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.
What is the rarest shell on Sanibel Island?
Junonia
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.
Where is the best shelling on Sanibel Island?
Turner Beach
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. Whether this will be the start of your collection or furthering your current one, make the trip past all the other astounding beaches.
When can you shell in Sanibel Island?
When is the Best Time to go Shelling? The best time to go shelling is at low tide when the seashells are more exposed, especially at low spring tides (at full and new moons) and after Gulf storms have driven the shells up the Gulf onto our shelling beaches.
How much is a Junonia shell worth?
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!
Is shelling better on 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.
What shells should I look for on Sanibel Island?
The “Sanibel 6” Seashells
- The Lightning Whelk. A favorite of shellers, lightning whelk shells can be found in sand near low tide and in water up to 10 feet deep.
- Lace Murex. These shells are so complex, they are often hard to find.
- Alphabet Cone.
- Florida Fighting Conch.
- Lettered Olive.
- Banded Tulip.
What shells are worth money?
Here’s 6 of the most rare and beautiful.
- Nautilus Shell. The name Nautilus is derived from the Latin word meaning sailor.
- Hundred-Eyed Cowrie Shell. This particular type of Cowrie Shell is a firm favourite for keen seashell collectors.
- Queen Conch Shell.
- Miyoko Murex Seashell.
- Conus Gloriamaris Seashell.
- Venus Comb Murex Shell.
What is the best time 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.
What seashells are worth money?
Where is the best place to find a Junonia shell?
Junonia shells can be found on beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. They are most commonly found in Southwest Florida. The world’s largest Junonia was found in Florida, and today lives in Sanibel! If you’re looking to maximize your shell hunt (and find shells other than Junonias), visit Marco and Sanibel Islands.
Why do shells wash up on Sanibel Island?
The Real Reason Sanibel Has an Abundance of Great Shells It’s because it’s one of the very few islands that run perpendicular to the state of Florida, whereas most islands run the same way as Florida, which causes the ocean currents to have the beaches primarily flushing water downward.
