Search This Site

Why Freak Shells Are the Coolest Finds on the Beach One of the most fascinating parts of shelling isn’t just finding something pretty, it’s finding something weird . We’re talking about those rare, head-scratching shells that look like nature threw the rulebook out the window. Around here, we call them freak shells . These aren’t necessarily rare species. In fact, most freak shells start out as totally common varieties. What makes them special is what happened next, something went off-script. Maybe a predator took a bite, and the shell kept growing anyway. Maybe the mollusk had a genetic mutation, or the shell twisted into an odd shape thanks to environmental stress. The result is a one-of-a-kind natural sculpture. What Counts as a Freak Shell? A freak shell might have: A twist or bulge in the wrong place Unusual ridges or missing spines Wild color patterns or partial albinism A healed-over break or puncture wound Instead of being “damaged,” these shells show survival, resilience, and adaptability. They tell a story. Each one is like a fingerprint: no two are ever the same. Why Collectors Love Them Seasoned shellers know: finding a freak shell is like finding a hidden treasure. They’re conversation starters. They stand out in any collection. And best of all, they’re reminders that imperfection can be beautiful. So next time you're combing the beach or sifting through tidal debris, keep an eye out for the oddballs. That shell with the weird twist or scar? It might just be the coolest thing you find all day! Here are a few of my favorite freak shells in my personal collection: 1. The Twisted Lightning Whelk: - Species : Lightning Whelk - Where I Found It : Washed ashore on Kice Island in 2020 after a windstorm. - Why It’s Special : This whelk is a true oddity. Normally, whelks have a long straight siphon canal. My find, however, has a dramatic twist: its entire siphon canal is contorted into a tight twisty spiral, likely due to a growth abnormality caused by an injury or environmental stress. The shell’s twisted half looks like a twizzler. It’s a testament to nature’s ability to create art from adversity. How do you suppose this whelk's siphon canal became this twisted? 2. The Pointy Nutmeg: - Species : Common Nutmeg - Where I Found It : Half buried in muck near the shoreline on Kice Island in 2019. - Why It’s Special : Nutmegs typically have an egg shape with whorls indented at the sutures. But this cutie has one large shouldered body whorl which gives its aperture a distinct pointed crease. This rare shape is likely a genetic mutation, making it a one-in-a-million find. The shell is otherwise flawless, but its distinct shoulder gives its aperture a point which sets it apart, almost looks the lovechild of a Nutmeg and a Whelk. It feels like I added an extraterrestrial to my shell collection! Nutmegs don't have shoulders, but this one has one rather large shoulder! 3. The Ruffled Collar Fighting Conch: - Species : Florida Fighting Conch - Where I Found It : In a shell pile along with hundreds of other "normie" Florida Fighting Conch shells on shore on Kice Island in 2023. - Why It’s Special : This conch shell is a remarkable survivor. He grew to the beat of his own drum! Conchs typically have blunt knobs on their shoulder whorls. But this treasure has a knobless entire upper shoulder which protrudes out like a thick rounded and flattened collar. The result is a shell with an almost ruffled, baroque appearance. It’s a reminder of the ocean’s challenges and the resilience of its creatures. In love with this ruffled collar Fighting Conch! Tips for Finding Your Own Freak Shells - Join a Tour : Book a spot on tour with SWFL Shell Guide to explore prime shell-hunting beaches. Reserve your spot now ! - Look Closely : Freak shells often blend in with common ones and hide in plain sight. Sometimes the quirk isn't readily apparent! - Get to Know Your Shells : The more time you spend collecting and learning, the easier it becomes to recognize when something is truly unique. Once you know what a shell should  look like, you’ll be better at spotting the oddballs! Let’s shellebrate the quirky, beautiful imperfections of the sea together. Happy shell hunting, and I hope to sea you on tour soon! Honorable Mentions: Check out the aperture of this juvenile Fighting conch! Freaky Fighting Conch found in 10k Islands! Truly One-of-a-Kind Oddities! Freaky Lightning Whelk! Pigment mutation gives this mature Fighting Conch a distinctive white stripe!

