How to Find Seashells By the Seashore in Emerald Isle: Your Best Guide

Do you love searching for seashells in Emerald Isle, North Carolina? Whether you’re an experienced shell seeker or just starting, finding the perfect shells can be a fun and rewarding hobby. If you’re planning a trip to the beaches of Emerald Isle, you’re in luck. This small coastal town offers plenty of opportunities to find shells of all shapes and sizes. So, when is the best time to go searching for seashells? And where are the best places to find them? Keep reading to learn more.

Preparing for seaShell Combing

The Outer Banks and Emerald Isle in North Carolina are some of the best places in the United States to find a wide variety of shells, including coquina beach NC shells, Shackleford banks shells, scallop shells, lightning whelks, conch shells, knobbed whelks, snail shells, and even shark eyes.

But before you start building your shell collection, you need to learn how to clean and properly preserve the shells you find. This complete guide will show you exactly how to do that.

Timing – Ideal times to go shell combing in Emerald isle

First things first, when is the best time to go shelling? For the best chance of finding shells, experts recommend going early in the morning, after a storm, or during a full moon.

Some of the best beaches in North Carolina for shells include the Cape Lookout National Seashore, home to over 200 species of shells, and Coquina Beach, which boasts a wide variety of colorful shells.

Every seashell has a story.

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Shell hunting tools

Shell container or collection bag

First, bring a shell collection bag or container to keep your shells organized and separate from the ones still on the beach. A bucket or garbage bag works great. I like a bucket, but it can get heavy if you search long distances.

It’s always nice to have a shell-hunting companion. It gives you quality time together. In addition, you can share carrying your container. Furthermore, you’ll have more eyes looking for shells, so you’re not missing anything.

Shelling nets

Shelling nets are especially helpful for catching shells in the waves or shallow waters. A sand rake can be helpful if you are hunting for buried shells.

Shell field guide

If you are interested in the different types of seashells in North Carolina, a field guide to seashells is a must-have reference. Try researching what beach has the best shells, and ensure you have all the equipment before you go.

Magnifying glass

A magnifying glass can help you identify the shells you find and study their intricacies.

Sturdy shoes

Shelling nets are a must-have for collecting shells and sand dollars, and a good pair of shoes is essential for walking on rocky, uneven terrain.

Safety – Tips for staying safe while shell combing in EI

Lookout for dangerous waves

Safety is of utmost importance while hunting for seashells. Monitor the waves’ movements and avoid touching washed-up jellyfish or hermit crabs.

Wear the right protective gear

Wear shoes or sandals as shells and rocks can be sharp, leading to injury. Keep your phone charged, and ensure you have a first aid kit and plenty of water. Weather can change quickly, so stay updated on the latest forecasts before going out.

Watch the tide when looking for seashells in Emerald Isle

It’s common to lose track of time when shell hunting, so keep an eye out for changing tide levels. When the tide approaches high water, move to a higher beach spot to avoid dangerous situations. Finally, take only a few shells and leave some for the next beachgoers.

Don’t get burnt

Always wear sunscreen, long clothing, a brimmed hat, etc., to protect your skin from the sun.

Watch out for marine animals

When finding the best beaches for seashells, it’s essential to understand the habits of local marine life. For example, hermit crabs still live in some shells, so be cautious when you pick up any shells. In addition, jellyfish often wash up on shore and can still sting you even if they’re dead.

tips for finding the most seashells in emerald isle

Understand the tides in Emerald Isle

Understanding the tidal changes and when the high and low tides are, you can increase your chances of finding shells.

Low tide is the best time to go Emerald Isle shelling. During low tide, more beaches will be exposed than high tide. Having more ground to cover increases your chances of finding good seashells.

Best places to find sea shells in EI

The first way to find the best shells in Emerald Isle is to find them. “The early bird gets the worm” phrase is valid here. You must know what you’re looking for, so getting a good shell guidebook helps. You can start studying what it is you’re looking for. Consider take a professional seashell hunter or bring a friend that knows more than you about combing the beaches for seashells.

The more you walk a beach, the more you’ll find that more shells do wash up in specific locations. Areas on the beach that are particularly turbulent produce great shells. Beaches near inlets such as Boge Inlet, near the Point in Emerald Isle, produce a lot of great shells.

