phone: 239-394-2511

Back to: Florida resorts

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