Shells along the sea at Turner Beach in Sanibel. [Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News]

SANIBEL- Sanibel and Captiva on Florida’s west coast are considered to be some of the best areas to collect shells in the state.

Located roughly 80 miles from Lake Okeechobee, Sanibel and Captiva are known for the abundance of unique shells.

What makes Sanibel unique among other barrier islands is its east-to-west layout, as opposed to north-to-south. This east-to-west orientation causes it to act as a natural net for seashells swept in by the Gulf's currents. Combined with the island’s gently sloping underwater shelf, you get beaches that are frequently covered in beautiful multicolored shells throughout much of the year.

You can find over 250 species of shells along its beaches, from the small, colorful coquinas to more coveted finds like the Junonia, Lightning Whelk, and the large Horse Conch.

You don't need much to go shell collecting. A small rake or spade can be useful for uncovering shells buried in the mud, and a field guide will assist you in identifying your finds. To increase your success, try visiting beaches during low tide and following storms.

The area was hit hard by Hurricane Ian, with the causeway connecting the island to Fort Myers collapsing, leaving the area cutoff from the mainland for weeks. Recently, Lee County announced the reopening Causeway Islands Park along the Sanibel Causeway on May 1.

Although Sanibel is open to the public, remants of damage caused by Hurricane Ian still dot the island. [Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News]

The park had been closed since 2022 due to rebuilding activities by the Florida Department of Transportation, which used the site during the process of rebuilding the causeway to make it more resilient.

Parking is free on the recently reopened Causeway Islands, while parking at Turner Beach on Sanibel is $5 per hour.