Shelling is a great excuse to just get out outside to get a little exercise (there’s a lot of walking, bending and lunges involved, right?), get some fresh air, get some sun and go for a treasure hunt.

Check the weather before you head out to the beach, you might make better choices about which beach to choose, what you want to bring along, and maybe plan to do something else afterwards if the weather gets bad. That way you can still enjoy the experience but not be too disappointed in your day.

A west wind is the best direction to bring the shells onto the beaches in Southwest Florida. It is optimal if there is any weather disturbance in the gulf.

No matter what the weather is in Southwest Florida, always have on sunscreen, your sunglasses handy and a bottle of water nearby.