Shelling on Sanibel Island, Florida

After arriving at Southwest Florida Airport, take the 45-minute drive from Ft. Myers to Sanibel Island. Take in the expansive views as you cross the Sanibel Island Causeway, a three-mile toll bridge crossing San Carlos Bay. Take a few moments to stop at some of the small scenic parking areas along the causeway to snap a photo or two of the clear, turquoise water. Once you’ve reached the island and settled into your accommodations, bike to Sanibel Lighthouse Park for a relaxing afternoon and evening before you start your study environmental management tour on the island. Check out views of Sanibel Island Lighthouse, built in 1884 and still operating today, enjoy swimming, strolling along the shore or fishing from the pier.

Sanibel Island is best known for its beaches, or more accurately, the abundant seashells that wash up on the shores. The unique positioning and shape of Sanibel essentially turns it into a shovel that scoops shells out of the Gulf of Mexico. The island is consistently named one of the best beaches for shelling and beachcombing in the world. Blind Pass, the inlet between Sanibel and Captiva Islands, is one of the best beaches for shelling, but swimming is discouraged. However, all of Sanibel’s beaches are treasure troves of shells. Just be aware that Florida law prohibits taking live mollusks from any beach, and all visitors are encouraged to limit how many shells they remove from the beach, in order to maintain supplies and preserve the natural beauty of the island.

Once you’ve collected some shells from Sanibel’s beaches, visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum to learn more about them. Reserve a spot for one of the museum’s hour-long beach walks to learn more about Sanibel’s shells and unique ecosystem. Led by a marine biologist, these beach walks will educate you about the shells, mollusks and other wildlife that washes up on the island shore, and how you can help preserve the ocean and all the creatures in it. 

After visiting the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, head to the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, to get a taste of “Old Florida” and what life was like on the island more than a century ago. With seven historic buildings, including a schoolhouse, post office, general store, and homes, the museum tells the story of Sanibel from the earliest days of the Calusa and Spanish settlers through the pioneers of the 1800s. You’ll learn about the heritage of the island and efforts to preserve its history, and recognize the resourcefulness and hard work of the people who lived there.

Begin your day learning about the wildlife that call Sanibel Island home at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW.) Sit in on a talk about wildlife rescue, some of the reasons animals come to CROW, and how you can help protect wild animals. 

 Once you have learned about the native and non-native species of animals threatening the ecosystem of Florida, head to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge to spot some animals in their native habitats. Walk, bike, or drive the four-mile Wildlife Drive, or explore any of the three trails accessible from the drive to spot birds, alligators, raccoons, rabbits, and even the occasional bobcat. Meet a guide from Tarpon Bay Explorers for a guided kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard adventure through Commodore Creek or Tarpon Bay.

No visit to Sanibel is complete without an ocean cruise. Join a private boat tour with a marine biologist to learn more about the ecosystem of southwest Florida and the marine habitats surrounding the island. As part of your experience, you’ll snorkel the clear waters and dive for shells. Or, choose a half-day “look and release” fishing trip, which uses traditional nets to capture marine life from shallow waters. After marveling at the diversity of fish and other animals, you’ll release them back into the water, without the risk of harmful fishing gear polluting the waters and endangering the wildlife.

Sanibel Island is part of the Great Calusa Blueway, a 190-mile network of boating “trails” ideal for kayaking. Spend the day exploring the estuaries, mangroves, tidal flats, and open waters of the bay on a guided kayak tour. Practice your wildlife photography skills, stop at one of the beaches for a break and a swim, or just enjoy the beautiful scenery. You might even spot a friendly manatee or dolphin on your adventure!

Before heading back to Fort Myers for your flight home, make a short visit to the Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens to explore six acres of native and exotic plants, along with butterflies and other wildlife. Then head back over the causeway (stop for one last photo!) to the airport and your flight home.