Where, When and How to Enjoy Shelling on the Beach in Naples

One of the most relaxing pastimes in Naples is gathering seashells on the beach. The casual shell collector can enjoy the shelling year round on any of Naples’ sandy outer beaches. But we’ve pulled together a few tips here to make your shelling expeditions even more fun.

Best beaches to collect shells in Naples:


Many Naples-area shell enthusiasts insist that Barefoot Beach in Naples Florida Barefoot Beach offers shelling collecting that is superior even to the better-known Sanibel Island to the north of Naples. Barefoot Beach is quiet and secluded, but offers lots to do in addition to shelling on the long stretch of beach. You’ll find butterfly and cactus gardens, a ranger station with guided tours, and free-roaming turtles. Access to the beach is from a long road that serves private residences. The beach requires either an $8 fee per vehicle or a Collier County Beach Pass (note that a beach pass comes with your rental at Naples Florida Vacation Homes Naples Florida Vacation Homes.
We also like to go shelling at the small beach that’s part of Clam Pass Park. Clam Pass has been rated as one of the top beaches in the U.S. It has a concession stand, beach equipment rental, and extensive boardwalks for easy access. You can find out more about Clam Pass and other Naples beaches from the Collier County Florida beaches Collier County website’s beach section.

Shelling tours in Naples FL:


Double R’s Shelling Boat Trips

Visit the remote beaches and islands on a relaxing and fun Shelling Trip from Double R’s. This three hour shelling trip starts in the heart of the Florida Everglades. The southwest Florida waters of the Gulf of Mexico are famous for shelling. Shell collectors can find dozens of varieties of mollusks, sea shells and fossils. If you love collecting seashells – you will love this Naples Florida Shelling Tour from Double R’s.

Marco Island Shelling Tours

On their shelling trips, you will tour to the Ten Thousand Islands, which has a location commonly known as Shell Island, Seashell Island, and Second Chance Shell Bar.
The island is recognized as one of the best beaches in Marco Island, and one of the best seashell beaches in Florida. This is because of the number of seashells on the beach; there is no sand, but the island is layered with several feet of various pristine conditioned shells anxious to be found by a shell collector.
The types of shells you may find are the extremely rare and valuable Junonia Shell, Murek Shell, Conch Shell, Sand Dollar, Worm Snail Shells, Lightning Whelk Shells, Florida Spiny Jewelbox, and much, much more.

Shelling Tours at Pure Naples

Pure Naples has brought a brand new product to its ticket office! It is a three hour in depth Eco and Shelling Tour with their very own Naturalist on board to inform you about the cornucopia of wildlife, nature, and beautiful shells to be found along the waterways of Naples.

Frequently asked questions

Best times for shelling in Naples

Experts tell us that low tides, the new moon and the full moon, bring the best shells. If you visit Naples immediately after a summer or fall storm, you’ll find that the rough waves and strong currents will dislodge shells in shallow water and toss them onto the beach.

What to bring for shelling in Naples

If you’re going to do any serious shell collecting, be sure to bring a strong mesh, or canvas bag, to carry your finds — shells can get heavy very quickly. You’ll want sun protection and basic beach gear for yourself. It helps to bring along lightweight beach or water shoes to protect your feet so you can explore areas along the tide line where shells are arranged in thick bands.

What shells to collect

Keep in mind that an inhabited seashell is a sea creature’s home! In Collier County, it’s against the law to remove an occupied seashell, or live starfish, from the beach. (If you find you’ve picked one up, don’t throw it into the water — place it gently, to avoid damage.) Abandoned seashells, of course, are fair game. You’ll find beautiful ones in gently-used condition along 10 miles of coastal beach in Naples, including arks, augers, bonnets, bubbles, buttons, clams, cockles, conches, cones, limpets, lucines, murexes, paws (from the tiny Kitten’s Paw to the giant Lion’s Paw), periwinkles, scallops, and dozens of varieties of snail shells.

Fun with your seashells

You don’t have to be a conchologist (serious seashell collector) to enjoy seashells for years after you collect them. Combine shells with flowers to make beautiful centerpieces — or arrange with live plants in the garden. We’ve seen Naples shells used for a wide range of crafts projects, including clever shells for lamp bases shell-filled lamp bases.
If you plan to pack your shells, or use them indoors or for crafts, you will want to cook them to remove bacteria. To clean them, boil them gently in hot water for at least 20 minutes or soak them overnight in a weak solution of beach before rinsing and allowing to dry thoroughly.

Learn more about Naples beach shells

Can’t tell a Lightening Whelk from a Ponderous Ark? Don’t worry. The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (in Sanibel Island, just north of Naples) has a spectacular online photo guide to the shells of Southwest Florida. Browse their Photos of Southwest Florida shells photo guide to find out more about the intriguing shells that you’re seeing and collecting.

Buying Naples beach shells

Spent the vacation lazing on your towel? It’s OK to work on your tan and outsource the shell gathering. Try the The Blue Mussel and Kelly’s Shell Shack (both on Fifth Avenue) — but be aware that not all of the pretty shells they carry are from Southwest Florida. For authentic Naples shells, you’ll need to stroll the beaches yourself!

Relax at a Naples Florida Vacation Home

Naples is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Southwest Florida, and all of our rentals fit in with this spectacular place. In addition to their elegant designs, our rentals also feature all of the amenities you’ll need to have an amazing coastal getaway. With a diverse selection of pristine homes and condos available, there are sure to be several that you will love.
Let us help you choose the best one for you.
Contact us today, and start counting down to an amazing trip. We look forward to helping you find your dream vacation home!