Let’s face it—summer in Southwest Florida can be brutally  hot. The kind of hot that makes even the slightest breeze feel like a divine blessing. But with just a few smart tips and a little gear, you can beat the heat and stay comfortable during your shellventure—even on the steamiest days. Here are my top ways to stay cool on the islands: 1. Freeze a Water Bottle the Night Before This one’s a game-changer. Pop a reusable water bottle in the freezer the night before your tour. It’ll slowly melt throughout the morning, giving you ice-cold sips and  doubling as a cooling pack. Pro move:  Press it against your neck, face, and wrists during the hottest parts of the day. Instant relief. 2. Wear a Cooling Towel Around Your Neck Don’t underestimate the power of a cooling towel! Just wet it, wring it out, snap it a few times, and drape it around your neck for a cooling effect that lasts for hours. It’s lightweight, reusable, and can make a huge  difference in how you feel under that intense Florida sun. 3. Bring a Portable Fan (Especially When There’s No Breeze) A portable fan is your new best friend. Neck fans, mini handheld fans, or even simple folding fans will save you when the air goes still. Bonus: breezes also help keep no-see-ums and mosquitoes away, since they’re weak flyers. Rechargeable models are great—just make sure they’re fully powered the night before! Good old-fashioned handheld fans work wonders too! 4. Dress for the Heat Choose lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothing. Long-sleeve sun shirts and quick-dry shorts or leggings help protect your skin while keeping airflow moving. Skip the cotton—trust me on that. Pair your outfit with a cooling towel (yes, again!) and you’ll be feeling good even in the midday sun. Need a full packing guide? Check out What to Wear on a Shelling Tour  for more outfit inspiration. 5. Bring Shade—There’s No Shade on the Island There’s no natural shade on most of our shelling islands, so if you're sensitive to heat or sun, pack your own! A small pop-up beach tent or UV umbrella can make all the difference during breaks or lunch stops. Even a personal sunshade gives you a place to reset and cool down for a few minutes. 6. Plan to Cool Off in the Water Before Heading Back We usually wrap up shelling a little early so you have time to wade in the shallows, rinse off, and cool down before boarding the boat. It’s a refreshing way to reset your body temperature after a hot walk in the sun. 7. Start Hydrating Early Start hydrating the day before  your tour. The earlier, the better! On tour day, keep sipping water regularly—even if you don’t feel thirsty. That frozen water bottle you brought? Let it melt slowly and keep you cool and hydrated all morning long. Stay Cool & Shell On 🌞🐚 Summer shelling is beautiful, but comfort is key to truly enjoying it. A little planning—cold drinks, breathable clothes, shade, and the right accessories—goes a long way. 👉 Click photo below  to find direct links to Ali’s top recommended Amazon products for beating the heat while shelling! Wearable neck fans are a great way to stay cool on tour

One question I get a lot is from folks heading to northern  Florida—places like Pensacola, Destin, or Jacksonville—who ask: “Are there any shelling tour companies up there? South Florida is too far of a drive.” The short answer: it’s doubtful. Here’s why—shelling tour companies thrive where there’s an abundance of shells to find. In the Ten Thousand Islands region of Southwest Florida, the unique geography, currents, and barrier island formations create a constant supply of fresh shells washing ashore. That’s why you’ll find multiple professional shelling guides and tour operators down here—it’s one of the most productive shelling spots in the United States. Northern Florida beaches, while beautiful, just don’t see that same shell turnover. The coastline is more exposed to the open Atlantic or the northern Gulf of Mexico, and the conditions aren’t as favorable for large quantities of intact shells to wash up regularly. You might  find a few here and there on your own, but it’s usually not enough to support a dedicated shelling tour business like we have in Marco Island, Sanibel, or Cape Romano. If you’re in northern Florida and itching for a beach day, I’d recommend enjoying the scenery, looking for a few small treasures along the tide line, and maybe doing a little birdwatching. But if your heart is set on a shelling tour where you’ll fill a bucket and see rare species, that’s the kind of magic you’ll want to save for your next trip south.

