The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Sanibel & Captiva are considered the shelling capital of North America. More than 300 species of shells can be found in the shallow water surrounding the islands.
Open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter and the first Sunday in March are the only days the... Read More
Open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter and the first Sunday in March are the only days the... Read More
Sanibel & Captiva are considered the shelling capital of North America. More than 300 species of shells can be found in the shallow water surrounding the islands.
Open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter and the first Sunday in March are the only days the museum is closed. Admission is $7.00 for adults seventeen and up, $4.00 for youth five - 16 years of age and children four and under are free. Located close to “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Call for program information or to register for classes. Visit their website for more information and a complete listing of programs and events. Read Less
Open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter and the first Sunday in March are the only days the museum is closed. Admission is $7.00 for adults seventeen and up, $4.00 for youth five - 16 years of age and children four and under are free. Located close to “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Call for program information or to register for classes. Visit their website for more information and a complete listing of programs and events. Read Less
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Amenities
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General Information Dates closed: Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving, Easter Distance from Airport: 28 miles Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Open Year-Round | Category Museum | |
| Guest Information Family Friendly Meeting/Tour groups welcome | Discounts Group Discount |
| Average Rates* | ||
| Art & History | Average Rate | |
| Child (4 & under) | $0.00 | |
| Youth (5-16) | $5.00 | |
| Adult (17 & up) | $9.00 | |
| Meetings | Average Rate | |
| Auditorium Rental | $250.00 | |
| *Rates are examples only. Contact business directly for exact rate information. | ||
Blogs
Help Break the World Record with the 'Sanibel Stoop' Feb. 17
Lauren Tjaden, Beaches & Adventure Insider
February 16, 2012
If you’re a beach bunny within hopping distance of Sanibel Island, take note.
Sanibel is offering a shell-ebration that’s one for the record books – literally! The Shell Show and Fair is commemorating its...
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Video: Look what VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider Jill Martin found on Sanibel Island!
Lauren Tjaden, Beaches & Adventure Insider
June 05, 2012
Look what VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider Jill Martin found on Sanibel Island!
Turns out this expert kid wrangler is also a shelling fanatic. Look at the treasures she scooped up during our...
Read More
Articles
Hands-On Fun
Let your kids get their hands dirty for once. Don't worry - they'll be learning something at these educational, family-friendly spots.
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Fort Myers and Sanibel Area
Fort Myers, known for its nature and historical estates, serves as a gateway to a stretch of islands including Sanibel, known for its famous shelling beaches.
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Sensible Sanibel
Slow pace and ample space are just two reasons why more than a million visitors from all over the world flock to Sanibel Island every year.
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A Beach for Each
Whether it's a family vacation or a romantic retreat, the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel are great destinations.
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Anne Morrow Lindbergh and Captiva Island
The late Anne Morrow Lindbergh, wife of the famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, used to escape to Florida’s southwest coast which inspired her most famous work, Gift from the Sea. The book compared her life to the various shells she found on the Gulf Coast while on vacation.
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Island Style in Sanibel and Captiva
Residents and visitors alike love the shores of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The sparkling white sands and calm Gulf waters never fail to capture the imagination.
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Beach Combing and Shelling
There’s more to the beach than surf and sand. Shells, colored glass, sea beans, eggs and all sorts of natural treasures await your discovery on Florida’s beaches. Learn all about beach combing and shelling, including where to find the best treasures and what to look for.
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Recent Comments
Most Recent Comment
11/05/2009
Story time 10-11 Friday a.m.
Flag This As Inappropriate11/05/2009
First wash your shells thoroughly with water. Then soak shells over night in a covered bucket with a solution of 50% water and 50% bleach. (The only exception to this is that you should never use bleach on shiny shells like tulips or olive shells as it will remove the glossy finish.) Always be careful when handling bleach. You should wear gloves and goggles and remember that it will remove color from anything that it is accidentally spilled on. aFTER YOU TAKE THE SHELLS OUT OF THE BLEACH SOLUTION BE SURE TO WASH THEM WITH WATER AGAIN TO REMOVE ALL OF THE BLEACH. Tweezers, tools similar to a dental pick, a metal hanger or similar utensil can be used to pry the dead animal from the shell. Some people freeze the shell and then try to get the dead animal out and other busy the shell and let ants, etc. feast on the dead animal. However, our recommended course of action is the one outlined first. If you sen an email to Khoover@shellmuseum.org with your rerquest I would be happy to send you a couple of article I've written that you might find of value. Thanks for your question. I hope you will visit us soon! Don't forget to visit our website at www.shellmuseum.org Thanks - Kathleen Hoover, Public Relations Manager
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