A Beginner’s Guide to Marco Island Shelling

Picture of child enjoying the Marco Island shelling scene.

Set aside some time to check out the Marco Island shelling scene during your stay at Clausen Properties, Inc. Bask in the beauty of Marco Island beaches, work on your tan, and spend quality time with loved ones. Not only is shelling a great way to view the magnificent landscape, but it’s also a relatively low-cost activity. 

What You Need to Know Before You Go Shelling on Marco Island

Before you hit the beaches, make sure you have plenty of sun protection, like sunblock, hats, and sunglasses. The sun’s reflection off the water can result in some severe sunburn, so you’ll want to be prepared. Be sure to bring a bucket or a net and a pair of water shoes to protect your feet from broken shells and hot sand. The best times to go shelling in Marco Island include right after a storm and at low tide. Lastly, please take a few seconds to check every shell you find to make sure that it’s dead. It’s against the law to take live crustaceans from the beach. If your shell happens to be occupied or if a sand dollar has active feelers, gently place them back in the water, even if you found them onshore. Now that you’re ready to get started, check out a few shelling hotspots near your Marco Island vacation rental. Here’s a list of the best Marco Island shelling locations:

  • Spend a lovely afternoon at South Marco Island Beach.
  • Scour to the north end of Tigertail Beach.
  • Clam Pass Park, which you can access via a boardwalk, is an excellent place to shell in Naples.
  • For the ultimate shelling excursion, take a boat ride to Keewaydin Island.

Aftercare Tips for Shells

After a successful shelling outing, you may begin to notice your bounty beginning to dull. If you plan to keep your crustacean treasure for display, you may want to soak your shells in a 50:50 bleach solution for a few hours to kill the bacteria. Use a toothbrush or toothpick to remove any debris or barnacles. Restore their shiny exterior by glazing them with baby oil or satin varnish. Paint your sand dollars with a mixture of white glue and water to help them maintain their strength. Once your shells are clean and gleaming, gently pack them away to display later or use for crafting purposes.

Discover Your Perfect Marco Island Rental

Embrace the beauty of the Gulf Coast during your stay at Clausen Properties, Inc. With our vast assortment of home rentals, you’re sure to find the Marco Island home rental that best fits your needs. You’ll have easy access to local restaurants, the utmost privacy, and will never run out of things to do in the area. To learn more about our fantastic offerings, please give us a call at 239-394-0514.