We're approaching the three year anniversary since Hurricane Ian swept across Southwest Florida, and for those of us who live and breathe shelling, the beaches haven’t been the same since. The storm didn’t just push sand around where we could see it—it fundamentally changed the landscape miles offshore. Those changes, combined with post-storm renourishment projects, have rewritten the “rules” of shelling in our area. Before Ian: A Flat Seafloor and Easy Shell Rolls Before Ian, the near coastal Gulf floor in most places was relatively flat. Shells would simply tumble and roll toward shore with little more than a moderate breeze or shifting tide. A strong wind might create epic shell piles, but even on calmer days, it wasn’t unusual to find a steady supply of treasures waiting on the beach. After Ian: Trenches, Sandbars, and Trapped Shells After Ian and the other storms from 2024, my observations tell me the seafloor is no longer flat. Broad sandbars and deep trenches now stretch for miles offshore. These trenches act like giant holding pens, trapping enormous quantities of shells. Without strong winds or powerful currents to lift them out, those shells remain hidden—sometimes for months at a time. When the right combination of extreme low tides and onshore winds finally arrives, these “shell vaults” open, and the release can be spectacular. This new reality means that shelling success is often about timing your trips to those rare moments when the trenches give up their bounty. (See diagram below for a side-by-side look at how shell movement has changed before and after Ian.) The Renourishment Wild Card In the wake of Ian, many beaches went through massive renourishment projects to combat erosion. Millions of cubic yards of sand were dredged from offshore and piped onto area beaches. This sand often contained both whole and broken shells buried within it. These renourishment shells don’t arrive in predictable patterns like naturally deposited shells do. Instead, they’re revealed in bursts—sometimes after higher-than-normal tides, sometimes after rough surf, and sometimes without warning at all. It’s why a seemingly barren stretch of beach can suddenly become a shell collector’s dream the next week. Keewaydin’s Rise as a Shelling Hotspot Keewaydin Island became a buzzword for shellers after Ian. In my opinion, it’s receiving shells that were meant to roll ashore in the Ten Thousand Islands. Now, with offshore trenches redirecting shell movement, many of those shells seem to be funneled northward until they run aground on Keewaydin’s sandbars. On extreme low tides, those sandbars give up piles of shells that feel almost untouched. Lover’s Key and the Mystery of East Coast Species Lover’s Key tells another story entirely. Some shellers swear the post-storm shelling is better, others say worse—but everyone agrees it’s different. I’ve personally found shells here that I usually only see on the Atlantic coast: helmets, scotch bonnets, bittersweets, Cabrits murex, carrier shells, and alphabet cones and fighting conchs that are distinctly East Coast varieties. At first, I suspected the renourishment sand here had been brought in from the Atlantic, which would explain the mix. My research showed otherwise—it came from 20 miles off Sanibel Island in the Gulf. Could the storms have carried East Coast shells into the Gulf? Or are these shells coming from deeper offshore deposits we simply didn’t tap before? It’s a puzzle I’m still trying to solve. Adapting Your Shelling Strategy in the New Normal If shelling pre-Ian was about reading a tide chart, post-Ian shelling is about thinking like a shell. Picture yourself rolling along the ocean floor—where would you get stuck? Where would you pile up if a current suddenly shoved you sideways? Here’s what works for me now: Time your trips for extreme lows and after strong winds.  These are the moments trenches release their shells. Don’t ignore “empty” beaches.  Shifts in current can uncover shell piles overnight. Learn to read sandbar formations.  If you can stand on a sandbar at low tide, you’re standing on a natural shell collector. Check renourished beaches often.  Their hidden deposits resurface unpredictably and can yield surprising species. Closing Thoughts Hurricane Ian was a turning point in the history of Gulf shelling. In a matter of hours, the storm carved new underwater landscapes that will influence shelling for years to come. While some spots have lost their easy bounty, others have become unexpected treasure troves. For me, that’s part of the magic. Shelling now requires more patience, more timing, and more curiosity. The shells are still out there—sometimes just waiting in the trenches—until the Gulf decides to let them go.

The Storied Past and Shelling Allure of Keewaydin Island Keewaydin Island, a pristine barrier island stretching roughly eight miles off the coast of Naples, Florida, is a place where history, nature, and adventure converge. Only accessible by boat, it has remained largely untouched by development, preserving its wild character and making it a paradise for nature lovers and shellers alike. The name “Keewaydin” comes from the Ojibwe word for “north wind,” a nod to the island's natural heritage and enduring spirit. Long before European settlers arrived, the Calusa—a powerful seafaring Native American tribe—inhabited the region. Known for their complex canal systems and coastal trade networks, the Calusa likely valued Keewaydin for its strategic location and rich marine life. Spanish explorers later visited the area in the 1500s, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that settlers began to make their mark. In the early 20th century, Keewaydin became an elite hideaway for wealthy tourists and winter residents. Rustic fishing lodges and private retreats dotted the island, some of which still stand today. A failed attempt in the 1960s to build a causeway to the mainland sparked one of the area's earliest environmental debates, and the project was halted—helping preserve Keewaydin's natural landscape for future generations. Today, Keewaydin Island remains blissfully off the grid, with no cars, roads, or bridges. It’s home to a handful of private residences and one of Southwest Florida’s most treasured natural environments. The island’s southern tip—nicknamed “Party Island” by locals—is a hotspot for weekend boaters who anchor in the shallows to swim, play music, and bask in the sun. While the festive atmosphere may not appeal to everyone, this same stretch transforms into a shelling mecca during rare negative low tides. When the tide recedes just right, it reveals a sprawling sandbar covered in shells—an ephemeral moment that seasoned shellers dream of. Conchs, whelks, tulips, sand dollars, and even the elusive Junonia can be found here. Despite the crowds, those in the know understand that timing is everything. On the right day, even a busy beach can yield once-in-a-lifetime treasures. Keewaydin’s wild beauty, layered history, and exceptional shelling conditions make it a must-visit destination for adventurous beachcombers. With every step along its shifting shoreline, you’re walking through centuries of coastal heritage—and if you're lucky, uncovering a piece of it to take home.

