Shelling
Morning Shelling Magic at Blind Pass Condos
Posted on 02/10/2026 in Shelling.
Morning Shelling Magic at Blind Pass Condos ✨🐚
Huge thanks to Norm, who found and shared this amazing shell collection from Bowman’s Beach this morning! Within just an hour and a half, Norm discovered 31 different shell species, including standout finds like a Scotch bonnet, alphabet cone, sunray venus, banded tulips, Florida spiny jewel box, apple murex, calico clams, lettered olives, several scallop varieties, stone coral, fan coral, augers, turbans, and worm shells.
And that’s only what could come home—he also spotted live crabs, sea stars, a horse conch, and a sea nettle, helping them safely back into the water. 🌊💙
Moments like this are what make Blind Pass Condos, just steps from legendary Bowman’s Beach, such a special place for shellers and nature lovers alike.
Ready to book your stay with us? Browse our beautiful collection of available units here.
Bowman's Beach is making headlines!
Posted on 06/03/2025 in Shelling.
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news! National Geographic has named Bowman’s Beach one of the “14 Iconic Beaches You Should Visit in Your Lifetime” and USA Today's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards for 2025, rated Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island as the No. 6 beach in Florida.
This prestigious recognition places our beloved beach among the most stunning coastal destinations in the world—and we couldn't agree more. Bowman's Beach was the only beach listed that is located in the Continental United States!
For those who’ve already experienced Bowman’s Beach, it’s no surprise. Known for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and world-class shelling, Bowman’s Beach is a true hidden gem on Sanibel Island. Unlike many tourist-heavy beaches, it retains a sense of untouched serenity, framed by lush sea grapes and mangroves, and free from high-rise development.
National Geographic had this to say: "Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island is an undeveloped stretch of sand carpeted with shells: false angel wings, coquinas, conchs, whelks, junonias, cockles, sand dollars, and banded tulips, to name a few. A quarter-mile (400 m) walk from the road gives the beach a hidden feel, but among beachcombers, it’s famous. Considered one of the best shelling shores in the country, Bowman’s is the beneficiary of its geography, as an underwater shelf scoops the shells of gastropods and bivalves onto the shore like a special delivery from the ocean gods themselves." Read more.
In USA Today's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards for 2025, the national news publication rated Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island as the No. 6 beach in Florida. Why Bowman's Beach was rated a 10BEST? "The allure of Bowman's Beach, located on Sanibel Island, Florida, lies in its tranquil setting and the chance to go shelling along its expansive white sand coastline," USA Today wrote. "With amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails, it's an ideal spot for families and nature enthusiasts alike." Read more.
Why This Is So Special for Blind Pass Condominiums
As the closest vacation rental community to Bowman’s Beach, Blind Pass Condominiums offers guests unparalleled access to this newly world-recognized destination. Guests can walk from their front door to the sand in minutes, crossing a scenic footbridge over a tropical bayou and entering a quiet, pristine stretch of shoreline that now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the most famous beaches on the planet.
This recognition reaffirms what our guests have known all along: Bowman’s Beach is a place of rare beauty, tranquility, and natural wonder. And staying at Blind Pass means you get to wake up every day with that experience just steps away.
What Makes Bowman’s Beach So Iconic?
Seclusion & Natural Setting: No hotels or commercial businesses—just unspoiled sand, native vegetation, and Gulf views
World-Class Shelling: Sanibel Island is a shell collector’s paradise, and Bowman’s Beach is one of the best spots to find rare and beautiful shells.
Incredible Sunsets: Every evening, the sky over the Gulf transforms into a canvas of glowing color, right in your backyard.
Family-Friendly & Peaceful: With ample space to spread out, it’s a favorite for couples, families, and nature lovers looking to escape the crowds.
A Point of Pride for Our Community
National Geographic’s and USA Today's recognition is a source of pride for all of us at Blind Pass Condominiums and a reminder of the special environment we’re fortunate to be a part of. Our guests don’t just visit a beach—they become part of a globally celebrated destination.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there's never been a better time to experience the magic of Bowman’s Beach.
Book Your Stay at Blind Pass Condominiums on Sanibel Island
Escape to paradise at Blind Pass Condominiums, your gateway to the natural beauty and tranquility of Sanibel Island. Nestled just steps from the world-renowned Bowman’s Beach, our spacious, fully-equipped condos offer the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and island charm.
🖥️ Reserve online - choose from ground-floor or second-floor units!
📱 Phone reservations: (239) 472-6981
☀️ Sign up for our newsletter here.
Discover the Wonders of the Sea at Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum!
Posted on 05/09/2025 in Shelling.
Discover the Wonders of the Sea at Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum – With a Special Discount from Blind Pass Condominiums!
If you're visiting Sanibel Island, a trip to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a must. Known as the only accredited museum in the United States dedicated entirely to shells and mollusks, it’s a fascinating and fun destination for all ages.
Just a short drive from Blind Pass Condominiums, the museum is the perfect rainy-day activity or a cool escape from the Florida sun. With interactive exhibits, live shell tanks, touch pools, and awe-inspiring shell collections from around the world, the museum brings the beauty and science of shells to life. It's especially popular with families and curious beachcombers looking to learn more about the treasures they find along Sanibel's famous shell-covered shores.
