Florida shelling forecast · today's low tides, wind and weather for Sanibel, Fort Myers, Naples and 10 more beaches
Low tide, wind and weather for today.
Shelling is best in the hour or two either side of low tide. Pick a beach to see today's tide curve and conditions from NOAA and the National Weather Service.
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NOAA tide predictions. Heights in feet above mean lower low water.
Every low tide, every beach
Today's best low tide and its height for every Florida shelling beach we track, from Pensacola to Bahia Honda in the Keys. Pick a beach to load its tide chart and weather.
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Best low tide today at each beach, with the day's high temperature and forecast from the National Weather Service. Shelling scores weigh tide, onshore wind and beach facing.
The week's low tides
Each day's best low tide for shelling, with the moon phase that drives how low it goes.
Longer bar, lower tide.
Nine regions, two coasts
Shelling beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast, from Sanibel Island and Marco Island to Cocoa Beach and Miami Beach.
Gulf Coast
Today's best lowAtlantic Coast
Today's best lowFilter any region by exposure (Gulf, Atlantic, bay) and access (drive, walk, boat) in the app.
Know what you're holding: 50 Florida shells, from coquina to cameo
Identify Florida seashells by name, family, size and rarity, with tips on where and when each one turns up.
Field reports from the last 48 hours
When shellers post what they found, and whether a beach is being renourished or has access problems, it shows up here with photos.
Report types: lots of shells · some · few · renourishing · access issue Sign in to post a reportStraight from the sources shellers already trust
- Tides
- NOAA predictions from the tide station nearest each beach: every high and low, plus where the water is right now.
- Wind & weather
- National Weather Service forecasts: wind speed and direction, rain chance, temperature, UV and humidity.
- Alerts & radar
- NWS marine and coastal alerts, and live NEXRAD radar on the map.
- Sun & moon
- First light, sunrise and sunset, moon phase and the next new and full moons.
Before you head out
Quick answers to what shellers ask most about tides, timing and the rules.
When is the best time to go shelling in Florida?
Go in the hour or two around low tide, ideally at first light before other shellers arrive. The lowest tides of the month come around new and full moons, and the best wash-ups usually follow a few days of strong onshore wind or a passing storm or cold front.
What time is low tide on Sanibel Island today?
Shell Forecast shows today's low and high tide times and heights for Sanibel Lighthouse Beach and Bowman's Beach at the top of the page. Times come from NOAA tide predictions and update daily.
Where are the best shelling beaches in Florida?
Sanibel Island is the best known, especially Bowman's Beach and Lighthouse Beach. Nearby Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, Tigertail Beach on Marco Island and Naples are also popular. On the Atlantic side, look after strong northeast winds.
Can I take live shells from Florida beaches?
Not in Lee County, which includes Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and Boca Grande: only empty shells may be collected. Elsewhere, taking live shells generally requires a Florida saltwater fishing license, and many state parks ban it. Check local rules first.
Where does the tide and weather data come from?
Tide times and heights are NOAA predictions from the tide station nearest each beach. Wind, temperature, rain chance, UV and marine alerts come from the National Weather Service, and radar from NEXRAD.
Is Shell Forecast free?
Yes. Tides, weather, maps and the shell guide are free to browse without an account. A free account lets you save a home beach, set units, log finds and post field reports.
Get in touch
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Know which morning is worth the drive.
Everything above is free to browse. A free account saves your home beach, sets your units, and lets you log finds and post reports.