Shelling on Anna Maria Island Beaches

Nothing attracts visitors to Anna Maria Island more than the incredible beaches that the area has to offer. Many of our fantastic vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island make it possible to enjoy those beaches and the activities you can have fun doing while you check out the area.

What is “Shelling”

One activity that is fun, easy, and cheap is shelling. It’s something you’ll see locals and tourists alike doing in the local sands. Because of the location of Anna Maria Island, you’ll find some unique and beautiful shells. You just have to look hard enough! This activity is easy enough for all age groups making it the perfect beach outing for families. You can even take advantage of our Anna Maria pet-friendly rentals and share your finds with your furry family member.

Shelling has become wildly popular worldwide but has really seen increased interest in Anna Maria Island because of the perfect conditions here to find really amazing shells. Of course, all of this comes from knowing what to look for and where the best spots are. Arming yourself with this knowledge is sure to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

We’ve put together a list of everything you need to know to have a successful shelling adventure, plus the best Anna Maria Island beaches to head to that are close to our vacation rentals.

Best Shelling Beaches

Most of the beaches near to our Anna Maria rentals are fantastic for shelling, but each is perfect for its own reason.

Manatee Public Beach is a great option if you want to have a beach day with just a little bit of shelling involved. A fantastic location for swimming, sunbathing, and shell searching, this beach has it all. Your best option to find the perfect shell is earlier in the day.

Anna Maria City Beach is more secluded and can give a better variety of shells for you to find. Because this beach has a lot less foot traffic, you’ll be able to find more unbroken seashells that you would in some other places.

If you’re looking for some larger shells to add to your collection head to Bayfront Park Beach. This beach doesn’t have as many large waves, and if you head to the area during low tide you’ll find some big, magnificent shells just waiting for you to take them home.

Bean Point Beach is your best option to find big conch shells, and Coquina Beach will offer up some good shelling opportunities- along with the possibility of finding some shark’s teeth!

Take advantage of some of our fantastic Anna Maria Island waterfront rentals and you can even search for some of these fantastic shells! Many of these rentals have options for your own private beach that can also turn up some wonderful shells.

people on the beach

Shells to Look for

The shells to keep an eye out for during your search will help a lot. Most often, on Anna Maria Island, you’ll spot conch shells, welk, cockle, coquina and even some sand dollars. Look up what these shells look like before heading out and you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking for in the water and in the sand.

What to Know

Now that you know where to go to find the best shells, and what you’re looking for, you need to know the expert tips and tricks to spot these gems. The biggest tip is to go in search of shells during low tide and after a storm. This helps push some shells closer to shore for you to find more easily. Also, begin your search in tidal pools and flats, sandbars, and around the Anna Maria Island piers. This is where shells will get caught and will be easy for you to snatch up.

Don’t miss out on any of the fun Anna Maria Island things to do on your planned vacation escape.