The world’s 7 best beaches for finding shells

For beach lovers and shell collectors, few experiences are as rewarding as wandering along a shoreline covered in beautiful seashells. From a remarkable beach in Western Australia where shells form layers several metres deep to remote tropical shores in Cambodia and Costa Rica, these destinations offer some of the best shell-spotting opportunities on Earth.

1. Shell Beach, Western Australia

Located along L’Haridon Bight in Shark Bay, Shell Beach is one of the most unusual coastlines in the world. Over the past 4,000 years, countless tiny coquina clam shells have accumulated here, creating a dazzling white shoreline that stretches for approximately 60 kilometres.

The beach is bordered by brilliant turquoise waters, while beneath the surface the shell deposits reach depths of between 6 and 10 metres. The result is a landscape unlike any other, where sand is almost entirely replaced by shells.

2. Sanibel Island, Florida, USA

Sanibel Island, situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is widely regarded as one of the world's premier shelling destinations.

Its distinctive east-west orientation acts like a natural collector, gathering seashells carried by Gulf currents from the Caribbean and other southern waters. Visitors regularly discover conchs, scallops, whelks, and clam shells scattered along the shoreline, many still perfectly preserved.

Shell collecting has become such an important part of local culture that some accommodations even provide dedicated cleaning stations and work areas for guests returning from a day of beachcombing.

3. Barricane Beach, Devon, England

Hidden near Woolacombe in Devon, Barricane Beach is a charming sandy cove recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The surrounding Morte Slate rocks date back roughly 400 million years and contain numerous fossils. However, many visitors come hoping to find something even more unexpected—cowries and other tropical shells that have traveled across the Atlantic via the Gulf Stream from the Caribbean.

4. Agios Dimitrios, Greece

Situated south of Athens, Agios Dimitrios is a long stretch of sandy coastline known for both its beauty and its abundance of marine shells.

Beachcombers often discover delicate sea snail shells, including species such as Clanculus corallinus and Ocinebrina edwardsi. The beach takes its name from a nearby monastery dedicated to Saint Demetrius, which was destroyed centuries ago by pirates.

Today, it remains one of the most picturesque beaches in the Aegean region.

5. Albufeira, Portugal

Located in Portugal’s Faro district, the beaches around Albufeira are not only popular holiday destinations but also fascinating places for shell enthusiasts.

Some fossilized seashells found here are believed to date back as much as 23 million years. Because the area attracts large numbers of visitors during the day, shell hunters often have better luck exploring during quieter hours when the crowds have dispersed.

6. Koh Thmei, Cambodia

Part of Cambodia’s Ream National Park, Koh Thmei remains largely untouched and undeveloped.

Aside from a small bungalow complex and a dock, the island is uninhabited. The beach east of the pier features golden sand framed by swaying palm trees, but the western shoreline is the true treasure for shell lovers. Thousands of shimmering shells cover the sand, creating a spectacular natural display.

7. Guiones Beach, Costa Rica

Near the small village of Nosara on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast lies Guiones Beach.

Although it is best known for its excellent surfing conditions, the broad crescent-shaped shoreline also rewards beachcombers with an impressive variety of shells. The marbled sands are backed by lush tropical vegetation that extends almost to the water’s edge, providing habitat for a rich assortment of bird species.

Visitors searching for shells should also take time to appreciate the remarkable natural scenery surrounding the beach.

A Responsible Approach to Shell Collecting

Before collecting shells, it is important to remember that regulations vary from place to place. Many beaches around the world prohibit removing shells entirely, while others forbid taking shells that still contain living organisms.

A responsible alternative is to photograph your discoveries and leave them where they belong. This helps preserve coastal ecosystems and allows future visitors to enjoy the same natural treasures exactly as nature intended.