Shell collecting

[kwackerman]

Hi everyone.

Has anyone been sheel hunting either at Sanibel island or somewhere similar?

My kids are really keen on the idea but I wonder whether the long drive down from Kissimmee will be worth what we find.

Also, do US cars use the same kind or 12v plug as the UK. If so I will be able to charge my mobile with no problems.

Thanks for any info.

Andy

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

We've never had much luck on Sanibel and Captiva for shelling, obviously timed it wrong. But we have two HUGE glass jars full of shells from when we've been down on Marco Island, Naples and St Pete's (plus a few thrown in from St Lucia and the Philippines, I must admit, but most from the Gulf Coast).

I would recommend you check the tide times before your trip - just as the tide has turned you get the best results, fantastic supplies. I love the little teensy spiral ones and these can be hard to find sometimes.

There's nothing to beat mooching up and down the beach with your netbag looking for those shells - in and out of the water

 

[alisonbestford]

We spent a few days in Clearwater and took a boat out 'shelling' to a small island, and saw dolphins, one day.
I can't say we found a great many shells but DD (6) loved it.
It's about an hour and a half straight drive from Kisimmee so you could make a great day of it - go out on the boat, go to Pier 60 afterwards to the sunset party and grab some food before driving back .
Don't know about the car plugs for mobiles-sorry.
Alison

 

[Miffy2003]

Hiya,

Sanibel is quite a long way for a day trip, though I believe the shelling there is the best. We found some shells in Clearwater Beach, like Alison.

 

[dixie2000]

Hi there

I don't know about shelling but I did take my mobile phone last time we went and used the adapter in the car to charge it with no problems

Helen

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

We spent a few days in Clearwater and took a boat out 'shelling' to a small island, and saw dolphins, one day.

That;s a good point. We've done a couple of these boat trips whilst staying at St Pete Beach. The first was a half day yacht trip - dolphin watching (and there were loads ) and then stopped on Shell Island (give you a clue as to what's on there ) for a couple of hours for a picnic, swim, shell session. Deserted place, fantastic clear blue sea and you pass the most fantastic houses

The second - with the same company - was on a motor launch to include a snorkelling trip on Egmont Key. Again, half a day trip, take a picnic and you stop in the most beautiful places. Loads of dolphins again - especially in the motor boat because they loved to jump over the big waves.

 

[Kevin Stringer]

The shelling on Sanibel/Captiva is great fun.
We brought back loads of shells. One of the best places we found was Bowmans Beach. Not only does it have lots of shells, it is also a very beautiful place to relax.

As has been mentioned, it really is a long drive, I would estimate between 3 and 4 hours. You would be better off booking a night in a hotel just outside the islands to get best use of the time.

Kev

 

[patdavies]

Hi everyone.

Also, do US cars use the same kind or 12v plug as the UK. If so I will be able to charge my mobile with no problems.

Thanks for any info.

Andy

Broadly, the answer is yes. 12v socket, negative earth. However, on a couple of cars, the socket was very slightly larger and we needed to wedge the plug with a small piece of card.