Sanibel FL

Shellcrafters Class

Island Inn

Discover Beachcombing; 09/16/2026 - Sanibel, FL 2026

Guided Beach Walk @ Island Inn

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium

Students are introduced to what a mollusk is, what they eat, where they live, and the important roles they play in the ecosystem.&nbsp;After the program, students will have the opportunity to explore the Living Gallery of Aquariums and Great Hall of Shells on their own.Homeschool Half-Days programs are offered on select Thursdays, September-December, 2-4pm for ages 5-8 and 9-12. Program registration is $25 ($15 for Museum members) and accommodates one homeschool student and one guardian. Students must be supervised by their guardians at all times.

Local Event: Homeschool Half-Days: Malacology 101 (Ages 9-12) 

Lee County

Sanibel

Florida

Homeschool Half-Days: Malacology 101 (Ages 9-12) 

Students are introduced to what a mollusk is, what they eat, where they live, and the important roles they play in the...

Mahjong Club - Advanced/ Intermediate

Rotary Meeting

Sanibel Moorings Resort

Guided Beach Walk @ Sanibel Moorings

Sanibel Hearts

Stay cool by joining one of our expert educators on a Beat the Heat Beach Walk. Participants will explore the Sanibel beach, learn about various local shells and mollusks, and see the sunrise while avoiding the afternoon heat and humidity of the wet season. These early morning walks will last about an hour and take place at Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island.
Location is Gulfside City Park, 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel
All walks begin at 7am.

Local Event: Beat the Heat Beach Walk 

Beat the Heat Beach Walk 

Stay cool by joining one of our expert educators on a Beat the Heat Beach Walk. Participants will explore the Sanibel beach,...

Walk Sanibel’s beaches at some of the lowest tides of the year to observe and document sightings of living mollusks. Data collected is used to benchmark local mollusk populations.
There is no cost to participate, but pre-registration is required. Please contact Jorden Falker at <a href="mailto:jfalker@shellmuseum.org">jfalker@shellmuseum.org</a> with questions or to register.

Local Event: Live Mollusk Count 

Live Mollusk Count 

Walk Sanibel’s beaches at some of the lowest tides of the year to observe and document sightings of living mollusks. Data...

Instructors: Jorden Falker, Director of Education; Jessie Macaluso, Education Coordinator; Chris Whitt, Marine Biologist and Collections Assistant
This course prepares students to become a Museum Shell Ambassador volunteer and educate beachgoers about shells, mollusks, and local coastal ecosystems. Topics include local shell identification, mollusk biology, dune plant and animal identification, Sanibel beach laws, tides, and identification of beach finds. To successfully become a Shell Ambassador, students will pass tests on shell identification and beach regulations.
Materials recommended: Florida’s Living Beaches by Blair and Dawn Witherington, pen/pencil and a notebook
Materials provided: Pre-course study materials, laminated shell guide, Shell Ambassador certificate and official shirt (upon completion). Coffee, light breakfast, and lunch are provided.
Cost:$150 ($120 for Museum Members)
Maximum 15 students.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/classes//learn-and-experience/classes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/classes//learn-and-experience/classes/</a>

Local Event: Shell Ambassador Certification 

Shell Ambassador Certification 

Instructors: Jorden Falker, Director of Education; Jessie Macaluso, Education Coordinator; Chris Whitt, Marine Biologist and...

Instructor: Chris Whitt, Marine Biologist
Become a student of marine biology and learn about marine life (including mollusks) at Sanibel’s Gulfside City Park. This hands-on course will cover finding and identifying micromollusks, phytoplankton collecting, and the role of phytoplankton in local food webs, invertebrate diversity, and more.
Prerequisites: Ability to walk in wet sand and mud, crouch down, and stand for periods of 30+ minutes. This is a rain or shine class but will be rescheduled for dangerous weather.
Materials Required: Transportation to and from Gulfside City Park ($5/hour parking fee not included). Students must provide their own field-appropriate clothes (shoes, hat, jacket, poncho, etc.).
Materials Recommended: Florida’s Living Beaches by Blair and Dawn Witherington
Materials Provided: Mini field lab notebook, pencil, laminated shell guide, and all materials necessary to collect micromollusks, phytoplankton, and conduct water quality testing.
Cost:$75 ($60 for Museum Members)
Maximum 8 students.

Local Event: Marine Biology and Field Lab 

Marine Biology and Field Lab 

Instructor: Chris Whitt, Marine Biologist
Become a student of marine biology and learn about marine life (including mollusks)...

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Monday, September 14

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Thursday, September 24

Wednesday, September 30

Tuesday, October 6

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Wednesday, November 25

Friday, January 15, 2027

Friday, February 5, 2027

Monday, March 15, 2027