Shelling is a year round pasttime on Amelia Island and one that many folks take very seriously. Why? Because shells and other salt water specimens are ocean treasure and a memento of a great vacation. Seashells can be used in home decorating, crafty projects or to simply be displayed in a basket or shadow box. Candle holders, jewelry, wreaths, Christmas ornaments, and even wind chimes are all crafty things to do with shells.
Some of the more popular shells found on Amelia Island and neighboring Cumberland Island’s beaches include sand dollars, great heart cockles, olives, clams, lightning whelks and baby’s ear moon snails. Folks also love to hunt for the elusive shark teeth which are prevalent along our shores. Hunting for shark teeth is a little more challenging than shelling so you can either go it alone or let the fine folks at Amelia Shark Tooth Adventures take you out for an educational and enjoyable day tour. I’m pretty sure you won’t leave empty handed!
I’m not gonna lie, you’ll probably find more shells in the winter months here than the summer months due to 1) stronger ocean currents and winter storms that push more shells up on the beach and 2) less island visitors resulting in more shells on the beach. All that means is you’ll need to come back in the winter for some serious beachcombing!
Here are a few tips and things to remember from seasoned seekers:
- Go out at low tide and concentrate on the damp to wet sand area near the water’s edge. (Just south of Amelia Island, Little Talbot Island State Park has a wide beach that magnifies low tide.)
- Scan the beach after a storm has passed. It’s a great time to see what has washed up.
- Head to the beach by Fort Clinch State Park for the best place to find sharks teeth.
- Shell rules: If a seashell has a living organism inside it or is a living organism (like sand dollars and starfish), leave it be. You must have a Florida saltwater fishing license to collect live shells. In Florida, you can only take seashells home from the beach if no living organisms are inside them.
Here are three more things to know:
- If you are serious about shelling on the First Coast, the Jacksonville Shells site is a great resource.
- If you want to know more about Amelia Island’s beaches and natural beauty, take a look at our Beaches Travel Guide.
- If you’ve found beautiful shells or striking shark’s teeth, share them with us on social media by using #LoveAmelia.
Now, grab a bucket and head to the beach!