Sanibel Island, Florida - This island is all about shells

Florida Sanibel Island is the island of shells

If you visit Sanibel Island in Florida, you can't avoid the topic of mussels. The Sanibel Island Florida Beaches are a treasure trove for shell collectors. You can find mussels everywhere: on the beach, in the souvenir shop, in the restaurant and even in the museum. Clams are by Topic on this island on the west coast of Florida. We learned this on our Florida trip in January, to which the tourism authority invited us as travel bloggers As we were checking into our hotel, the lady at the reception explained to us that when we came back from the beach, we should first go to the "shell shed". There we should wash the shells we have collected and clean the sand off them. In fact, the first three ladies we meet in the hotel corridor as we bring our luggage to the room have three bulging plastic bags in their hands - full of shells.

 

 

“That seems to be a popular sport here,” I think to myself. A view that will only be confirmed over the next few days, because they go on every beach we visit Beach walkers bent down along, gazing spellbound on the sand and in the hope of discovering a particularly beautiful shell. This posture even has its own name in Sanibel Florida. It's called the “Sanibel Scoop”. Some - obviously locals - even have buckets with them, and the very savvy even have a digging stick. They follow the tracks that the mussels leave in the sand and dig them up.

 

 

Sanibel Island Shells

Sanibel Island is a paradise for shell collectors. Many species of shells can be found on this island. Here is a list of the most common Sanibel Island shells:

• Junonia: This shell is rare and is valued as a special find.
• Scallop: This mussel species has a characteristic fan shape and is widespread.
• Olives: This smooth, elongated shell is often found on the beach.
• Lightning Whelk: This spiral-shaped shell is easily recognized by its left opening edge.
• Cockle: This heart-shaped mussel is often found in different sizes.
• Tulip: This shell has an elongated shape with spiral-like patterns.

Sanibel Island offers many opportunities for collecting shells. You should come early in the morning to make the best finds. Especially after a storm, there are often new treasures on the beach. You can explore the beaches and find unique shells. But you should know that live shells are protected. This rule prohibits the collection and possession of live shells. You should also find out before you travel whether and which mussels may be imported into Germany.

 

 

You dig up Sanibel Island shells

We used to think that mussels were just lying around on the beach after being washed ashore by the waves. But at the Sanibel Island Shell Museum we learn that this is not the case. On the contrary, the mussels move very slowly through the sand, and many of them bury themselves in the process. They don't make it easy for shell hunters to find them. The joy is even greater when you come across a particularly beautiful specimen. But since it is forbidden to export mussels, we prefer to leave the active mussel search to the Americans.

Instead, we watch them laboriously searching for their treasures. By the way, the best time for this is always shortly after the tide. Then the waves from the south tirelessly wash new, large and beautiful mussels ashore, although only the dead ones can be collected. Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel is therefore not the best for searching for shells. The Sanibel beaches on the south coast are better. If the shells are still alive, you have to leave them on the beach.

Discover more Southwest Florida Beacheshere. Florida's beaches with the clearest water can be found here.

 

 

 

 

Sanibel Island Florida is a mussel paradise

There are shells on Sanibel Island not only on the beach, but also on land. If you drive along the Periwinkle Way, the main street of the island, which is named after a type of shell, you will even pass two souvenir shops that specialize exclusively in the sale of shells. In the shop windows of “She Sells Sea Shells” - (try to pronounce the name. We have been training all week we spent on the island) - from large to tiny shells are all the varieties that are on the beaches of the Island to discover. Here too, however, we are not sure whether we can take these beauties to Germany and resist the temptation to take one of them with us as a souvenir.

If you still don't want to do without Sanibel Island shells as a souvenir of the island, you can always use shell-shaped decorations, and the shopping centers on Periwinkle Way are full of them. They are also tasteful, so this can certainly be an attractive alternative to the real ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about the mussels of Sanibel Island Florida

A visit to Sanibel Island is incomplete without exploring the shells that the sea washes up on the beaches. There are many options for where and how you can do this. Check them out on your morning walk on the beach. Then you have a chance to see really big ones. Visit the Shell Museum. There you can find out more about this phenomenon. Look for souvenirs in the souvenir shops that will remind you of Shell Island. But beware! You are not allowed to import real mussels into Germany.

And finally ...

Sanibel Island is a hotspot for shell collectors. The island's beaches are known for their variety of shells, which are washed ashore every day. The "Sanibel Stoop" is particularly interesting - the typical position in which you often find yourself on the beach in order to make the best finds. You will discover the best shells early in the morning or after a storm, when the sea reveals new treasures. When collecting, you should make sure to only take empty shells with you in order to protect the living marine world. Also pay attention to whether you are allowed to import these shells into Germany.

 

 

questions

How do I find the best shelling beaches on Sanibel Island?

The best time to look for mussels on the beach is early in the morning or after a storm, when the waves will have washed up fresh mussels.

What equipment do I need to collect mussels?

A mesh bag and a small bucket are sufficient. A digging stick can help find shells in the sand.

Can I take mussels from Sanibel Island to Germany?

No, live mussels are protected and the export of mussels is strictly regulated.

When is the best time of year to collect shells on Sanibel Island?

Winter, especially January to March, is ideal. The beaches are less crowded then.

Are there guided shell collecting tours on Sanibel Island?

Yes, some local operators offer guided shell collecting tours where you can learn more about the different species.

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Do you know this?

• Sanibel Island Restaurant where the locals eat - Island Cow
• Figures of shells made in New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island Oysters, Clams & Quahogs
• The best breakfast in the world?
• Captiva Island Florida - charming island on the west coast
• Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers
• Good pizza and pasta at the Italian in Victoria
• Blue Ridge Mountains

 

Source Sanibel Island Florida: On-site research supported by travel through The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. However, our opinions remain our own.

Text Sanibel Island Florida Beaches: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and Travel World Online
Photo Sanibel Island Florida: © Copyright by Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video Sanibel Island Florida: © Copyright by Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline

Updated on 27.08.2024