Name: Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Strolls
Start: 2026-12-09T07:00:00-05:00

Join a marine biologist from the Museum on an early-morning, low-tide beach walk to learn about Sanibel’s local mollusks and their shells, and to search for live mollusks. These small group experiences will help participants gain a closer understanding of molluscan biology and biodiversity, and with the cooler seasonal temperatures and timing with very low tides, they are excellent shelling conditions and a good opportunity to find and observe living mollusks. All walks take place at Gulfside City Park on Sanibel and last approximately 60-90 minutes.Maximum of 15 participants. Cost: $15 for adults; Adult Museum Member: $5; Child: $5Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/field-education/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Field Education - Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum &amp; Aquarium</a>

Local Event: Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Strolls 

Lee County

Sanibel

Florida

Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Strolls 

Join a marine biologist from the Museum on an early-morning, low-tide beach walk to learn about Sanibel’s local mollusks and...

Explore the world of shells and mollusks through new homeschool programs!&nbsp;The connection between humans and mollusks is much deeper than most people realize. This program will explore the various connections in food, culture, and history.&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.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/</a>

Local Event: November - Shells, Mollusks, and Human Connection (Ages 5-8)

November - Shells, Mollusks, and Human...

Explore the world of shells and mollusks through new homeschool programs! The connection between humans and mollusks is much...

November - Shells, Mollusks, and Human Connection (Ages 5-8)

Dr. José H. Leal has served as the Museum’s Curator for over 30 years and is retiring at the end of 2026. His work has profoundly influenced the organization for the better, and for many, Dr. Leal is synonymous with the Museum and its educational mission.
In this talk, Dr. Leal will reflect on more than three decades of growth, change, challenges, and triumphs at the Museum and in the field of malacology. From his arrival in 1996 as the institution was first opening its doors to the public, to the growth and management of what is today one of the top dozen collections of shells in the U.S., to the design of the new Great Hall of Shells, to the future of malacology, Dr. Leal will share stories of circumstances and people that helped shape this museum and drive the local and international pursuit of knowledge about mollusks and shells.Cost: $25, $15 for Museum Members. Includes beverages and light hors d’oeuvres.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/lectures/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/lectures/</a>

Local Event: An Awesome Challenge: My 30+ Years at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium 

An Awesome Challenge: My 30+ Years at the...

Dr. José H. Leal has served as the Museum’s Curator for over 30 years and is retiring at the end of 2026. His work has...

An Awesome Challenge: My 30+ Years at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium 

Explore the world of shells and mollusks through new homeschool programs!&nbsp;The connection between humans and mollusks is much deeper than most people realize. This program will explore the various connections in food, culture, and history.After the program, students will have the opportunity to explore the Living Gallery of Aquariums and Great Hall of Shells on their own.&nbsp;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.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/</a>

Local Event: Homeschool Half-Days - Shells, Mollusks, and Human Connection (Ages 9-12) 

Homeschool Half-Days - Shells, Mollusks, and...

Homeschool Half-Days - Shells, Mollusks, and Human Connection (Ages 9-12) 

Join a marine biologist from the Museum on an early-morning, low-tide beach walk to learn about Sanibel’s local mollusks and their shells, and to search for live mollusks. These small group experiences will help participants gain a closer understanding of molluscan biology and biodiversity, and with the cooler seasonal temperatures and timing with very low tides, they are excellent shelling conditions and a good opportunity to find and observe living mollusks. All walks take place at Gulfside City Park on Sanibel and last approximately 60-90 minutes.Maximum of 15 participants. Cost: $15 for adults; Adult Museum Member: $5; Child: $5Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/field-education/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Field Education - Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum &amp; Aquarium</a>

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...

Local Event: Live Mollusk Count - November 

Live Mollusk Count - November 

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium

Join marine biologists and educators from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum &amp; Aquarium for guided walks along Sanibel’s shores at Sundial Resort in search of shells and other forms of local marine life. Learn about some of the island’s most beloved and rare shells as well as the mollusks that grow them.
As you gain tips on shelling and find shells, you learn how to identify them and what makes them unique. You will also learn how mollusks fit into our local beach ecosystems that also include birds, turtles, and a wide range of tropical wildlife.
Shelling and Beach Walks are approximately 45-60 minutes. Attendees are encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring a water bottle and a bag for the shells you collect. Participants under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
All walks will begin at 9am. Maximum of 10 participants.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/field-education/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Field Education - Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum &amp; Aquarium</a>Cost: $15 per adult; $5 per member or child

Local Event: Shelling and Beach Walks at Sundial Resort 

Shelling and Beach Walks at Sundial Resort 

Join marine biologists and educators from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium for guided walks along Sanibel’s...

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Sanibel|Local Event

Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Strolls

Event Details

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9:00 AM

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, 3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL