An exploration on the Beach.
The Marco Island Shell Club finds its happy place on the beach at sunrise. Either after a good storm with new shells or after the normal high and low tides which bring these treasures from the sea to our baskets. This view is a gorgeous morning fog as the sun rises over Shell Island in Caxambas Pass, a favorite for local shellers trying to beat the morning heat. To get here, you can rent a kayak, take a guided tour, or bring your own boat to beat the morning rush.
The club also partakes in annual excursions to other local islands near Marco Island which are rich in the offerings of the sea. This is Rose Marina early in the morning as we get ready to board the ferry to Keewaydin Island, one of the barrier islands just North of the Marco River where one can find a large variety of shells, sand dollars, coral, and other treasures from the sea.
Annual Excursions
The Club plans several excursions throughout the season. Excursions in the past included trips to nearby shell shows and shelling excursions. Members must pre-register for activities they want to attend, even if there is no charge. For us to have an accurate count, please register one person's name only and select the method of payment. You will receive an email confirming your registration. Print a copy for your records.
***PLEASE NOTE: EXCURSIONS ARE OPEN TO MEMBERS ONLY. PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE unless the club cancels the event or changes the original date of the excursion. Each attendee must sign a release absolving the club of any liability. ***
HEMINGWAY SHUTTLE TO KEEWAYDIN - TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025.
************SOLD OUT************
We have no slots remaining on the 6:30 am Hemingway Shuttle on Tuesday, January 14 from Rose Marina. The cost is $53.97 per person plus a cash tip of $5 or $10 for the shuttle staff. Online Registration will open on November 1, 2024 and credit card payments are required. The deadline for registration is Friday, January 3, at 12:30pm and friends of members may also sign up.
Keewaydin Island is a fabulous shelling spot, and we will have the experience of an extreme low tide following a full moon at 7:41am. Keep in mind that there are no restrooms on the island nor food and beverage services unless the food boats are there that day. You may bring a folding beach chair, cooler with food/beverages, beach towels, and a container for your wonderful finds.
The recommended arrival time is 6:00am as boarding is at 6:15am. Departure is 6:30am sharp. Because this excursion is scheduled and seat committments made well in advance, no refunds will be issued. Please be aware that the Shuttle runs on a tight schedule and will depart promptly at 6:30am and cannot wait for late arrivals.
Although we will plan for an 10:45am return departure, the shuttle runs back and forth to Rose Marina and it is possible to leave earlier if desired.
TIGERTAIL BEACH WALK WITH MARGE TUNNELL - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025.
Join Marge on a shelling tour of Tigertail Beach on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30am during an extreme low tide following a full moon. Marge is an expert on the animals and shells found on our beach and will guide us in a tutorial of our excellent finds including how to identify live sand dollars which should be plentiful in that area. We will meet at the southwestern tip of the Tigertail vegetation nearest the Gulf and directly west of the South Seas complex.
SANIBEL SHELL SHOW - THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025.
**********************************SOLD OUT*******************************
Our plan is to stay three hours and return to the Island by 2:30pm. We will regroup at 12:30pm near the front door of the show and discuss options for anyone wishing to stay longer.