SHARK EYE SHELL On Sanibel, the shark eye shell is one of those finds that stops people mid-step. It’s immediately recognizable because of its bold, dark spiral at the center, set against a smooth, rounded shell. That clear contrast is what makes it a favorite early on. For new shellers and longtime beach walkers alike, it’s an easy shell to recognize and one that stands out clearly against the sand.   The shark eye shell is thick and nearly circular, with a low, tight spiral

BANDED TULIP SHELL The banded tulip shell is a solid, easy-to-recognize shell that many people find early on when shelling on Sanibel Island. It’s large enough to spot without digging and interesting enough to make you stop and pick it up. For beginning shellers, it’s often one of the first shells that feels like a real find.   The shell is long and gently spiraled, narrowing toward the tip and opening into a smooth, rounded mouth that flares slightly outward at the edge. The

ATLANTIC FIGSNAIL The Atlantic figsnail is one of the first shells many people notice when shelling on Sanibel Island. It’s light, smooth, and easy to recognize for beginning shellers, often lying open among other shells.   The shell has a rounded, fig-like shape with a low spire and a wide opening. It is thin and lightweight, with a mostly smooth surface that may show very fine texture when you look closely or run a finger across it. The exterior is usually white to pale cre

PEAR WHELK. On Sanibel beaches, the pear whelk is often a shell people recognize before they know its name. If you spend enough mornings walking the water’s edge, you’ll almost certainly come across one. Sturdy and well-shaped, the pear whelk is quietly handsome and immediately satisfying to pick up, with a sense of weight and balance that fits naturally in the palm.   The pear whelk has a round, full-bodied shape with a gently tapering spire  (the pointed top)  and a long si