💸 Exclusive for Blind Pass Guests:
As a special bonus, Blind Pass Condominium guests receive $3 off museum admission! Just ask at the front office for your discount voucher. Book your stay on Sanibel Island at Blind Pass Condominiums!
☀️ Book direct and save through our Blind Pass Rental Department!
🖥️ Reserve online - choose from ground-floor or second-floor units!
📱 Phone reservations: (239) 472-6981
📍 Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
www.shellmuseum.org
Whether you're a shell enthusiast or just looking to explore something unique and local, the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum offers an educational and engaging experience that connects you to the heart of Sanibel Island’s natural beauty.
The Painted Shells on Sanibel Island
Posted on 02/24/2020 in Shelling.
Have you ever been out on the town and found a painted rock? If you have then you will love finding painted shells on Sanibel Island. Spending time on the island will allow you to enjoy the island life and will allow the kids to hunt for the shells. Staying with us at Blind Pass Condominiums will allow you to stay close to the beach and possibly find your own shells to decorate and hide. Let’s look below at what to look for and how you too can participate in painting your own shells.
How to Spy Them
Just like the rocks, the painted shells are hidden all over the island for you and your family to find. You may happen to see many that are painted in bright colors and even some that have designs on them. If you happen to go to the general store, you may find a few hidden around there or you may find them around the complex. There is no true answer on where you may find them but just keeping a lookout may help you spot them easier.
What Kind of Designs
The amazing part of finding each shell is not knowing what design may be on it. There are many who will use different kinds of paints to paint the shells just different colors. A few of the designs that have been found are an American Flag with a Bald Eagle on it, a mosaic looking one with a turtle painted on it or even more intricate designs like beach themed ones. Many people love to paint different designs on them at home and bring the shells with them on their vacation to Sanibel Island. No matter what the design, it’s always such a fun activity to find them on each trip you take.
Paint Your Own Shells
Since you will be vacationing on the best shelling beaches in Florida, why not paint some of the shells that you happen to find. Bring sharpie markers with you and some rubbing alcohol with you. Have the kids color the shells with whatever design they want and drop some of the rubbing alcohol onto them. This will create a unique look to the designs and will have your kids wanting to paint more. There are however some rules that you need to follow to make sure the wildlife is kept safe. Never hide any of the shells at Ding Darling or any other national park. No extra embellishments should be added to the shells such as rhinestones or anything like it and you should just have fun!
While there are many other ways that you can have fun on your family vacation to Sanibel Island, we wanted to share with you the painted shells. Blind Pass Condominiums will allow your family to be close to the beach where you can find all the shells in the world. If you haven’t booked your next family vacation yet, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you get to experience the painted shells of Sanibel Island too!
Sanibel Island #1 Among the Top 10 Best Shelling Beaches in America
Posted on 03/16/2018 in Shelling.
If you’ve visited Sanibel Island in the past you won’t be too surprised to learn that Travel & Leisure magazine ranked Sanibel Island #1 of the Top 10 Best U.S. Shelling Beaches in the country. The Weather Channel’s Facebook friends’ also voted Sanibel Island as the beach they like best for shelling. Conditions are ideal off the coast of Sanibel and Captiva Islands to acquire the finest and largest number of shells that you have to see to believe.
Some say that both Sanibel and Captiva Islands are created entirely from seashells. When local residents install new gardens in their backyards they often find conchs, whelks, scallops and clam shells — all in pristine condition!
It’s because of the lay out of the land that these islands rank the best in the world for shelling. The Island of Sanibel is a curve shape that follows the coastline. The east-west torque of Sanibel’s south end acts like a shovel that regularly scoops up all the seashells that the Gulf carries in from the Caribbean and other southern seas.
What to Bring if You’re Collecting Shells
Be sure to bring a bucket or other container to hold all the seashells you collect and hit the beach during low tide when shells are more exposed. The best times for Florida shell-lovers to collect are at low spring tides during full and new moons. Gulf storms are also responsible for moving a large number of shells up the Gulf and onto the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
Where You Can Find the Best Shells
The best places to go shelling are on the Gulf-side beaches from the Lighthouse to North Captiva Island. With hundreds of thousands of shells, the beaches are sources of every type of shell imaginable; with a fresh supply coming in regularly from the Gulf and Caribbean. Please know that shelling is prohibited in J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
What You’ll FInd
There are many different types and sizes of seashells on these beaches. The smaller seashells can be found on the Lighthouse end of the island chain. But if it’s the larger shells you’re after you’ll want to check closer to Captiva and North Captiva. You can expect to see Conch, Junonia, Lightning Whelk, Cockle, Scallops, Murex, Tulip, Olive, Coquina, among the types found there.
Florida Seashell Laws
Seashells are important to the chain of life on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Because both of these are refuge islands, where all life is considered precious, the State of Florida has outlawed the collecting of live shells on the island. A “live shell” is defined as any specimen that contains an inhabitant, whether or not the mollusk seems alive. The law further protects sand dollars, starfish and sea urchins. Sheller’s are urged to limit even their empty-shell collection.
Where to Stay
When you’re looking for an affordable place to stay on Sanibel Island be sure to check out Blind Pass Condominiums. Our accommodations are beautifully decorated and fully furnished and will easily accommodate most any size group.We look forward to meeting you!
