How to get the most out of your next shelling expedition

Springtime is the prime shelling season! Not only are they washing up on beaches everywhere, but right about now is peak Spring vacation season as well, which means it’s a great opportunity to take your family on a little shelling expedition. 

In order to set you and yours up for the most shelling success possible, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind as you prowl the beach. Today, we’re going to share out a few tips to help you find the best possible shells. Let’s jump right in!

Go early in the morning

If you can, try to get to the beach nice and early. For one, the beaches will be untouched by the tourists, meaning you’ll have the proverbial pick of the litter when it comes to shells. Second, the sun isn’t too hot, which means you can take your time and not have to worry about missing out on any treasures. Third, the tides are usually low and lots of shells will be washed up on the shore. Get there early and you’ll find plenty of amazing shells. 

Look in the places you wouldn’t

Always take a look in the nooks and crannies of your beach. Check behind boulders, look in logs and comb in places where you see lots of shells. You never know where a great shell might be hiding that hundreds of other people might have overlooked. 

Go where the sand is wet

In order to find the best shells, look along or below the wrack line. This is going to be the place where shells will wash up during high tide overnight. In addition – those shells are likely to be in better condition, too. Most shells that get trapped above the wrack line tend to be bleached and sun bleached. The ones below will be fresh out of the water. 

Clean your shells when you’re done

When you get home, soak your shells in water for up to a week. After that, take a paper towel or brush (a shell-exclusive tooth brush works best) to scrub out all the excess sand and debris. Lastly, use some shine and buff your shells with a food safe mineral oil. This will give your shells an extreme shine and sparkle and make them ripe for display or for use in crafts. 

Shelling is one of the best activities you can enjoy with your family. Hopefully these tips will lead to an even better experience for all involved. Good luck and enjoy the beach!