The Sunset Inn Blog

Tips for finding the best shells!

Finding shells is often a matter of being on the beach at just the right time.   But, here are a few tips for finding that perfect shell at Sunset Beach, NC.

1. Go early in the morning.  The best time, in general, is an hour before or after low tide but you should try to get on the beach early to find the best shells. Make sure you have one bag for your shells and an extra bag for any trash you find.
2. Take your time!  Remember, you are there to have fun and enjoy the beach.  If you happen to find a great shell that's a plus but if you don't, there's always another day.  If you relax and take your time, the shells will find you!
3. Look where others don't.  You may think that the high tide lines or just below the dunes won't yield anything exciting but you never know what you'll find.  You might find a shell under a pile of seaweed or by a piece of driftwood.  There are many places that shells can be hidden. 
4. Bring your children!  Children are shorter, usually have great eyesight and even though they can't find their homework, they can pick out a small shell like no other!  Teach them to look for the shiny outline of a sharks tooth or the way a sand dollar might be half hidden in the sand.  They will love it.  
5. One of the most important things when shelling is to never take a "live" shell.  In some areas it's actually illegal to take live shells.  If you are new to shelling, just simply turn the shell over and see if there is a creature inside.  If so, return the shell to the ocean.  If you see a sand dollar that is green, purple, or brownish then it is still alive and should not be taken.  The only sand dollars that are safe to take home are the while or slightly grey ones that have died and have been bleached by the sun.  

This is taken from a shelling website.  

The art of shelling: 

Smell the salt in the air.  

Feel the sand on your toes.  

Listen to beach sounds by Mother Nature.  

Look at the seascapes and seashells.  

RELAX!