Shelling the Gulf of America in Southwest Florida Jingle Shells

Shelling is a passion, a crazy expression of the thrill of the find and the warm solace of discovery.

Sanibel Island is known as the Shelling Capital of the world, especially if you live or visit here. However, the Outer Islands off of Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, only accessible by boat, are equally as great for shelling, and most certainly more remote, private, and breathtaking. Therefore more Shells!

My last cruise to the Outer Islands on the Adventures in Paradise cruise boat “Sun Princess” departed from Port Sanibel Marina in Ft. Myers, FL. The 9:00 depart time was perfect. We cruised through the mangrove tree channel to the waters of San Carlos Bay, Pine Sound and along the shoreline of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. This day we ventured out to the island of Cayo Costa. The crew beached the boat with a kiss to the shore and we all climbed the three step ladder down to the ankle high water to step to the beach. The boat Captain and Mate set up chairs, umbrellas, and handed out free waters, they were so kind and knowledgeable. I grabbed my lunch bag and a water, parked my things in a chair and headed out to shell.

Cayo Costa Island is a part of the Florida State Parks system. It is about 9 miles long, with absolutely no development. The island was once used as a fishing ground for the Calusa Indians, There are still Calusa Indian shell mounds on Cayo Costa today. This island is a gem of a nature reserve with pristine beaches where you can swim, snorkel, collect shells and relax. There are no cars, no roads, no problems just sandy beach. You are likely to see wild boar, eagles, gopher tortoises, dolphins, & manatee. In the 1800’s it was used as a Cuban fishery. The fish around the island are plentiful.

During this time of year I look for “Jingle Shells”. Not because Christmas will be coming soon, but it seems the time of year when the jingle shells pile up on the beach in great quantities. Many people overlook these gems, as they are pretty tiny and easily overlooked.

• The Jingle Shell, or “Mermaids Toenail” is a bi-valve
• It has a top and a bottom, much like a clam with a living mollusk
• They are thin, You can see right through it.
• It will attach itself to a “host’ shell with a thread called the “byssus”.
• Once attached it takes on the shape of the host
• It eats by filtering water as it sucks in, shoots out gathering plankton and nutrients n the filter.
• Jingle Shell colors: bright gold, yellow, pale pink, pearl white and slate
• When the live shell gets agitated it will make a jingle

• Put several in your hand & shake or make a “chime”. The shells sounds like a sweet jingle.
• Of course, we only collect shells with no living mollusk

Following our three hours on the beach we cruised back to our port seeing several pods of dolphins jumping in the wake & lots of water birds. After all the years shelling, SHELLING never fails! Shelling is a “companion”, a warm, easygoing journey. With toes in the sand, shelling gives rich rewards all along the way. Try Shelling! You may find yourself falling in love too!