Best area for shelling ... not too far from Disney

[NDdisney]

We are going to Disney World Oct.1st for 2 weeks. We have never ventured far from the park area - Disney - Universal Sea World - and this year we would like to spend some ocean time. We want to go somewhere to go shelling with an 11yr old - and a little ocean swimming.
So where is the best area for this??? How much is it (about) to rent a car to get there?

We are from the furthest part in North America from Any ocean (ND), so this will be a new experience for our daughter.

 

[keri-k]

interested in this as well

 

[KJMAX1]

Well I dont know how far you are willing to drive but if you are looking for the ultimate shelling experience you have to go to Sanibel Island. Its just southwest of Tampa. It took us about an hour to get there. Our kids are from the west coast, but they looooooved Sanibel. Millions of shells to be taken on the beach. We also saw a Manatee in the waterway, and dolphins near the shore swimming freely. It was gorgeous.

 

[NDdisney]

Well I dont know how far you are willing to drive but if you are looking for the ultimate shelling experience you have to go to Sanibel Island. Its just southwest of Tampa. It took us about an hour to get there. Our kids are from the west coast, but they looooooved Sanibel. Millions of shells to be taken on the beach. We also saw a Manatee in the waterway, and dolphins near the shore swimming freely. It was gorgeous.

How far is it from Disney World? Is is short enough to be a day trip?

 

[MrsJD]

I don't remember exactly how far, but I want to say Sanibel is about 3.5 hours from Orlando. Sanibel is known for it's shells and is a top shelling destination in the world. Atleast that is what I saw on TV once. I have been there and it really is a great place. I believe it is well worth the trip.

The closest beaches would be Cocoa and Daytona, but both are too congested for good shelling. Sanibel is rather secluded and much cleaner.

 

[KJMAX1]

It didnt take us 3.5 hours. I would google it on the map and find out....Max maybe was 2 hours...but I dont recall it taking that long. We stopped to get gas and food and then another stop for gas and maybe it was 1.5 hours. We had a rental car with a TV in it and the kids watched one video. It can definately be a day trip. We spent a lot of time on the island exploring the lighthouse, playing on the beach, shelling, etc. It was the best day of our trip last time.