Moon phase

A new or full moon produces bizarre tidal changes. These tide changes help the ocean to spit out seashells from the ocean floor. Try to plan your seashell combing adventure around new or complete moon phases for the best chance at finding shells.

Bad weather

In Emerald Isle, poor weather, including hurricanes, produces more shells on the beach than good weather. Turbulent water, lots of rain, and high winds make the perfect conditions for producing seashells on the Emerald Isle coast.

While we don’t recommend combing the beach during bad weather, you can wait for the storm to pass before hitting the beach.

Best Beaches for SeaShells in North carolina

The North Carolina coastline has several beaches that are ideal for shell collectors. Shackleford Banks and Coquina Beach are two of the most popular spots for shell hunting.

Here you will find a wide variety of shells, including shark eyes, knobbed whelks, scallop shells, and more. These unspoiled stretches of sand with large populations of snail shells, lightning whelks, and conch shells are sure to impress

Coquina Beach seashells

Coquina Beach is located on Bodie Island, which is a great place to find shells. Here, you can spot a variety of shells, such as lightning whelks, conch shells, scallop shells, and more.

You can access Coquina Beach off of Highway 12 across from the Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Shackleford Banks seashells

Shackleford Banks is a must-visit if you are looking for a unique experience while shell hunting. The island is only accessible by ferry from Morehead City and offers beautiful beaches with sand dollars and hermit crabs.

You can also find shells such as knobbed whelks, shark eyes, and conchs. Be sure to pack your shelling nets and be prepared for a long day of exploring.

Cape Lookout National Seashore seashells

Cape Lookout National Seashore is a 56-mile stretch of barrier islands that provide some of the best seashells in North Carolina.

You can find an array of shells here, including sand dollars, conchs, and whelks. The ferry ride to the national seashore from Beaufort is a great way to see dolphins and other sea life.

Emerald Isle seashells

Emerald Isle is a sheller’s paradise known as one of the best shelling beaches in North Carolina. The island is known for having beautiful and unique finds such as scallop shells, coquina shells, and shark eyes.

Try to visit during low tide when the shells are washed up on the shore. Remember to bring a shell collection bag or bucket to carry your treasures.

Sand Dollar Island seashells

If you do a search for best beaches with sand dollars near me, Sand Dollar Island often comes up. Located off the coast of Atlantic Beach, Sand Dollar Island is accessible by ferry.

This island has one of the best beaches in NC for shells. Plenty of sand dollars, conch shells, and whelks are here. Be sure to time your visit around low tide for the best chance of finding many shells. You can take the Morehead City ferry to Sand Dollar Island.

Identifying seaShells in emerald isle

When you’re out searching for shells, keep an eye out for lightning whelks, knobbed whelks, sand dollars, conch shells, and even shark eyes. You might also find hermit crabs or snail shells. And, if you’re really into shell collecting, consider bringing along a guidebook to help you identify your finds.

Common sea shells of North Carolina

• Lettered olive
• Coquina
• Calico scallop
• Scallop
• Welks
• Oyster
• Scotch bonnet
• Moon snail
• Lightening welk
• Auger
• Starfish
• Keyhole sandollar
• Banded tulip
• Soft-shell clam
• Atlantic jackknife clam
• Sandollar
• Saw tooth pen shell
• Atlantic oyster drillers
• Periwinkles
• Atlantic jackknife clam

Differentiating between live and dead shells

It’s not to hard to determine if a shell has a living creature inside of it. Some shells could have an animals in it that’s dead while some could be alive.

Here’s some seashell hunting advice:

1. Pick up the shell from the top
2. If the shell is turned upside town, look inside the hole in the shell while it’s on the sand
3. Once you have a shell in your hand, keep your fingers away from any openings in the shell
4. Look in the openings for any tentacles, claws or moving parts
5. Most of the time, shells won’t have any living creatures inside
6. If there is a living animal inside, throw back in the ocean

Tips for identifying rare or unusual seashells in EI

Once you start finding shells, knowing how to identify them can be helpful. NC seashells come in a wide variety, from snail shells to shark eye shells to hermit crabs.

