I had some extra time on my hands before a tour of the J.N. Darling Wildlife Refuge so I stopped at the Shell Museum. I expected this place to be better than what it was. Not that many exhibits. Not impressed with the little I saw. I received a paper on the seashells of South Florida. It didn't help me recognize the shells because it was in black and white. I didn't care for the items in the gift shop. I wasted $8.00 dollars in this place. Not worth visiting.

We went to the museum one of the days it rained. It provided a lot of information I didn't know about shells and how they are used. I was really impressed with how many different types of shells there are in the world. They have shells grouped together by the geographical location the shells are found. They also show how shells have been used in the past and provide a lot of information on anything you want to know about the shells. You can watch a video that really inspires you to go shelling on the islands and how important it is to be respectful of the no live shelling laws. I would highly advise parents to bring kids and let them experience this wonderful museum, but make no mistake everyone, no matter what age, can learn a lot!

My wife and I went to the Shell Museum one rainy afternoon and really enjoyed it! Lots to see and learn there....

I would plan to go here midway during your stay on Sanibel if you are interested in shelling. It helps you identify what you are finding and which ones are rare, and then inspires you to find more.

What is really interesting is the video they show that teaches what lives in the shells and interesting footage of that. There are also historical displays showing how shells have been used in the past.

The employees are very interested in shelling obviously and are very approachable.