Please Read Carefully! We go out in all kinds of weather—rain, wind, heat, or cold—so bring what you need to be comfortable. We only cancel tours if the weather is truly unsafe, like if there are dangerous storms or high seas. If that happens, we’ll cancel the tour and give you a full refund. If we have to cancel because not enough people signed up, you’ll also get all your money back. If you  need to cancel or change your tour, you must email us at swflshellguide@gmail.com . Please don’t send a text or call—we need your request in writing. If you contact us more than 7 days before  your tour, you can cancel and get a refund (we just keep a small 5% fee to cover processing). Or, if you'd rather switch to another date, we’ll gladly try to move you with no extra charge—just keep in mind that we can only reschedule if there’s availability. If you contact us within 7 days  of your tour, we’re sorry—but no changes or reschedules or refunds can be made, no matter the reason. That includes things like being sick, having travel problems, or even emergencies. Once we’re inside that 7-day window, your seat is locked in. Trip Insurance is HIGHLY recommended - see below. If your tour gets canceled, any prepaid tips or merchandise you ordered will be refunded in full. Thanks for understanding—we keep this policy so we can run smoothly and fairly for everyone! ​ Optional Booking Protection For peace of mind, we recommend adding Peek Protect at the final step of online checkout. It allows you to cancel for a full 100% refund if you submit a claim for a covered reason within 60 days. Most claims are approved, and you may cancel up to the start time of your tour! If purchased, the link to manage your coverage will be included in your booking confirmation email.

Kice Island is located in the Ten Thousand Islands, a chain of islands and mangrove islets located off the coast of southwest Florida. The history of Kice Island dates back to the early 1900s, when the area was primarily used for fishing and trapping. In the early 1900s, Barron Collier began purchasing large tracts of land in southwest Florida, including much of the land that makes up the Ten Thousand Islands. Collier was instrumental in the development of the region, building roads, bridges, and other infrastructure that helped to open up the area to settlement and commerce. In the 1920s, Collier entered into negotiations with the federal government to exchange some of his land in the Ten Thousand Islands for Indian reservation land in Arizona. The proposed exchange involved approximately 100,000 acres of land in the Ten Thousand Islands, as well as an additional 100,000 acres of land in Collier County. The exchange was controversial at the time, with some critics arguing that it would lead to the displacement of Native American communities in Arizona. However, the exchange ultimately went forward, and in 1922, the federal government took possession of the land in the Ten Thousand Islands. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Kice Island was a hub of activity for commercial fishermen and sportsmen who visited the area to fish for tarpon, snook, and other game fish. Nearby Marco island at the time was also home to a number of families who worked in the fishing industry and relied on the sea for their livelihoods. In the mid-20th century, the fishing industry in the Ten Thousand Islands began to decline due to overfishing and changes in environmental regulations. Many of the commercial fish camps in the area were abandoned or fell into disrepair. Today, much of the land in the Ten Thousand Islands is protected as part of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1996. The refuge includes more than 35,000 acres of mangrove forests, marshes, and other wetlands, and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species. Kice Island is now primarily used for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. The island is accessible only by boat and remains largely undeveloped, with much of its natural beauty and wildlife still intact. Kice Island is a protected area and is part of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors to the island are asked to respect the natural environment and to avoid disturbing any wildlife or plants they encounter.

