Sea Shells And Shelling On Sanibel Island

L ocated in south west             When should I shell on Sanibel?    Florida, in the Gulf of         The best time to collect sea       Mexico, Sanibel Island is       shells is during low tide, when    well-known for its sea shells.        the water has retreated, exposing  Year round, a plethora of             larger stretches of sand. During   beautiful, intact sea shells line     the low tide, the receding water   its sandy white beaches. Sea          has left many more shells along    shell enthusiasts travel from all     the beaches. In addition, during   around the world to walk along        new or full moons, the water       the island's long stretches of        recedes further, allowing for      undisturbed shells. The secluded,     better shelling. Traditionally,    well-preserved island provides an     December and April tend to         abundance of shells, allowing         provide the most ample shelling    visitors to select shell              opportunities. In addition, foul   treasures as if they were fruits      weather (including hurricanes)     on a tree.                            tends to sweep up more shells and                                        scatter them across the beaches.   Why should I shell on Sanibel?                                           Sanibel's unique geography has        Where exactly should I shell on    made it a shelling hot spot. The      Sanibel?                           island and surrounding land form      Due to the island's unique         a plateau that stretches for          location, and sustained efforts    miles into the Gulf of Mexico.        at wildlife and beach              Waves moving across this plateau      preservation, all of Sanibel's     scoop up shells and move them         beaches on the island provide      across the plateau. When these        comparatively good shelling        tides hit Sanibel Island, the         opportunities. In particular,      shells are scattered across the       however, the eastern end (near     island's beaches.                     "Lighthouse point") is better for                                        smaller shells, while the western  and northwestern end (near            better for larger shells.          neighboring Captiva Island) is         About the Author: Sanibel Island Rental ( http://www.sanibel-island-rental.com ) is one of many fine vacation rental properties on Sanibel Island, providing easy beach access for great shelling opportunities. Feel free to inquire about rates and availability ( rent@sanibel-island-rental.com ). Source: www.isnare.com