The 89th Sanibel Shell Show and Festival returns to the island

Shell lovers, beachcombers and curious visitors have a reason to head to Sanibel Island Thursday.

The 89th annual Sanibel Shell Show and Festival is officially underway, bringing three days of ocean-inspired art, science and coastal tradition to the island.

Hosted by the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club and the Sanibel Community Association, the festival runs March 5 through March 7 at the Sanibel Community House.

Doors are open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., giving visitors plenty of time to wander through exhibits, meet shell artists and maybe even learn a thing or two about what washes up on Southwest Florida beaches.

For members of the shell club, the event is months in the making.

“Every creation is brand new every year,” said club president Laurie Jansen. “Everyone puts in so much effort to create something new. The shells are showcased differently every year and each new season brings in new shells people collect.”

The festival is considered one of the longest running shell festivals in the world, celebrating Sanibel’s reputation as one of the best shelling destinations anywhere.

Inside the show, guests can explore two main exhibit categories: artistic and scientific.

The artistic displays let creativity run wild. Some exhibitors transform shells into elaborate gardens, birds, mosaics and sculptures. Some artists are professionals, while others simply love shells and create pieces as a hobby.

On the scientific side, collectors display shells found in nature from around the world. There are shells of all sizes, from those that are smaller than a grain of rice, to some that take up half the table.

Debi McBroom, vice president of the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club, said some of the shells on display are incredibly rare, including the legendary Junonia shell.

“This specific shell we have displayed here is special because it has a unique spiral,” McBroom said. “Shellers around the world look for it. They're hard to find because they're deep in the ocean and rarely wash up on beaches.”

Outside, the festival continues with a lively market atmosphere. Dozens of vendors sell shells and shell crafts, while food trucks and outdoor dining give visitors a place to take a break between exhibits.

Guests can also get hands-on with the science of shells. The festival features live mollusk tanks, shell identification demonstrations and crafting lessons from local experts. There are also raffles and a silent auction benefiting community programs.

What began decades ago as a small gathering of shell collectors has grown into an internationally recognized event that draws visitors from across the country and beyond.

Today, the festival remains one of Sanibel’s signature traditions, celebrating the natural treasures that wash onto the shores of Sanibel Island.

Organizers say whether you’re a serious collector, an artist, or someone who simply enjoys strolling the beach in search of the perfect shell, the show has something for everyone.

The festival continues through Saturday afternoon and tickets are a $5 donation at the door.