National Seashell Day 2018

It’s fast approaching – National Seashell Day. This shellabration started in 2016 and it always falls on the first day of summer, which this year, is June 21, 2018.

As an avid sheller, this holiday makes me very happy. I don’t need a holiday to go seashell hunting, but since there IS a holiday, well, that’s a great reason to visit ‘Tween Waters and get out on their world-class shelling beach! You can even book shelling charters onsite at the marina.

Need a few tips to make the most of your shellebration? I’m your girl. I passed my exams with flying colors and am officially a Shelling Ambassador for the Bailey-Mathews National Seashell Museum. If you haven’t been, make it one of the first places you visit while on island. You’ll learn so much – and it’s just a few minutes from ‘Tween Waters.

Best time to shell: One hour before low tide till an hour after. Look online for the tide times for the days that you’ll be visiting or visit the onsite marina.
Where to look for shells: Walk the high tide line. If you can, walk in the water, too. Many shells don’t make it up to shore and are resting just a few feet away.
The moon matters: A full moon and a new moon make for a greater tidal event, which brings more shells.
The rules: In Lee County, it’s illegal to take ‘live’ shells, so if there’s a critter in a shell that you’ve found, gently put it back. (I always have my phone with me in a waterproof case so I can take a photo of the live shells I’ve found.)

I hope to see you on the beach for National Seashell Day! What a great way to kick off summer!