Raise your conch shell, and let’s celebrate National Seashell Day! It seems there’s a National Day for about almost anything, so why not for gorgeous seashells we all love?!?

We recently had the chance to explore Fort Myers & Sanibel to get a first-hand look at the best shelling beaches in North America.

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National Seashell Day

Seashells are found all over the world, and no matter what beach you’re at, make sure to get out on June 21st and celebrate National Seashell Day. Different shells wash up on shore on a daily basis, and every time you hit the beach shelling, you’re bound to find something different and gorgeous.

Before you hit the beach searching for seashells, head to the National Seashell Museum on Sanibel Island. Here, you can learn all about seashells, where they come from, different types of seashells, and see some of the world’s biggest seashells.

We also suggest picking up a laminated seashell identification sheet to take with you shelling.

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Best Beaches For Shelling In Fort Myers

There are more shell varieties on the beaches in Fort Myers than anywhere else in North America. There are tons of beaches with great shells, but our personal favorite was Captiva Island. We took a boat trip with Captiva Cruises for an amazing day.

We also found some great shells on Fort Myers Beach right in front of our hotel, the Pink Shell Resort. Fort Myers Beach is a great beach. You can walk for miles and miles.

Make sure to check out this article for the best shelling beaches in Florida. There are so many great spots for shelling in Florida.

Things to Do in Fort Myers With Kids

Facts About National SeaShell Day

When is National Seashell Day?  The first day of summer, which this year is June 21, is National Seashell Day.

Who Started National Seashell Day? 

The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel officially proclaimed the first day of summer to be National Seashell Day.

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Best Time Of Year To Go Shelling

No matter what time of year you visit the Fort Myers & Sanibel area, you are sure to find some amazing seashells. The winter months are the best time of year for shelling because this is when the winds are strong and the waves bring the most shells to shore. Head to the beach at low tide for the best selection.

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Shelling Regulations

You can take any seashell that doesn’t have a living creature inside. You’ll know if it is alive, and if it is alive, gently place the shell back in the ocean. DO NOT throw a living seashell into the ocean, as this can potentially kill them by detaching them from the shell.

If you are caught, the penalty can be up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail for the first offense. Florida doesn’t play around when it comes to protecting its seashells.

There are so many seashells in Fort Myers the tourism board even shelldazzled their Volkswagon Bug into the “Shell Love Bug”. There are over 20,000 shells, countless hours of labor, and bottles of glue. All the shells were handpicked from the local Fort Myers & Sanibel beaches.

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Have you gone searching for seashells? If so, what’s the best beach for seashells that you’ve ever been to?

Thanks to Fort Myers & Sanibel for inviting us to your gorgeous beaches! As always, all opinions are our own.