Guided vs. Unguided Boat Tours: Which One is Right for You? SWFL Shell Guide is proud to offer two distinct boat tour experiences to cater to your individual preferences and shelling expertise: Guided and Unguided tours. Here's a breakdown of the key differences: GUIDED BOAT TOURS: Join Ali, your enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, for an unforgettable shelling adventure! With years of experience and a genuine passion for finding the best shells, Ali is dedicated to helping you discover hidden treasures along the shore. She provides all the "essentSHELL" tools, including shell bags, rakes, and water pitchers (also known as underwater viewers), as well as refreshing drinks and snacks to keep you fueled during your shelling journey. Ali's keen eye will lead you to rarer finds, and she’s always happy to assist in identifying your collected shells. Her tours are typically fast-paced, covering a lot of ground to reach the best spots. While keeping up isn’t required, those who prefer a slower pace might want to consider the Unguided option for a more relaxed experience. At the end of each tour, Ali shares her finds, photographing them before passing them on to guests, ensuring everyone leaves with a little extra beyond what they’ve gathered themselves. UNGUIDED BOAT TOURS: These tours are tailor-made for shelling enthusiasts who are well-acquainted with the rugged terrain of the 10k Islands. If you've explored these shores before, this is your opportunity to roam freely. While Ali isn't on board, our knowledgeable captain will drop you off at one of the 10k Islands' prime shelling locations. With no guide, you're in control. Spend your time shelling at your own pace and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the islands. As these tours are unguided, it's crucial to pack your water, snacks, and any necessary shelling gear. Please be sure you return to the boat promptly so that the Captain can stay on schedule for his next tour. Whichever tour you choose, you're in for an incredible shelling adventure amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the 10k Islands. Come join us and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Planning your shellventure? Here are some of the most common questions we get from guests—answered all in one place to help you feel prepared and excited! How Long is the Boat Ride? Here’s what to expect depending on the tour: 10k Islands Shelling Tour  – About 15 minutes each way Keewaydin Island Shelling Tour  – About 40 minutes each way Both routes are scenic and fun—just long enough to enjoy, but short enough to keep things smooth. Are there restroom facilities on the island? No—there are no restroom facilities  on the islands where we shell. These are undeveloped, natural barrier islands without plumbing, buildings, or running water. We always recommend using the restroom before departure  (there’s a public restroom at the launch site), as you’ll be out on the water and exploring for several hours. If nature calls while we’re out there, the only option is what we call a “primitive potty”—which means finding a private spot in the brush or shallow water, much like a backcountry camping trip. If that sounds like a dealbreaker, this may not be the right type of shellventure for you. That said, most guests—kids and adults alike—do just fine. Just plan ahead, and you’ll be able to enjoy your tour comfortably! I Get Seasick. Will I Be Okay? You’ll probably be fine! Even guests who are prone to motion sickness usually feel great on our tours. Why? We travel fast  through flat backwaters , so there’s no side-to-side swaying  like on open seas. The rides are relatively short and smooth. Still worried? You can always take precautions just in case—but chances are, you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Can I Bring My Dog? I totally understand wanting to bring your furry friend—but unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed  on our tours. Here's why: Leash laws  on the islands are strict to protect local wildlife. No waste stations  means cleanup is tough, especially on remote terrain. Heat and sun  can be dangerous for dogs, especially with limited shade. Guest safety and comfort  come first—some people have dog allergies or fears. We love dogs, but this policy helps keep the experience safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone. Thanks for understanding! Do You Provide Life Vests? Absolutely! We carry Type 1 USCG-approved life vests  for all guests. Anyone can wear one at any time, and children 6 and under are required  to wear one during the boat ride. Have more questions before booking? We’re happy to help. Just reach out through our Contact  page, and we’ll make sure you feel fully prepared for your shellventure!

Shells can be found both along the shore and in the water, depending on the tide, weather, and what kind of shell you’re hoping to find. Smaller shells are often easy to spot right on the beach, no wading required. And shell piles, when present, are usually high onshore. Larger shells—like Horse Conchs and Whelks—are rarer and usually found farther out, especially during negative low tides when sandbars are exposed. On those days, you might stay dry while searching. On higher tides, finding big shells might mean wading into knee- or waist-deep water (totally optional!). Big shells aren’t found every day—they’re rare treasures, most likely to appear after strong wind storms or during very low tides. Conditions change constantly. One day we’re combing wrack lines or exploring tidal pools; the next, we might be hiking through soft shoreline or shelling among mangroves. No two shelling adventures are alike! Best to wear protective water shoes because you never know when you'll get your feet wet! You don’t need any special tools, but you’re welcome to bring scoopers or digging gear if you have a favorite. Every shelling day is a little different—and that’s part of the thrill! Come see what the tide brings in— book your shelling tour today !  🐚🌊