For avid shellers visiting us during the end of summer months, they know they’re in peak hurricane season here on the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Island — and wildly enough, that’s part of the appeal. They have their shell collection bags packed and ready to go in anticipation for some of the best shelling of their lives. Rod Warren from Virginia shared in a local island Public Facebook Group, “My wife and I have dealt with two hurricanes during our vacations… wouldn’t change a thing.”
When storms come in from the Gulf of Mexico, it brings with it incredible treasures. Once the storm passes, it’s a high-stake waiting game for shellers, knowing that shells can start washing in at any time during the calm after the storm. It could be horse conchs, junonias, huge alphabet cones, and lighting whelks — the beauty is in the mystery and knowing that it’s going to be a great day for shelling. If you’re looking for a meet and greet of dedicated shellers, the shoreline after a storm is the perfect place to make new acquaintances, as shellers gather from all over to walk the tide in hunt for their favorite find.
