 The Sanibel "Stoop"
Sanibel
and Captiva have earned their reputation as the Shell
Islands honestly. They are actually made out of shells, like
some magnificent work of shell art created over thousands of
years. When islanders dig gardens in their backyards, they
find conchs, whelks, scallops and clam shells often
perfectly intact.
The best
shelling, of course, is found on the beaches of Sanibel and
Captiva Islands. The islands rank tops in the world for
their shelling because of geography. Sanibel does the twist
as it parades along the coastline among a string of other
more orderly, straight-and-narrow islands. The east-west
torque of Sanibel's south end acts like a shovel scooping up
all the sea shells that the Gulf imports from Caribbean and
other southern seas. The abundance and variety of shells
have made Sanibel and Captiva Islands shell -obsessed.
People come from all over the world, drawn by the song of
the seashell. They parade along the sands doubled over in a
stance that's been dubbed the Sanibel Stoop. Every March,
they gather to compare and appreciate shell collections and
shell art at the annual Sanibel Shell Fair & Show.
Throughout the year, shell shops sell seashells by the
seashore (and by the thousands). Shells are the dominant
motif in island decor and boutique gifts. You'll find
everything from finely crafted "shell igrams" to lucite
toilet seats with seashells lacquered in. (No home should be
without one!)
Where to Shell
All of the
Gulf-side shelling beaches from the Lighthouse to North
Captiva
When to Shell
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 to Shell
Bring
bucket or net bag and scoop. Wear shoes and shuffle to
expose partially hidden mollusks and to scare away rays.
Stingrays are easily frightened and rarely sting "shellers"
if they follow the simple "shuffle rule."
What to Expect
Shells of
many types and sizes are found on our shelling beaches. As a
general rule the smaller seashells are found on the
Lighthouse end of the island chain and the larger ones
nearer Captiva and North Captiva. Conch, Junonia, Lightning
Whelk, Cockle, Scallops, Murex, Tulip, Olive, Coquina, are
among the species you may expect to find.
Shelling Tips
It is
illegal to take live shells on Sanibel and Captiva. Respect
the privacy of non-public shelling beaches. Use your scoop
to dredge deeper sections and drop-offs.
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