I have been shelling in Naples, FL from the time I was a small child. Over the years, I have garnered quite the collection and learned a thing or two. This post serves as an overview for anyone new to the area (or hobby!), but I am happy to answer any specific questions you might have. Please feel free to reach out. If you are on TikTok, you can find a more condensed version of this information here.
There are several gorgeous stretches of beach in the greater-Naples area, but my absolute favorite one is Tigertail Beach, in Marco Island. Tigertail Beach is a gulf-facing public park that includes a tidal lagoon.
Lowdermilk Park and Delnor-Wiggins Pass are two other locations I would recommend. They tend to be less crowded (Although everything is crowded in-season!) and in my experience turn up better shells.
One of the keys to a successful outing is to go at low-tide. You can find local tide charts here. Additionally, the BEST shells can be found when low-tide coincides with early morning, before the beach is heavily trafficked. Extra points if a storm has recently moved through and the ocean is stirring.
Areas where the water has pooled or made indentations in the sand form natural shell (treasure!) piles.
If you are new to shelling, pick up the guide “Shells of Florida’s Gulf Coast”; most nearby drugstores carry it or a version thereof. I own and use this similar guide, as well. Shore Goods in Marco Island is another fantastic resource + gift shop. I purchased one of my most prized possessions here, a book published in 1954, titled American Seashells. The book is pretty and practical, and I imagine just as useful today as it was when it was first written. I regularly flip through it for inspiration.
A few shells to look for (in various forms):
Angel Wing
Fighting Conch
Murex
Olive
Rose Petal Tellin
Scallop
Slipper
Tulip
Turkey Wing
Whelk
The prize: Junonia
As a reminder, (please) never take anything that is alive.
