Staff Answer
Jun 29, 2026 - 09:44 AM
Out at Shell Island, it is realistic to find shells, but it is not one of those guaranteed treasure hunt situations every time you step off the boat. The good shell collecting depends on what has been happening with wind, tides, and how recently a lot of people have been through the same stretch. After a storm or a strong tide shift, you can absolutely walk into pockets where you find nicer, more intact shells, especially if you get a bit away from where the shuttle drops everyone. On normal calm days, though, especially in peak summer, you will still see shells, but a lot of them are already picked over near the main landing area, so it becomes more about walking and being a little patient rather than just spotting them right at your feet. The farther you drift down the shoreline, the better your odds usually get, since less foot traffic means more pieces left behind. Early morning trips also tend to be better simply because fewer people have walked through yet.
