Basking in the sun, riding the waves, and cruising the waters are all fantastic pastimes, but there's something truly magical about leisurely strolling barefoot along a stunning beach. The paradise coast is home to a breathtaking stretch of shoreline that shell collectors adore for its incredible shelling beaches. Let's take a look at some of the best beaches for shelling, which shells to look for, and tips for beginners.
Barefoot Beach Preserve
As one of the last undeveloped barrier islands along this part of the Florida coast, Barefoot Beach Preserve offers hundreds of acres of unspoiled nature where sea turtles, manatees, and gopher tortoises roam freely.
Here you can find a number of lovely seashells, including cockles, murex, coquinas, and sand dollars.
Clam Pass Beach Park
With a beautiful mangrove forest, a boardwalk, and too many birds to count, Clam Pass Beach Park is one of the most popular beaches in Naples. Keep your eyes open for turkey wings, spotted slippers, wentletraps, and other collectible seashells on this 3,200-foot stretch of white sand beach.
Vanderbilt Beach
In addition to being a great place to collect seashells, handicap-accessible Vanderbilt Beach offers a range of amenities, including showers, restrooms, bike racks, and a concession stand that rents beach gear. Visit at low tide to find keyhole limpets, jingle shells, and calico scallop shells.
Tigertail Beach
Located on Marco Island, Tigertail Beach is lauded by locals as one of the best shelling beaches in Naples. Here beachcombers enjoy a half-mile of clean white beach along with concession stands, picnic tables, barbecue areas, and restrooms.
Tigertail is open from 8 am to sunset every day of the year and is handicap-accessible.
The Most Popular Florida Seashells to Look For
- Calico scallop
- Cerith
- Cockle
- Conch
- Coquinas
- Florida spiny jewel box
- Jingle shells
- Junonia
- Keyhole limpet
- Lightning whelk
- Murex
- Olive shells
- Sand dollars
- Spotted slipper
- Tulip banded shells
- Turkey wings
- Wentletrap
- Worm snail shells
Simple Shelling Tips for Beginners
1. Check the Local Tide Charts
Time your shelling excursion to coincide with the low tide for the best chance of finding an excellent assortment of seashells.
2. Watch for Inhabited Shells
Before you put a pretty shell into your collection bucket or net, make sure nobody is living inside. It's important to respect nature when you are shelling and there are plenty of shells that aren't animal's homes!
3. Protect Yourself From the Florida Sunshine
Gulf waters reflect UV rays in a big way, so remember to use sunscreen on your face, shoulders, arms, and the tops of your bare feet. It’s also generally a good idea to wear clothes that cover your skin if you plan to be out by the water for a long time and a good wide-brimmed hat can help you to protect your face and neck.
Explore Florida’s Natural Beauty at the Mediterra Beach Club
Alongside the gulf coast sits the gorgeous Mediterra Beach Club offering beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico for Mediterra members to enjoy year-round.
This 10,000-square foot Mediterranean-inspired beach villa is a private escape where members can bask in the Florida sun, enjoy fine cuisine, swim in the heated outdoor pool, or explore the white sands of Bonita Beach.
If you are ready to learn more about our private residents-only beach club, two Tom Fazio-designed championship golf courses, top-tier tennis, and other exceptional amenities contact us today.
