Sanibel Island – A Shelling Paradise in Florida
Located near Fort Myers on the Gulf of Mexico, Sanibel Island is often hailed as the best shelling spot in North America. According to Gabe Saglie, senior editor at Travelzoo, the island's unique east-west topography makes it an ideal place for a variety of shells to wash ashore. There are over 400 different types of shells that can be found daily, including horse conches, jingle shells, giant cockles, and calico scallops. The Junonia shell is particularly favored by locals.
In addition to its excellent shelling opportunities, Sanibel Island is home to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, the only museum in the United States dedicated entirely to shells. This attraction is a must-see for anyone interested in the fascinating world of marine life.
Shell Beach – St. Barts, Caribbean
Shell Beach in Gustavia, St. Barts, lives up to its name with an impressive collection of shells that cover the beach several inches deep. Sveva Marcangeli, founder of Svadore, notes that it’s nearly impossible to walk this beach without stepping on shells. This unique location offers a stunning display of natural beauty and is a popular spot for visitors looking to collect seashells.
Shell Beach – Australia
Another remarkable location named Shell Beach is found in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia. From a distance, the beach appears to be covered in pure white sand, but upon closer inspection, it is actually blanketed by billions of tiny white cockle shells. In some areas, these shells can be up to 10 meters deep, creating a surreal landscape that is both beautiful and unusual.
Tybee Island – Georgia
Tybee Island, located just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, is a 5-mile-long beach perfect for beachcombers. Visitors can find a variety of seashells, including whelk, olive, and moon snail in a wide array of colors. The changing tides mean that the best spots for finding shells can vary, but calm parts of the beach often yield more fragile shells like duck clams, pen shells, razor clams, and angel wings.
Playa de Punta Umbria – Spain
In the Andalusia region of Southern Spain, Punta Umbria boasts beaches with an incredible variety of shells. Carlos Quintero, founder of Andalusia Lifestyles, mentions that low tides often leave behind an amazing array of shells, ranging from large clams to various sizes, colors, and shapes. Sometimes, the beach looks like a massive carpet of shells, making it a spectacular sight.
San Blas Islands – Panama
The San Blas Islands, an archipelago on the Caribbean shore of Panama, are known for their beautiful remote beaches and abundant shells. Jorge Bastos, co-founder of Travel Drafts, highlights that the coral reefs just off the beaches make it possible to search for shells at any time. One of the most impressive finds is the sand dollar, which has a leaf-like imprint that seems almost manmade.
Kite Beach – Dubai
Kite Beach in Dubai, known for kite surfing, also offers great opportunities for finding seashells. Christabel Lobo, a freelance writer and designer from Dubai, says that even during the afternoon, she easily found shells. The beach also provides a stunning view of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.
Cameron Parish – Louisiana
Cameron Parish in Louisiana may not be the first place people think of when they imagine beaches, but the western side of the state offers surprising shelling opportunities. Anne Klenke, vice president of destination development and community engagement at Visit Charles Lake, recommends traveling the Creole Nature Trail, which offers 26 miles of natural beaches. These beaches are perfect for finding a variety of shells, including whelks, cockles, and periwinkles.
New Smyrna Beach – Florida
New Smyrna Beach, just south of Daytona, is another prime location for shelling. Rhonda Weaver, founder of Roaming Red Feather, describes the beach as a true treasure hunt with thousands of unique shells. However, visitors should be cautious, as this area is also known as the shark attack capital of the world.
Cape Lookout National Seashore – North Carolina
Cape Lookout National Seashore, accessible only by boat, is a 56-mile stretch of undeveloped beaches that attract shell lovers. Knobbed whelks, bay scallops, and other types of shells can be found washed up on these shores. Visiting early in the morning or after a storm increases the chances of finding a good number of shells.
Praia dos Aveiros – Portugal
Praia dos Aveiros, located in Albufeira, Algarve, is known for its fine golden sand and cliffs. Gareth Edmondson-Jones, a consultant at Breeze Airways, notes that the beach is awash with numerous snails, clams, and other shells, especially when the waves are rolling in.
Keewaydin Island – Florida
Keewaydin Island in Naples, Florida, is mostly uninhabited and offers a pristine beach experience. Charles McCool, a travel happiness advocate, suggests visiting on a weekday morning via a private boat shuttle or eco-tour to enjoy the beach alone. He found dozens of intact sand dollars there.
Low Bay – Barbuda
Low Bay in Barbuda is famous for its pink sand, which is caused by tiny pink, iridescent shells. When the waves retreat, the sound of these shells creates a "tikka tikka" effect. This unique beach is a must-visit for those who love vibrant landscapes.
Jeffrey’s Bay – South Africa
Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa is a treasure trove of shells, with some claiming that winter is the best time to find them. The Jeffrey’s Bay Shell Museum houses over 600 species from around the world, and the annual Shell Festival is a highlight for shell enthusiasts.
Somerset Creek Beach – Bahamas
Somerset Creek Beach on Andros Island in the Bahamas is known for millions of tiny pastel-colored shells, sand dollars, and conchs. The greatest abundance is found after a large storm, and the island is also home to the world's largest collection of blue holes, one of the most stunning deep-sea sights.
About the Experts
Gabe Saglie, senior editor at Travelzoo, is a seasoned globetrotter featured on CNN and Fox News. Sveva Marcangeli, founder of Svadore, shares insider tips and offbeat travel guides. Carlos Quintero founded Andalusia Lifestyles and now teaches Spanish at the University of Arizona. Jorge Bastos co-founded Travel Drafts and creates destination guides. Christabel Lobo, a freelance writer and illustrator, has contributed to outlets like Taste of Home and Business Insider. Anne Klenke specializes in tourism strategy and community engagement. Rhonda Weaver designs and shares unique travel experiences. Gareth Edmondson-Jones is a corporate communications consultant with over 30 years of airline experience. Charles McCool founded McCool Travel, helping travelers save time and money since 1999.
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily, and affordably. Our content is backed by experienced writers and experts, ensuring accuracy and reliability. For this piece on beaches with the best shells, Jill Schildhouse drew on her extensive experience as a travel writer. Learn more about our team, contributors, and editorial policies.
