Anna Maria Island, our beloved slice of paradise, is a dream destination on the Gulf Coast of Florida known for its clear waters, white sand beaches, and ample opportunities to find and collect gorgeous seashells. With mile after mile of sandy shoreline, it should come as no surprise that shelling is a favorite pastime among locals.
A seriously underrated way to spend time on the beach, shelling simply involves strolling the shore and keeping your eyes peeled for unique and beautiful shells (or sea glass, or even shark teeth!). Shelling is fun for the whole family and offers a chance to get up close and personal with the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.
Book your stay at one of our AMI vacation rentals close to the sand, and get ready to experience the gifts of Anna Maria's beautiful beaches.
Best Beaches For Shelling on Anna Maria Island
You can find seashells on virtually all of Anna Maria Island's beaches, but some areas are much better for shelling than others. The best spots are generally at the northern and southern tips of the island. Here are our favorites.
Coquina Beach
Photo Credit: Unwind
Coquina Beach is located on the southern end of the island and is a popular destination for its soft, white sand and clear waters. You'll find a variety of shells that have washed ashore, especially after a storm or high tide. This is one of the best times for shelling in general.
Sand dunes and sea grass border the beach, so don't forget to do some extra digging (pun intended) to find that elusive perfect shell. You'll find a wide range of shells here, from the beach's namesake coquina shells to larger horse conch shells.
The beach also offers amenities like picnic tables and restrooms, making it a fun spot for a day of shelling and picnicking with the family. Kids will love the beachfront playground. Plus, the waters here are perfect for snorkeling.
Bean Point
Photo Credit: Dmitri Kotchetov
At the opposite end of the island to the north, you'll find Bean Point, which is the perfect spot for an especially secluded shelling experience.
Bean Point is by far the least crowded of the Anna Maria Island beaches, which makes it our top pick for those who like peace and quiet. You can have the sand and all the shells to yourself at this hidden gem.
What makes Bean Point a particularly great beach for shelling is its surrounding currents, which bring a wide variety of shells to shore.
Manatee Public Beach
Manatee Public Beach is popular not only for its amenities and family-friendly vibes but also for its shelling potential. The beach's central location and proximity to the Holmes Beach neighborhood make it easily accessible from anywhere on the island.
While here, you might come across a variety of shells, from common scallops to the rare Junonia shell.
After a day of shelling, you can enjoy a snack at Anna Maria Island Beach Café (shellfish platter, anyone?) or join in some beach volleyball. If you want to fuel up before your shelling adventures, definitely take advantage of their 'All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes' deal for breakfast.
For a chance to encounter the gentle giants of the sea and this beach's namesake, check out our guide to Anna Maria Island manatees.
Shells You're Likely to Find on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island has lots of wildlife living in its waters and on its beaches, so this is not an all-inclusive list, but here are some of the most commonly sighted shells on Anna Maria Island's shores.
- Coquina shells: Tiny, colorful bivalves that wash up by the thousands in the wash zone.
- Scallop shells: Common fan-shaped shells with graceful, even ridges.
- Cockle shells: Symmetrical, rounded shells that come in various sizes.
- Lettered olive shells: Smooth, shiny, and cylinder-shaped with spiraled tips.
- Auger shells: Long, skinny shells that look like drill bits.
- Lightning whelk: Large, spiraled shells with a striped exterior.
- Horse conch: Very large spiraled shells, often in orange, pale pink, or white.
- Shark eyes: Round snail shells with a distinct dark circle that resembles an eye.
Shelling Etiquette
Photo Credit: Mark Winfrey
While shelling on Anna Maria Island is a popular pastime, if you're considering removing shells from the beach to add to your home collection, there are some things you need to know beforehand.
Essentially, almost anything that isn't occupied by a little living critter is up for grabs. If a shell contains a creature, leave it where it is.
Here's how to tell if something is living inside a shell:
- Look inside the opening to check for a hiding animal, like a hermit crab.
- Place the shell in a small scoop of water; if it moves on its own, it contains a living creature.
- Remember the simple rule: "If it's moving, it's living".
Sand Dollars & Starfish
Sand dollars are a type of sea urchin, and they make popular souvenirs, but do not take them home unless you're sure that they're dead. Only take bleached, white sand dollars that have no tiny hairs or fuzzy texture. If a sand dollar is brown or grayish-green, it is alive and must be left in the water.
The same goes for starfish. If it feels soft and has a dark, brownish color, leave it alone and avoid handling it. If it's dried, hard, and light in color, it's dead and safe to take.
Keep in mind that harvesting live Bahama Starfish and live Queen Conch is strictly prohibited.
Shelling Tips & Tricks
To make the most of your shelling adventures on Anna Maria Island, these tips and trips will help you find the best shells and enjoy your time on the beach.
- Tides: To find a huge selection of shells, head out during low tide or after a storm. You can check local tide charts for the best shelling times.
- Best time to shell: Early morning. You'll beat the crowds and also get first pick of the shells that washed up overnight.
- Sun protection: It's no secret that the Florida sun can be intense. If you're shelling in the afternoon heat, remember to pack your biodegradable sunscreen and any other sun protection you need.
- Tread lightly: Follow the principles of 'leave no trace' and collect all of your belongings and trash before you leave. Help to keep our beaches as beautiful as you found them.
- Shallow shelling: Sometimes, the best finds are just beneath the water's surface along the shoreline. Don't be afraid to get your feet wet (there are no alligators here) and check the shallow waters.
- Seaweed hiders: Often, shells get tangled in seaweed. If you're feeling brave, you can sift through the seaweed that's washed ashore to see if you can find any hidden gems.
Taking Care of Your Shell Collection
Once you've had your fill of shelling, you'll need to clean them if you plan on taking them home. The last thing you want is sea material getting all over your suitcase.
There are several ways to clean seashells, but we tend to stick to this method:
- Rinse your shells in fresh water to remove any sand or salt.
- Mix a weak solution of bleach and water, and soak your shells for a few hours. You'll want to use only a tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. This will help to remove any remaining sea material.
- After soaking, if any barnacles are still stuck to your shells, you can gently pick them off with a toothpick.
- Finally, rinse your shells thoroughly in fresh water and let them dry completely.
If you want to preserve them further, you can use a mineral oil or polyurethane spray.
Your AMI Shelling Adventures Await
Exploring and shelling the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island is a memorable experience that's enjoyable for everyone.
Not only does it offer an opportunity to get out and connect with nature, but it also allows you to bring home tangible memories in the form of beautiful shells. Plus, who doesn't love free souvenirs?!
The best way to fully enjoy shelling on AMI is by staying close to the action. Our comfortable and convenient vacation rentals put you near some of the island's best shelling beaches, so book your stay and get ready to hit the sand.
