Shelling on the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Bobbi Dempsey
by Bobbi Dempsey
Last updated: 11:30 AM ET, Fri May 13, 2016

PHOTO: You never know what kind of shells you will find on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. (Courtesy The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel)

Anyone who has ever been on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Florida likely is already aware of the lure the region has for those who collect seashells, or even those who just enjoy looking at unusual shells.

The area has developed a sort of fame as a hotspot for shell collecting. Many local residents and frequent visitors are, frankly, somewhat obsessed with seashells and all things related to them. That's not all that surprising, though, when you think about it-with more than 50 miles of publicly accessible coastline, this area is like Mother Nature's treasure trove of seashell bounties.

And if you're staying at The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, check out GullWing Beach Resort as a gateway to the sand and the shells.

You can find pretty much any type of shell or sand dollar you could possibly want to see here, and it doesn't take a lot of effort. You could practically walk out your door at the Pointe Estero Beach Resort and stumble over them! A few of the varieties you can spot while strolling along the beach include calico scallops and rose petal tellins. If you are lucky, you may even stumble upon a rare lion's paw or another elusive species. Many of these shells wash up fully intact, making them the perfect souvenir or a great addition to your collection.

This seashell fascination has also spawned many local activities and events that revolve around this topic. There are clubs where collectors share their passion for seashells, and coordinated events dedicated to helping groups and families go on their quest to search for that remarkable shell all at the same time. If you're staying at the South Seas Island Resort, check with them about some of these amazing shelling adventures and opportunities.

Believe it or not, there is even a special holiday devoted specifically to seashells. National Seashell Day is celebrated on June 20. This is a day when shell collectors can all venture to southwest Florida to make friends with other collectors and search for some amazing finds.


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