children's activities sanibel, family friendly captiva, Sanibel Island, Vacation Rental
Shelling in Sanibel, Florida
"The Sanibel Stoop is famous for all of the people on the beach stooping over while looking for shells. beach."
What’s a Florida vacation without collecting seashells?
Shelling is such a popular activity in Sanibel, Florida, locals even have a name for it. They call it the Sanibel Stoop — stooping over while looking for shells that have washed up on the beach.
One of the most popular shells to find is a Coquinas because no two are the same.
But if you’re looking for something a little more hard to find, the best time to search the beaches is after a storm. Waves crashing into shore bring in more shells. Low tides are good, too.
When visiting Sea Oats, a must stop is the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum in Sanibel to learn all about the shells you’ve seen on the area’s beautiful beaches. While the museum has a special focus on shells that are common in the Gulf Coast, shells from all over the world are featured as well.
You probably know seashells act as protection for organisms known as mollusks living under water, but the museum features exhibitions that show the role seashells have played in culture in addition to the scientific information behind them. For example, it was very common for native Americans to use shells as currency.
Marine bioligists at the museum explain why Sanibel beaches are among the best in the world for shelling. It all has to do with unique features of each beach.
Beach walks, presentations and “naturalist cruises” are featured daily at the museum.
For more information about vacationing in the perfect shelling destination please contact us.