When is the Best Time to Find Seashells in Florida? Handy Shelling Tips
Did you know that the first collection of seashells was preserved in 79 AD during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius?
Scientists say that it seems the shells were kept because they looked pretty, meaning that through the ages people have been attracted to the beauty of seashells.
Are you a seashell collector? If you’re heading to Florida in search of shells to add to your collection, this guide on the best time to find seashells will help.
Take the Road Less Traveled
When you’re exploring on the beach, you may find that you end up staying close to where other people are searching as well.
However, you should try and wander away from where everyone else is searching. Not only will you have free range over which shells you can pick, but you may also find an area that has all kinds of them.
You should also look in places other than just the shoreline. Walk over to all the rocks and search in between them (as long as it’s safe). During a storm, the waves may have thrown some beautiful shells over there that other people may not be able to find.
Sometimes the most beautiful shells aren’t found right where the water meets the shore now, but a little further up from where the high tide was the day before. Sometimes shells will get stuck out there and end up baking in the sun which can make them even more beautiful.
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Are You Looking For A Guided Seashell Finding Tour in Southwest Florida? Book With Sand Dollar Shelling!
Don’t Rush
While you’re searching for shells, it’s important to take your time and have a little bit of patience.
Searching for the perfect shells can be hard work, and you want to make sure you’re not missing a really good one.
Before you move on to the next section of the beach or to a new area to search, make sure that you have thoroughly gone through the area you’re at. Sometimes by taking the extra few minutes there, you may find something you would’ve missed had you moved on.
As you’re walking on the beach, make sure you walk slowly and scan the sand below you so that you don’t miss anything.
Go in the Morning
There are more things to consider when figuring out when to plan your trip, but regardless of which season you go in, the morning is normally the best time to find seashells.
The tides are normally low in the morning, so this will make sure that you have plenty of space to search for shells. If you can go in the morning after a storm, you may even be able to find more shells that were swept onto the shore.
If you get there earlier in the morning, it will also not be as hot. Florida sun can be very brutal and damaging for your skin, so you will be doing yourself a favor by going in the morning before the day starts to heat up.
Chances are high that you will end up running into other avid seashell collectors, so the earlier you go in the morning, the more choices of shells you will have. Plus, it’s always more relaxing and peaceful in the morning.
What could be better than walking along the beach, searching for seashells, and watching the sunrise?
When to Plan Your Trip
When you go in the morning, you should also look at the tide schedule for the beach that you’re at.
While mornings are generally a good idea, if you can go an hour before or after low tide, this will produce the biggest selection of shells for you to collect.
In addition to the tides, you should also check out what the moon phases will be during your trip. A new or full moon will cause the most dramatic tides, which will, in turn, produce the most shells.
Another thing you should check before you book your trip is what the weather will be like and what direction the wind will be blowing.
If the wind is blowing from the shore toward the water, there may not be as many shells on the beach for you to find. However, if the wind is blowing from the water onto the shore, it will help push some seashells on to the beach.
As an added bonus, the wind from the water will help keep you cool while you search for the perfect seashell.
Where to Plan Your Trip
You know when to plan your trip, but do you know where you want to go to find the best shells yet?
There are all kinds of different beaches in Florida from you to choose from, but most of the best places are located in the southwest and central Gulf area. Most of the beaches on the Atlantic side of Florida don’t seem to offer as many shells.
Florida’s Sanibel Island is a popular place for finding seashells. However, Tigertail Beach on Marco Island is a very popular favorite.
This beach is located right on the Everglades, so after you’re done searching for shells, you can add the Everglades to your itinerary as well.
Learn More About the Best Time to Find Seashells
In general, a lot of factors go into making sure that you’re on the beach at the best time to find seashells.
You will have to factor in the wind, moon phase, tides, time of day, weather, and even location.
However, if you do end up traveling to Marco Island make sure that you book a tour with us to ensure that you find the best shells for your collection!