Learning the different types of shells to enhance your experience is worth it. A full moon can also increase your chances of finding shells. Once you have your collection, use a book to identify the shells by size, shape, pattern, and color.

Techniques for Collecting seaShells in emerald isle

Picking up shells by hand

One of the best techniques to find shells in Emerald Isle is through visually spotting the shells and picking them up with your hand. You can cover more ground by walking the beach and picking up shells than staying in one spot and sifting sand.

Using a shell rake, nets, and sifters

Consider investing in shelling nets and other tools like sifters to increase your chances of finding great shells. These tools can help you sift through the sand and water to find shells that may have washed up or been buried under the surface.

They can also help you collect more delicate shells without damaging them. Just be sure to follow all beach rules and regulations when using these tools.

Tips for collecting shells effectively

The best way to find Outer Banks seashells is to know what you’re looking for. Spend time researching the different types of shells found in North Carolina and their appearance.

Some common types of shells found include Scallop Shells, Knobbed Whelks, Shark Eye Shells, and Hermit Crab Shells. It also helps to learn about the different patterns and colors that shells typically come in to help you spot them more easily.

Caring for seaShells found in ei

Cleaning EI shells

Now that you’ve collected your shells, it’s time to clean them. Begin by rinsing the shells with cool water to remove sand and other debris.

If the shells are particularly dirty, soak them in water and mild dish soap for several hours or overnight. For stubborn dirt or grime, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the shells gently. If they stink try a bit of scented liquid soap. To put a shine on the shells you can paint them with Mop and Glo cleaning products.

Storing Emerald Isle seashells

To preserve the shells, you can coat them with a clear acrylic spray or varnish, protecting them from discoloration and decay. Spray a light coat on each shell and let it dry overnight. This will also give them a glossy finish and bring out their natural colors.

Displaying North Carolina seashells

Seashells make excellent ornaments, display pieces and curiosities. Consider building or buying a display case to enjoy your collection.

Make seashell ornaments

Take a look on Pinterest, and you’ll find several ideas to paint conchs, clams, and other shells for Christmas ornaments or decorations.

Give Emerald Isle seashells as gifts

Seashells from the North Carolina coast make excellent gifts. Best of all, they’re free.

Where else to find seashells

Some of the best places to find shells in the Outer Banks include Shackleford Banks, Sea Isle Beach, and Cape Lookout National Seashore. At Shackleford Banks, you might spot some wild horses while searching for shells. In Emerald Isle, try the south end of the island at “the point” or Bear Island. The turbulent inlet at both locations produce abundant seashells.

If you’re looking for sand dollars, take the ferry from Morehead City to Sand Dollar Island. And early morning and late afternoon/mid-evening trips can increase your chances of finding good shells.

How else to find beaches with seashells

The most important part is to have fun. Anywhere you go that has sand in NC usually has seashells. One great way to find places near you to find shells is to do a Google search. Try the following searches: “best beach to find sea shells near me”, “seashell beach near me” or “best places to find to find shells near me” to locate the closest place to look for seashells.

Legality of seashell collecting

Always research what you’re allowed and not allowed to keep. If you stick to shells, you’re usually okay, at least in North Carolina.

What not to keep (things that might be illegal)

• All sea turtle parts
• Marine mammal parts
• Shells with living organisms

Other things you find looking for seashells in ei

Sea turtles

You’ll likely run into some very cool things when looking for seashells. One of these things could be a sea turtle nest or a washed-up sea turtle (dead or alive). Contact the Emerald Isle police department to report a sea turtle issue.

Trash

Recently we went shell hunting and found three tires that washed up on the beach. We pushed them above the high water mark so they could be retrieved and thrown away, rather than left buried by incoming tides.

Take a trash bag with you when you go shell hunting. While the EI beaches are the cleanest I’ve ever seen, you’re likely to encounter some trash, and it’s essential to keep them clean by picking up waste – even if you didn’t leave it.

Become an emerald isle shell seeker!

Seashelling in Emerald Isle and the Outer Banks is an experience unlike any other. With so many different beaches to explore and types of shells to discover, a day spent shelling can be relaxing and exciting.

Remember the best time to visit and the different types of shells you may find, and be sure to have plenty of bags and containers to store your finds. Happy shelling!