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Finding shells while on the beach is a popular thing for people to do on a beach vacation but going shelling is a leisurely activity where the individual goes with the intent of finding perfect and unique-looking shells to bring back home as a souvenir, to add to their collection, or to use for jewelry making. 

Shelling is a fun activity that anyone can do on their vacation to Clearwater! If you are traveling with kids this would also be a great way to keep them entertained.

In this guide, we will share with you exactly how you can do so including the best areas for shelling, the types of shells you can expect to find, and the different types of shelling boat tours we offer. 

Why go Shelling in Clearwater?

In general, the beaches on the Gulf Coast are known as being some of the best shelling beaches in all of Florida. This is for a few different reasons, one of which is that the waves are gentle making it easier to see and find shells that are intact and haven’t been damaged by the waves. The area also has very diverse shell species because the warm waters make an ideal habitat for many marine organisms. 

I must give a brief mention to Sanibel Island near Fort Meyers because they are famed for having some of the best shelling in the state. This is because of the placement and shape of the island. The island is shelf-like to thousands and thousands of shells continuously drift in with the currents and find their place along the beaches here.

That being said, the Clearwater Beach area has a string of secret uninhabited barrier islands which are also excellent for shelling because they are a more sheltered location than the exposed coastline and as such they won’t experience as much of a direct impact of the waves. 

Types of Shells Commonly Found in Clearwater

As I mentioned before, the Clearwater area has the perfect ecosystem for a huge variety of different shells but if you are a first-timer or new shelling you might not know what you are looking for so below I’ve listed some of the most beautiful yet common shells that can be found in the Clearwater area along with a few that are a bit more rare. 

Fighting Conch

The shell of this sea snail is characterized by having around 7 spiraled whirls and a pointed spire. They can be orange or yellow in color and have a glazed-looking finish. They have thick shells and full-grown fighting conch can reach up to 3 to 4 inches long. 

Calico Scallop Shells (aka colorful scallops)

Can you spot the bright yellow scallop shell?!

Hinge shells found in coastal waters. They are renowned for their stunning and vibrant patterns, resembling a calico fabric with a combination of colorful spots, lines, and swirls. The shells often display a range of colors, including orange, pink, yellow, brown, and white. Calico scallop shells are cherished by collectors for their striking beauty and are commonly used in crafts, decor, and jewelry.

Broad Ribbed Cardita