The 'Shell Capital of the World' is here on Sanibel Island

SANIBEL, Fla.—The shell capital of the world is not across the ocean or in a far-off country. It is right here in Southwest Florida and ready for you to explore.

Sanibel Island is home to the “Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium,” a one-of-a-kind destination that celebrates shells from around the world and some found right in our own backyard.

Inside the museum, beauty meets science and conservation. From massive, world record-breaking shells to tiny ones you could easily miss if you are not paying attention, each display tells a story. Exhibits explain the origin of shells, the habitats to which they belong, and the essential ecological roles they play in marine ecosystems.

After Hurricane Ian flooded the museum’s Great Hall of Shells, the space had to be completely reimagined. Jose Leal, the museum’s science director and curator, said reopening was about more than restoring what was lost.

“We opened it back up in October, but there are shells from all over the world here. We had to reimagine what this place could look like. It’s more than just shells,” Leal said.

That vision is clear the moment you walk in. The redesigned hall highlights shells not just as natural objects, but as living connections to oceans, culture, and conservation.

Beyond the shell displays, the Living Gallery of Aquariums brings the museum to life. More than 60 species of marine animals are on display, including octopuses, conchs, seahorses, and clams. The aquariums offer an up-close look at the animals that create and live inside shells, focusing on both their behavior and biology.

The museum also offers daily programs included with admission, such as keeper talks and interactive touch pools. Educational workshops, guided tours, lectures, and community science programs provide visitors of all ages the opportunity to delve even deeper.

The Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., inviting locals and visitors alike to discover why Sanibel truly earns its title as the shell capital of the world.