Your guide to Sanibel & Captiva
All the highlights, tips and dream beaches around Sanibel & Captiva at a glance!
First collect shells, then visit the Bailey Matthews Shell Museum
Sanibel Island not only attracts visitors with its beautiful natural beaches, but is also blessed with an extraordinary abundance of shells. As one of the best shellfish areas in the world, the islanders naturally also have a shell museum, the Bailey Matthews Shell Museum.
It is not surprising that a special interest group has formed with the Sanibel Stoop (Sanibel Hump). This is the name given to people who have already developed a crooked back from bending over so much for the shells.
The idea for the museum came from local shell collector Charlene McMurphy, who founded the museum in 1984. Today, the museum offers more than 30 different exhibitions. In addition to shells, there are also marine molluscs to admire.
The history of the mussels, their behavior and special features are presented. Not only the mussel species on Sanibel are taken into account, but also their occurrence worldwide. One of the various exhibition rooms shows different works of art inspired by sea creatures. For children, there is a learning lab where they can experiment and learn about marine species through play. A video about molluscs is shown every hour on the hour.
Information & route planner Bailey Matthews Shell Museum
| Opening hours | daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Admission | Adults $ 23.95 Children from 5 years: $ 14.95 |
| barrier-free | ✅ |
| Children | ✅ with touch tank |
| Parking | ✅ free of charge |