Shelling

Shelling is one fo the most popular and most famous pastimes for beachgoers in Southwest Florida. The shape of the barrier islands in combination with the gulf currents make them massive depositories for shells. There are times, on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, when you can scarcely walk without stepping on them. Even on Fort Myers Beach there are often mounds of shells on the shoreline, waiting to be plundered. The best shelling is in the morning, during low tide, or after a storm when you never know what treasures mother nature has beached. So many people come here to shell that locals have nicknamed their stance--head down, backside up--the Sanibel Stoop. Those who are really serious can even stop by the Bailey-Mathews National Shell Museum.