What do you need for shelling?

Water shoes, a mesh bag, sun protection and water. Add a waterproof light if you go at night.

Do I need my own snorkel for a night shelling tour?

No. Gear is provided on our tours, including a snorkel, aqua socks, a glow stick, a bag and a net.

What should I wear shelling?

Comfortable clothes that can get wet, water shoes or aqua socks, and sun protection during the day.

Home › Shelling Q&A › What to bring shelling

What Should You Bring Shelling?

For shelling in Florida, bring water shoes, a mesh bag, sun protection, water to drink and a waterproof light if you go after dark. On a guided tour with Fun Florida Tours the gear is provided, so you only need to show up.

The basics

Water shoes or aqua socks. They protect your feet from sharp shells and other hazards.
A mesh bag. Sand and water drain out, and your shells stay put.
Sun protection and a hat. Strong sun, even on cloudy days.
Drinking water. Walking the shell line is more of a workout than it looks.
A small trash bag. Pack out what you bring, and any trash you find.

For night shelling

A bright, waterproof flashlight or headlamp.
A towel and a dry change of shirt for the ride home.
A buddy. Stay together, and keep to shallow water.

On our tour: all gear is included: snorkel, aqua socks, a glow stick, a bag and a net, plus a safety noodle and a whistle. You do not need your own mask or snorkel. Book a night tour or text 941-782-9226.

What to leave behind

Do not bring a bucket to take live animals home. Take only empty shells, and put live shells, sand dollars, starfish and sand collars back. See how to tell if a shell is alive and the shelling rules.

Wading safety

Shuffle your feet when you wade so stingrays can move away, and never handle a live cone snail.

Shelling is easier with a guide

You do not need to know the tides, the beaches or the shells. Pick a location, show up 20 minutes before 8:30 PM, and we handle the rest: gear, the light, the safety briefing and the show-and-tell at the end.

Fun Florida Tours runs a guided night shelling and snorkeling tour in shallow Gulf water at Siesta Key, Sarasota and Anna Maria Island. You wade in from shore with a guide, the group shares one bright LED light pod that lights up the bottom, and the water stays under 4 feet deep, so you do not need to be a strong swimmer. After 60 minutes in the water we spend 15 minutes on the sand for show-and-tell, where guides name everything the group found. Empty shells are yours to keep; anything alive goes back.

75 min60 in the water + 15 show-and-tell

8:30 PMnightly, weather permitting

$60 / $45adults 12+ / ages 6–11; 5 & under free

All gearsnorkel, aqua socks, glow stick, bag & net

Book a night tour Text 941-782-9226

Updated October 2026. Conditions change with weather and season. Nothing is guaranteed. Rules vary by location and can change, so check posted signs and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com).