The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium, and the only museum in the United States devoted primarily to shells and mollusks. Its mission is to use exceptional collections, aquariums, programs, experiences, and science to be the nation’s leading museum in the conservation, preservation, interpretation, and celebration of shells, the mollusks that create them, and their ecosystems. For more information, please visit ShellMuseum.org or call (239) 395-2233.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,662 reviews
Excellent
1,046
Very good
434
Average
144
Poor
30
Terrible
8
Avid Traveler in Nebraska
Omaha, NE90 contributions
Aug 2020
As shelling is a staple for Sanibel visitors, figured this museum would be a must-see attraction. Though new and clean, the museum is geared more to kids/families. $23.95 adult admission was on the high side, as we were able to see all exhibits on both floors in the span of about 45 minutes. I believe a portion of admission benefits a conservation foundation of some sort. Definitely some educational value, but if limited on time and funds, would suggest considering other options more heavily, especially if not visiting with young children.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJH161
Denver, CO231 contributions
Mar 2021
We have been here twice, six years apart. It is a classy museum. If you have any interested in seashells, you should definitely visit here. The admission price of $25 a person is steep, but welcome to Sanibel Island.The displays are professional. I didn't love the artwork for sale, but I did love the hands-on portion of the museum where you could touch various live animals.I did buy an app for two dollars that allows you to identify seashells you'll find on the beach when roaming the island. I would say a 5 Star museum if the price were more in the 10 or $12 range. If you don't care about the cost, I would say this is pretty much a must stop on Sanibel.
Written March 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
podrozniczka60
New Jersey16,648 contributions
Dec 2021
The museum was surprisingly open on Christmas. Small but interesting for those with preexistent passion for shells. They do cater to young kids. Adult tickets are overpriced at $15 but the youngest kids are admitted for free.
Almost everywhere on Sanibel it seems like you have to pay for the parking but shell museum has a free parking.
Almost everywhere on Sanibel it seems like you have to pay for the parking but shell museum has a free parking.
Written February 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
invertpaleo
New York City, NY344 contributions
Apr 2021
The shell museum, as long as it has existed, has always been a terrific destination, but the new entire floor of aquariums with live mollusks adds another whole dimension to it.
Some people think the museum fee is a little bit expensive, but it is totally worth the expenditure.
Sanibel is, after all, the Shell Capital of the USA, so why not understand a bit more about shells and mollusks that make them?
Some people think the museum fee is a little bit expensive, but it is totally worth the expenditure.
Sanibel is, after all, the Shell Capital of the USA, so why not understand a bit more about shells and mollusks that make them?
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tnvolfam
Franklin, TN29 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
If you have elementary age children that like aquariums, this is a great place. Some of the exhibits are faciniating for the those that appreciate ocean life. In particular, there is staffed exhibit that allows some hands on experiences and deeper learning.
We enjoyed the exhibits, especially the shells organized by geographical origin.
In general, we felt the museum was smaller than expected, slightly under staffed, and a little over priced compared to other opportunities. However, we do not regret going.
We enjoyed the exhibits, especially the shells organized by geographical origin.
In general, we felt the museum was smaller than expected, slightly under staffed, and a little over priced compared to other opportunities. However, we do not regret going.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K. Richard W
Sarasota, FL10 contributions
Feb 2020
his museum never fails to live up to high standards and I have never brought out of towners here without their having a good time and great interest. The displays are very well presented and the videos are very well done. It is a National treasure, perhaps not up to Smithsonian standards, but given the fact that ity is on Sanibel Island really superb.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting often - and bringing friends! Our new Beyond Shells aquarium exhibits opens March 1st!
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amber C
Fancy Farm, KY81 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
This was our second visit to the shell museum, if you are going to be on the beach looking for shells you have to come here first. It is so informative about all the wildlife in the area and how they live. We especially loved seeing the live octopus and getting to touch the live animals in the conch tanks. Only reason I didn’t give five stars is because we were made to wear masks the whole time and I don’t like that at all but hopefully that wont last long.
Written June 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew C
Saint Louis, MO121 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
I was impressed by all this museum had to offer. I was expecting a small museum with maybe 2 or 3 rooms. But this museum was good sized and I easily spent 90 minutes there. I probably could have spent longer if I had more time. There were many exhibits that talk about the different types of shells around the world and also talk about how and why sea creatures have shells. There were some interactive exhibits that are good for kids. I would highly recommend this museum if you are visiting Sanibel or anywhere in southwest Florida!
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scrosby1
Waconia, MN40 contributions
Jan 2021
I mean, is there a better place to have a shell museum? We came to Sanibel for the shelling and this place really helped us up our game. We learned so much about mollusks and they have a very impressive collection of shells from around the world. Fun for all ages in our party from 8-40 something. The 8 year old bought a laminated guide at the gift shop and immediately came back to the condo to help identify her treasures! Worth a visit if you're about the shelling that Sanibel offers.
Written January 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tikicyn
Titusville, FL9 contributions
Jan 2020
The museum exceeded my expectations. We were greeted at the entrance by a very friendly attendant. I thought the price of admission was a great value. It was very inexpensive. There is a shell crafting area where guests can create a small souvenir made from shells. The exhibit hall was comprehensive, beautiful and very informative. I learned so much about mollusks. It renewed my appreciation of shells.Don't forget to visit the gift shop. I highly recommend a visit to the Shell Museum.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your warm review. We try to offer something for everyone. Glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written February 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How long does it take to go through whole museum?
Written March 10, 2018
I think an hour and a half here only gives you time to walk around it all, just glancing at everything, without really looking at anything in detail, or learning anything from the exhibits.
Sanibel Island is one of only three places in the entire world where so many shells and such a variety of shells wash up every day of the year. Many visitors come to Sanibel because they want to find shells and look at shells, which are some of nature's most beautiful and mysterious objects.
If you are someone likes shells or loves shells, you will want to spend at least two or three hours looking at the exhibits and live tanks and films, and maybe come back again in a few days for another go. This is a place where you can see more, and learn more, about shells and the animals that build them, than any other place in the world.
Written September 3, 2018
$15. / adult..... seniors $14
Written March 1, 2018
Katie B
Sanibel Island, Florida
Hi Nivea,
Service dogs are welcome into the museum. All other dogs are welcome on the grounds. We have picnic tables with shade umbrellas and would be happy to get your pup water if you are eating lunch outside, just let us know!
Written July 6, 2015
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