Sanibel Island Shelling & Beaches
Treasuresfrom the sea....

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José Gaspar

Every March the "Annual Sanibel Fair and Show" is a delightful event to see the wonderful shell collections and shell art. Sister island Captiva Island also displays an abundance of seashells on its beaches.

What fun to go shelling along the surf and beaches of Sanibel Island, unique in that it lies east and west, different than most islands which lie north and south, this  direction allows Sanibel  Island to catch abundant sea shells that the Gulf of Mexico brings to its shores. is world renowned for its shells.

People from all over the world come to collect andadmire the colorful "Treasures  From the Sea". You will findyoung and old with buckets, bags and nets  shuffling long,stooping over, this stance has come to be know as "The Sanibel Stoop"

Click here to visit The Conchologist'sInformation Network website!

Some Tips

1. Bring bucket, net bag and scoop,sun lotion and hat.
2. Shell at low tide preferably and after a storm.
3. It is illegal to  take"live shells". Please return to water.

How to clean shells

Soak shells in a 50/50 solution of water and bleach, few hours or  overnight. If any barnacles or other matter isleft remove with a pick or toothbrush. To make shells shine wipe withmineral oil or baby oil.

Sand dollars

You may collect sand dollars but first check to make sure thatthe sand dollar is not alive - turn it over - there are littlecentipede feet up  and  down the backside - gentlytouch them with your finger to see if they  move and its alive. If alive gently place back into the water and ifthey do not   move, then you have just  found one ofour islands treasures!

To bleach a sand dollar white it is important to soak in fresh water  first. Water will be a brownish color, changewater frequently until  fairly  clear or justcontinually flush with water until  water stays fairly clear.

Soak in a 50/50 solution of bleach and water for 5-10 minutes. Caution:Do not soak too long in bleach solution as sand dollar may crumble.Rinse  throughly, let  dry preferably in sun tobleach further. To harden sand dollar for crafts or display: Mix equalportions of white glue and water. With paint brush  cover sand dollar with mixture. Let dry.

Sanibel Island Beach Rules Sanibel Island Beach has breathtaking white sand beaches and clear blue water and anabundance of colorful shells - "treasures from the sea."

So that our beaches keep pristine we have a few rules:

1. On SanibelIsland beaches pets must be leashed and owners mustcleanup after their pets.
2. Alcoholic  beverages areprohibited November thru May.
3. No open fire.
4. No collecting of  liveshells. Return them to the water.
5. Restrooms are located at allpublic beach accesses. All have handicap parking.
6. Feeof $2 per hour on public beaches.

Sanibel Island Beaches

Bowman'sBeach
Quiet, secluded white sand beach. Outdoor shower and barbecue grills.Location  off Sanibel-Captiva Road, left on Bowman's Beach Rd.

CausewayBeaches
No fee on causeway beaches. Pull vehicle to waters edge. Lots ofshade  trees. Swim, fish, windsurf, picnic.

Gulfside CityPark
Mid-island on Algiers Laneof CasaYbel Road. Picnic tables, shade.

LighthouseBeach andFishing Pier
Turn left on Periwinkle way from Causeway  Road.End of road to lighthouse Fishing pier and a  boardwalk naturetrail winding thru native wetlands.

Tarpon Bay Beach
Mid-island.Located at south end of Tarpon Bay Roadat WestGulf Drive. Parking forrecreational vehicles, beach a short hike from parking lot.