Shelling 101 help please

Hi -

Hoping ya%26#39;ll can help me with some nuts and bolts of shelling.

We are making our first trip to Sanibel Island in just over 4 weeks. We%26#39;ll be there only 4 nights but hopefully that will give us some needed R%26amp;R and a good taste of the island. My DD5 loves shells and that was the main reason I chose Sanibel for the beach part of our Florida trip SO I need some help to maximize our stay.

We will be staying at the Westwind Inn.

While we are there evening/sunset low tides range from .2 to -.6.

I%26#39;m guessing the ';-'; days are the best for shelling?

I read on another thread to go 3 hrs before low tide...is that right? And how long stay out after the low tide?

What would be the best beaches on Sanibel for shells?

What should we have to shell (supply wise)?

We will be coming from Miami so where should we stop to pick up those items specific for shelling?

I%26#39;ve read mixed reviews about Cayo Costa and shells...I think if we go we%26#39;ll do the first cruise with Captiva Cruises but I%26#39;m not sure it it%26#39;s worth a 1/2 day (with getting there and back time) to go.

Any feedback?

Anything else I should know- shelling wise (and I%26#39;ve read about the cleaning and packing ideas).

Looking so forward to some low-key island fun on Sanibel. Thanks.

Shelling 101 help please

Low tide is the best time for shelling. Go out an hour or two before low tide is at its lowest, and by the looks of the the ranges you provided, you will have really low tides, which is even better.

As far as best beaches, there is not any one in particular. The beach where you will be staying will be just fine. If you don%26#39;t see many shells, then wander down the beach a bit until you do. Where the shells wash up depends on the tides, currents and weather. There is just no way to tell.

The only thing you really need is a bag to put your shells in while shelling. You can get a shell net from the gorcery store, but it isn%26#39;t really necessary.

Shelling 101 help please

You can get a pail or gallon size milk/water jug for carrying shells. Just cut out the top part of the jug, leaving the handle.

SHell nets are Bailey%26#39;s or CVS.

I love the beach by West Wind - you should have good luck walking either way - just look up and down the beach to see where it looks like the tide pools are forming. Wading in the tide pool is a great way to find shells.

We had wonderful luck this past fall in front of Sundial - you%26#39;ll need to ride a bike down to the beach access points there, there isn%26#39;t public parking in that area.

I love captiva cruises - we have found tons of sand dollars on Cayo - take the early morning cruise, bring a snorkle, look a few feet out in the water. I also found a perfectly bleached out white welk, about 7 inches long, buried a few feet out. Look for the tips of bigger shells, buried. The cruise is fantastic - the guys on that boat are pros. They give you a fun history lesson about the islands, are pretty entertaining, and you will see quite a few dolphins. My kids love it.

I also sent you a private message.

I forgot to mention the bike trails website - tells you good biking info as well as beach access points.

www.sanibeltrails.com

sunny--

A question about the shelling cruise to Cayo Costa--are their restrooms near where they drop you off? My 72-year-old mom is going with us, and this would be a necessity for her:)

I wish they would let you edit after you post--of course I meant are THERE restrooms, not ';their';.

There are not restrooms, other than behind a tree.....

Check with Captiva Cruises to see if the restroom on board who be sufficient.

I agree with what everyone else said above. But, if it were me, and there were plenty of shells around West Wind or in that area, I wouldn%26#39;t bother with Cayo Costa with only four days of beach time. While I think an older person would certainly enjoy the trip out there, I%26#39;m afraid it would be a little uncomfortable knowing there is no restroom. I believe there is one of sorts on that boat, I think it might not be a pleasant experience. :-) I would certainly do as sunny said, and give them a call to find out. You might also want to ask how long you actually have on the island, maybe that would make a difference. The guys taking you out from Captiva Cruises are very nice. http://sanibeltoots.blogspot.com

Cayo Costa is pretty roughing it. I included a link to island and map. THere are campgrounds. It is pretty much a rough it remote island.

Cayo

floridastateparks.org/cayocosta/default.cfm

Overview map PDF

floridastateparks.org/cayocosta/docs/cayocos鈥?/a>

We have shell-loving small children in our group, and I agree w/the advice about skipping Cayo Costa this time. We are planning on it for our next trip, but w/ such a short time I think that you%26#39;ll find plenty to fulfill your dd%26#39;s wishes, and you could even pick out 3 different beaches to shell on, right on the island. Each beach different from the other in different ways - but you could give me 4 days on any one of them and I would be content.

The time goes soooo fast when you%26#39;re whiling away just a few days. It%26#39;s so magical once you are there...