Sanibel Island Shells

Sanibel Island, Florida is my favorite getaway location. It is also one of the top shelling beaches in the world. Many common shells can be found in just a few minutes time. Hard to find or color variables of the more common shells are the reward for doing the "Sanibel Stoop" in the surf just off the beach. Some of the shells will look to perfect to have been just found, but none of them were bought at a shell shop. I only go to the Sanibel shell shops for supplies. I am not a shell expert so I may not give the correct name ... (more)

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Angel Wing and Scallop
One of the most beautiful shells I have ever found. The red color...

Calico Scallop
This shell always reminds me of sun rays beaming through the clouds.

Calico Scallop
Another multi colored jewel of the beach.

Calico Scallop
It's amazing how many different color combos there are.

Calico Scallop
Neat deep purple & white combo.

Calico Scallop
A nice soft lilac color.

Calico Scallop
It's not often you see a brown or a tan in a calico scallop, but I...

Calico Scallop
This one is mostly white with some purple bands sprinkled in.

Ravenel's Scallop
I believe that is what this is. This shell is flat unlike the more rounded...

Scallop
I am not sure if this is a calico scallop since it is a solid color.

Tulip
Tulips are named for their resemblance to a closed tulip bloom. They come in...

Tulip
A different look.

Tulip
Another color variation on these interesting shells.

Tulip
Just another look at this shell with it's varied designs and colors

Tulip
Still another look.

Florida Fighting Conch
Plentiful along the shores of Sanibel & Captiva.

Florida Fighting Conch
A few of these shells can be found with this pattern, but most are the solid...

Lightning Whelk
Very common on Sanibel and named for it's lightning bolt type design.

Slipper
These shells are named slippers because the underside looks as if a...

Slipper
Another variation and also a little out of focus.

Slipper
This is the most common kind of slipper I have found.

Slipper
Here is another pattern and color variation of this small shell.

Slipper
Still another variation.

Shark's Eye
This is one of the nicest specimens of this shell I have ever run across. My...

Shark's eye
There are many color variations for this easily found shell.

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article published 4/23/2002

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It nice but it need more information.
— Long-ching, August 23, 2009

My grandfather lives in Cape Coral, I took my kids to visit last summer and they found many shells and also sand dollars, I stumbled across your article and printed it, it will be very educational for them to be able to identify the shells they find on our return trip in April. Thank you!
— Kim Jenn, March 2, 2008

Just got back from Sanibel, stayed a week at Point Santo. Nothing is more relaxing than soaking up some Sun and collecting the wonders of the sea, Sanibel Shells. Can't wait to bo back.
— withak16, June 30, 2007

Sanibel shells are the greatest!
DH and I visited Sanibel for our 25th anniversary. I thought I was in Heaven! I love the kitten's paw shells, and the jingle shells (which someone else called "elephant's toenails"). These smaller shells were easy to find at the shoreline when the tide receded. Someday, I'll get back to Sanibel!
— Sharon, May 6, 2006

I read an article some time ago about the nicest shells being found in two different places in Florida. I don't remember where they were. I found your site through ask Jeeves. After viewing your site, I think this must be one of the two places. I just love shells, and you have done a wonderful job of photographing the shells, and naming them. I am thoroughly jealous!!!
— donna, May 15, 2005

Thank You!
Thank you for taking the time to share this. Thoroughly enjoyed your photos! I am going to Sanibel Island Resort for the first time next month. Can't wait! Hope to share some interesting photos as well.
— J B Lovelace, September 30, 2003

To Lolly
Sorry for the delay I have been very busy and I really do not have an answer to your question. Let me refer you to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island, FL, they should be able to assist you.
— Alan Culley, June 11, 2003

Thank you for the informative and beautiful listing of the shells.
— d r, May 12, 2003

I am still waiting for a reply from the comment that I wrote on November 22, 2002.
— Lolly Van Hyning, March 31, 2003

I am interested in how the VanHyning's cockle received its name since I share the same last name.
— Lolly Van Hyning, November 22, 2002

Great presentation!
The Sanibel Stoop, eh? :-)

My family has migrated to Sarasota, and I've spent many long walks on Siesta Key, but not yet made it to legendary Sanibel. I've been putting together photos of flowers local to this area, but not able to name them all, as you've done with shells. (Some birds, too.) First rate collection, and very impressive photography, too! Your descriptions are great and your love of shelling (is that the verb, or does this refer only to lobsters?) is obvious. I'm glad I stumbled across your page on Worldisround and have just printed it for my next visit to the Gulf Coast beaches.
— Michael Fenichel, August 9, 2002

Wow, great photos!
— Eugenia Freer, May 3, 2002

These are great shell photos. I live near Sanibel and have collected all these and more. Isn't it the best shelling beach ever?
— Shirley, April 30, 2002

- Such beautiful shells.
— [Eltneg], April 25, 2002

Helga: The category is "Sanibel Island Shells", what other pictures would you have me include in this album?
— Alan Culley, April 24, 2002

Those are pretty shells, it is really hard to find shells laying on the sand nowadays. Where I come from, you can have a blast colleting them! But they are not easy to find at every beach you visit, it is sad, but it is so nice of you for showing them here! Thanks!
— Estrella Rode M., April 24, 2002