Searching for Ocean Isle Beach seashells is a must during your next vacation! You never know what treasures you may find. Bring a bucket (or mesh bag) and a small shovel for the ultimate shelling experience. This blog post covers the best tips and tricks for shelling on the beach. Let’s dig in!
When and Where to Find the Best Shells
Shells can be found year-round in eastern NC, but the best time for beachcombing is often during hurricane season or after an early spring storm. However, you don’t have to wait for storms to roll through. Look at the tide chart and plan to hit the beach one hour before and after low tide for shelling prime time. The tide chart will also tell you the moon phase. The most extreme tides are during a full moon and a new moon, giving maximum beach exposure.
If you are looking for seashells on Ocean Isle during the middle of vacation season, get out to the beach as early as possible. This will give you the first pick of what has washed up overnight. Don’t be afraid to get your toes wet! Sometimes, great treasures hide in a few inches of water.
If you come across a place on the beach covered in a layer of broken shell fragments, be sure to check it out. Take time to squat down or sit and dig a little. These shell beds are the perfect places to find small shells like olives, augers, and even shark teeth.
Tips for an Excellent Beach Combing Experience
Stay Near the Beach
The first thing you can do to improve your shelling experience is to rent a vacation property on the beach. With the shoreline right outside your back door, your beach time dramatically increases! Choose an oceanfront vacation rental with Williamson Realty Vacations. They serve Ocean Isle Beach and offer many beautiful oceanfront properties.
Polarized Sunglasses
A pair of polarized sunglasses is a great piece of equipment for beachcombers. The lenses allow you to see into the water more clearly, which is perfect for finding seashells hiding in shallow water. You can easily find a pair of polarized sunglasses to fit almost any budget.
Bucket or Bag
You will need some kind of basket, bucket, or bag to collect your treasures. A mesh bag is great for collecting shells. The mesh allows sand to fall through without losing your shells. A quick dip in the water will also allow you to rinse off any mud or sand. A basic plastic sand pail is also good for gathering shells.
Your pocket or a small muslin bag is ideal for holding tiny treasures.
Note: Please refrain from using plastic bags on the beach. They easily blow away, become litter, and create hazards for wildlife.
Zip-Top Bag
Have a small sandwich-sized zip-top bag at your vacation rental to hold your newfound treasures, such as shark teeth and mini shells.
Sifter
You can purchase a tool that has a long handle with a sifter on the end. You won’t even have to bend over to pick up your treasures! Alternatively, you can use a colander from the kitchen or a toy sifter (the kind included in a children’s sandcastle kit).
Fanny-pack or Backpack
While beachcombing, you will want to have your hands free, so bring a fanny pack or backpack to hold your keys, cell phone, and other essentials. Some beachcombers will also loop their shell-collecting bag through their belt so that it hangs from their waist.
Other Supplies
A few other things, like water, snacks, sunscreen, chapstick, and a hat, will help to make your seashell hunt a great experience.
Types of Shells You Can Find
Along the North Carolina coast, there are many beautiful shell treasures, like scotch bonnets (our state shell), lightning and channeled welks, scallops, clams, cockles, conchs, olive shells, shark teeth, and more! Check out this handy guide for shell identification.
Tip: Create a seashell scavenger hunt for more family fun.
Searching for Ocean Isle Beach seashells is a great way to enjoy the beach, spend time together as a family, and take home a few unique treasures to remember your vacation. We hope you’ll find our shelling guide helpful during your next beach outing. We hope to “sea” you soon!
Book your OIB Vacation Rental today for the best availability.
