Where’s the Best Place to Go Shelling in Sanibel?

Shelling is an activity everyone can get on board with. It doesn’t require a lot of skill, though some tips and tricks will help you get ahead of the game. It’s also a game you don’t win or lose. You find what you can and you savor the best of your small natural treasures.

Shelling is a blast for all ages. It isn’t hard. Simply walk down from one of the Sanibel condos and over to the beach to see!

You can find some excellent shelling spots around our Sanibel Island properties for sale. Explore the beaches, pick out some good points, and see what you can find.

But there is definitely one place to look above all others. If you want to find some of the most majestic and intact shells possible, there is only one place to go.

Bowman’s Beach, a Shelling Paradise

One look at the shoreline of Bowman’s Beach and dedicated shell-seekers might be immediately exasperated by the possibilities. Bowman’s Beach is not just a great place to find shells- it is the place.

Bowman’s Beach collects shell treasures of all shapes and sizes. It is a potpourri of shells gathering from the Gulf of Mexico. The area is entrenched in shells from the Gulf and Caribbean. It may have a lot to do with its location and the flow of the water. You can walk along its entire length and find piles upon piles of shells collecting a few feet up off the water and by the grass. It is an inexhaustible reserve of large shells, many of them intact.

There are lots of classic collecting on Bowman’s Beach. You can find large white scallop shells in large numbers. There are also many golden brown lightning whelks. These are the spiral-shaped shells. Cockles, Murexes, Olives, and Tulips help round out the bunch of standard yet beautiful shells you are bound to see as you scour the shoreline.

When and Where to Look

We recommend going to Bowman’s Beach during the low tide. You can find the most shells right where the water vanishes for a few hours. The spring low tide brings out the most astonishing shells, so consider buying Captiva Island real estate for spring seasons. This has a little to do with mating, as many creatures seek new homes.

Interestingly, you don’t have to visit the beach during low tide for some amazing finds. There is a steady collection of shells up near the beach’s entrance. Don’t be afraid to dig a bit to find some truly magnificent shells. You definitely want to bring a small trowel and a carrying bag. The bag should have small holes so you can sift out sand and dirt. Be wary of a common little friend you may find buried up in the shells- the crab!

What is Bowman’s Beach Like?

Aside from the shells, what can you expect?

There is a lot to love about this beachside haven because it manages to perfectly balance the unspoiled with the accessible. There are some facilities, but they aren’t massive. There is a play area, but it is small and discreet.

The beach is the perfect size for families. It does attract quite a crowd, but it is something you may want. Children play together in groups and you have a chance to socialize with others. But the crowds are rarely so big that you would have a hard time getting a little peace and quiet.

You can find some convenient amenities. A changing area is a nice addition for families with young kids. There are showers, drinking fountains, a drinking fill-up area, BBQ grills, and picnic tables. You can lay out all your shell discoveries to organize and scan through them.

Other Things to Know

While Bowman’s Beach does have a parking lot, it requires paid entrance. The beach is also a modest walk from the parking lot, so you should be aware of any special accommodations needed.