Sanibel Island - Beaches and Seashells

Beaches and Seashells

Sanibel beaches attract visitors from all around the world, partly because of the large quantities of seashells that frequently wash up there. One of the reasons for these accumulations of shells is the fact that Sanibel is a barrier island which has an "east-west orientation when most islands are north-south. Hence, the island is gifted with great sandy beaches and an abundance of shells." It is also due to the fact that Sanibel is "part of a large plateau that extends out into the Gulf of Mexico for miles. It is this plateau that acts like a shelf for seashells to gather."

People who are lucky enough to find a shell of a junonia while shelling on Sanibel, often get their picture in the local newspapers. The junonia is very difficult to find and is greatly prized. Shells of the species can be purchased at local shell shops, or can be seen on display in the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, in some of the glass display tables at the Sanibel Cafe, or at the Sanibel Shell Fair in early March.

Throughout the year, many people come to the beaches of Sanibel to gather up beautiful shells. People are often seen bending down as they look for seashells, and this posture is known as the "Sanibel Stoop." There are beaches almost all around the island. Even on the way to the island there are beaches along the causeway which are great for fishing and windsurfing. However, beach parking is very limited on Sanibel, and in high season parking spaces are often unavailable.

Lighthouse Beach is named after the famous Sanibel Lighthouse, which includes a popular fishing pier and nature trails. The most secluded beach on the island is Bowman's Beach; there are no hotels in sight and the beach has a "pristine and quiet" atmosphere.

Barron's selected Sanibel and Captiva Islands as one of the 10 Best Places for Second Homes in 2010.