Best Beaches for Shelling in Marco Island Florida

Shelling is one of the best things to do in Marco Island. The beaches of Marco Island Florida are famous for having some of the best shelling and attracts shell seekers from all over the world. Of all the beaches in the area, Keewaydin Island is one of the best kept secrets for shelling in southwest florida.

Best Shelling in Marco Island, Florida Keewaydin Island

Keewaydin Island is a barrier island located within the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve. It is bordered by an inland waterway to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. The west side of the island captures an impressive deposit of shell species including: fighting conchs, horses conchs, lighting welk, junonia, floridia worm shell, tulips, olives, auger, and more. In addition to shells, you may find sand dollars, sea urchin shells, and coral remnants. Below you can see some of Hemingway Water Shuttle customer's shelling finds on Keewaydin Island beach.

How to get out to Keewaydin Island

Read all about it here. Keewaydin Island is only accessible by boat and Hemingway Water Shuttle provides an easy and affordable way to get out to Keewaydin Island. On your ride out to Keewaydin Island meet Captain Riley and see a variety of marine life including dolphins and manatees. Check out Hemingway Water Shuttle's schedule and book a trip here.

Tips for a great shelling experience

Bring a small mesh bag. This will make it easy to collect and clean shells while gathering
Pay attention to the tides. Here is a Marco Island's tide chart. A low tide is the best time for shelling because there is more beach exposed.
Know what you are looking for - identify the shells of Southwest florida here.
Save the creatures that live in the shell or on the shell. If you see a live shell, throw it back
Get out there early. We suggest taking our 9:30a departure trip from Rose Marina.