Shelling is my favorite activity when walking on the beach. There is nothing like finding a treasure from the ocean as it rolls up on the shore along your path. However, most often, you have to seek out the shells in order to find the best treasures! Here are my tips for shelling that will help you find those prized treasures for your collection.
1. Get your feet wet!
Unless you are the first one out after a high tide, chances are most of the shells in the dry sand have been picked up before you. Getting in the water and walking along the shoreline is the best place to find shells. Particularly in areas where the water is shallow. Florida is particularly good for shelling because on many beaches, you can go out far from the shoreline and still be only waist deep. Be sure to wear water shoes in more shelly beaches.
2. Look for the ledge and wrack line
The changing weather and tides creates ledges along the water’s edge where shells are pushed into the sand. These are often both along the dry sand areas and in the water. Often if you dig into these wedges on the dry land areas, you can find shells that others didn’t even think to look for.
3. Look Closer for the missed shells
Yep, people overlook shells on the high tide line all the time so even after the beach has been crowded and seemingly shelled out, there are often treasures left behind.
Surprisingly, I can walk down the beach behind other shellers, and still find great shells. Some of the smaller shells, those that are half buried, or hidden under seaweed, are often overlooked.
4. Bring a mask or goggles and snorkel
Find the shells before they wash up on shore! Even in knee deep water, I love to put on my mask and just wade along just out from the shoreline where I can see the shells easier and reach them without going too deep. Just be sure they are not inhabited!
5. Bring enough bags
I like to bring a mesh bag for the majority of shells, but it is also important to bring a zip lock for the small shells and for any special finds. Some treasures, such as sand dollars, are fragile and have to be kept seperate or they will break. So having a special bag for these special shells is a good idea.
And pack a few extra bags just in case it’s a good shelling day! I can’t tell you how many times I have walked along a beach and started finding shells and didn’t have a big enough bag. This is particularly important if you are going on a shelling excursion to an island off the coast.
6. Plan to do alot of bending and squating!
In Sanibel Florida they have coined the phrase “Sanibel Stoop” as that is the position you will see most people in as they walk along the shore. You can also bring tools such as a scooper on a pole to pick up shells without the squat.
7. Find secluded areas
Visit quieter, less-trafficked beaches for better chances at unique finds. At more popular beaches, walk further down the beach away from the crowded areas.
8. Head out early in the morning or after a storm
The best shelling in my experience has been the morning after a storm. Be sure to look for the half buried shells as storms typically will push the sand up and over the shells.
9. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t find anything good
Some days on the beach are amazing shelling days and other days there is absolutely nothing. Don’t have high expectations and you won’t be disappointed. Then when you do find some amazing treasures from the sea, you will have reason to celebrate!
10. Respect the environment
It’s important to shell responsibly to protect marine ecosystems. Only take empty shells and leave those with living creatures behind. Avoid removing rare or endangered species. Do not disrupt nesting areas or tide pools.
By following these tips, you’ll maximize your chances of finding beautiful beach treasures and enjoy a memorable day at the shore. Happy shelling!
