Florida Villas Blog

I am not a sun-worshipper , though I love the sunshine of Florida, so you won’t find me lying on a beach roasting myself. No, you are more likely to find me pursuing one of my favourite maritime pastimes - searching for shells. You will often stumble upon me with that characteristic stoop which you have to acquire if you are not to miss spotting that one beautiful shell that you have been looking for, walking along the shoreline searching for treasures. I normally try to walk as far along the beach as I can, to give me the best chance of picking up perfect shells, as if I am the first to walk along there I am likely to be luckier. Of course it is sensible to go shelling when the tide is low, giving you more beach to look on, but the less populous beaches are best. However, no matter where you start your search, there is always the possibility of finding that elusive gem.

So there I am, scouring the beach for that perfect shell – most often where the waves reach their highest point as they break on the sand. In fact you are more likely to find groups of shells here, so this is always a good place to look. You may be lucky and find shells right on the surface of the sand, but don’t be afraid to dig around – especially where there is evidence of many shells, as the best ones may be just below the surface. You may just be fortunate.

There are many good beaches for shelling in Florida. Sanibel Island is one of them, as its boomerang shape encourages shelling, facing in an east-west direction its shape slows down the shells, enabling them to remain in one piece. The Lee Island Coast on the Gulf of Mexico is reputed to have some of the best shelling in the United States. With over 100 barrier islands it is home to over 400 species of shells, both commonplace and exotic. The best time for shelling is normally between May and September, although some winter storms may yield good pickings, and it is always a good time to go searching for shells if there has been rough weather. Of course, the taking of live shells, that is shells with the creatures’ still alive inside, is banned, but you may collect empty shells. Many’s the time I have weighed down my suitcase with a little hoard of sandy shells, which I have collected on Florida’s beaches.

I know that for me, walking along the beach where the waves cascade onto the sand, is always exciting. I know that I will peer down, and, as the foaming water recedes, bringing with it a clear view of the sand below, I might just catch sight of that elusive shell – it might be a fleeting glance of a white shell, rolling back into the surf, or it might be a hint of colour, a sudden flash of brown or pink. Whatever it is, I know my hand will reach out into the water, grabbing a handful of dripping sand, and then there is the anticipation as I search through my hoard. Will there be nothing? Will my shell have already rolled far out of sight, hidden by new sand? Or will I have found that perfect, completely intact, dusky pinkness shining from its fluted edges? It really doesn’t matter.

There in my hand may be the smallest most perfect trumpet, or the tiniest round snail shell. It won’t be worth anything at all, but for me it is priceless. I will take it carefully home, wash away the sand and debris, and add it to my growing collection of shells in glasses. For me my shells are full of memories, walks along tropical beaches, paddles with the children, sunshine on my back and the soft sound of gentle waves on the pebbles. I wouldn’t sell them for a king’s ransom.

Article written by “Ellie” an Orlando Villa owner. You can see her property at Orlando Villas

If you are planning your first trip to Florida here are some tips and a bit of info to make your planning a bit easier.

One of the most famous beaches in Florida is of course Miami Beach, but that doesn't mean it is the best. There are many beaches in Florida with its 1000 miles of coastline. Some are les commercialised than others. Many people love the beaches of the Gulf Coast, on the west side of the state, while others prefer the more tidal Atlantic coast beaches such as Daytona, New Smyrna or Cocoa Beach. The latter offer much more opportunity to surf. Daytona Beach allows the driving and parking of vehicles on the beach on certain stretches.

For a more tropical feel though I believe the Gulf Coast has it. The tides are much lower here and the sand more powdery, sugary white. Beaches like Clearwater and St. Pete's tend to be very commercialised but still very nice compared to some of the beaches further south, such as Naples, Ft Myers and Marco Island.

Clearwater Beach.
Situated around 90mins driving time from Orlando is an enjoyable place to visit even for the day or perhaps an overnight stop if you are in Orlando. The beaches do tend to get a little crowded at the weekends but nothing like the beaches in Europe. There is a marina from which many boat tours and dolphin sighting trips can be booked. I can recommend the “Sea Screamer” the world’s largest speed boat that issues a “rain check” if you don’t get to see some dolphins. They love to play in the wake of the boat and you can get some great photos and video on this trip. The trip lasts around an hour. Clearwater Beach has some beautiful sunsets and around this time all the craft stalls and street entertainers come out.

Ft Myers Beach.
This is further south on the Gulf Coast, close to Naples. Driving time around 3 hours from Orlando. The actual Ft Myers Beach is on Estero Island a peninsular just off the mainland. This is less commercialised and the beaches are far from crowded. There are fewer hotels here but more condominiums. Many of them can be rented and are very nicely furnished. I have stayed in 2 belonging to the sunstream group, “Pointe Estero” and “The Gullwing” the rooms have everything you need and have great views of the Gulf.