We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Sanibel Island?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Sanibel Island each week.

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum: Traveler Reviews


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 12 Reviews
5.0 of 5 stars
5
4.0 of 5 stars
3
3.0 of 5 stars
1
2.0 of 5 stars
3
1.0 of 5 stars
0
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #8 of 16 attractions in Sanibel Island
Show Attraction DetailsHide Attraction Details
Activities: leisure education
Attraction type: Specialty museum, Other
Address: 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel Island, FL 33957
Tel: 239 395 2233

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Shell Museum--Okay, but not that exciting

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
Kitties102 41 contributions
Peoria, IL
May 28, 2007
3/3 found this review helpful

My boyfriend and I attended to shell museum during a recent trip to the island this May. The museum was about what you'd expect--not that exciting, but not a complete waste of time. Basically there is a decent sized exhibit hall with a lot of cases featuring different shells---shells from sanibel and also from around the world. There are also some small exhibits in here featuring how people used shells for tools, clothes, decorations, etc. It was neat to look at some of the shells but it only took about 45 minutes, and I'm not sure how much fun looking at shells in a glass case can really be.
I would recommend going to the museum after you've been shell hunting for afew days, it was nice to point out some of the shells that we had found.
The DVD was allright--it was interesting and about 30 minutes long, but again, how exciting can a shell video be. I drifted off a few times, but it wasn't horrible.
I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to view the museum. However, if it's raining or you've got time to kill, it's not a bad visit. $7 per person when I was there.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
DVD presentation a must see!

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Laurel2 7 contributions
Akron, Ohio
May 3, 2007
1/1 found this review helpful

If you roll your eyes at the thought of a shell museum you'll be pleasantly surprised at this attraction. From the friendly knowledgable volunteers, to the shell displays and to top it off a superb DVD (amazing production quality and content) by a local, this place is worth seeing, even if it's not a rainy day.
On your way out there is an assortment of shells and each child can choose one for free as a a souvenir.
Includes a gift shop where they attractively package your purchase.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Great for a summer rainy day

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Flbeachbumnut 11 contributions
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Apr 13, 2007

My husband and I really enjoyed this Museum. Loved seeing all the different kinds of shells and enjoyed the video very much.
Amazing valentines!

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Not that impressed

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
birdlady07 175 contributions
Merrillville, Indiana
Mar 3, 2007
0/2 found this review helpful

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.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Great learning experience

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
VictoriaEremita 26 contributions
Moorpark, California
Jan 1, 2007
4/4 found this review helpful

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!

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Sanibel Island, Southwest Gulf Coast
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Sanibel Island, Southwest Gulf Coast
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Sanibel Island, Southwest Gulf Coast
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum? Share your experiences!
Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owner's Page
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Address

3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel Island, FL 33957
Tel: 239 395 2233