Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957, USA

Address:	3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957, USA
Phone:	+1 239-395-2233
Site:	shellmuseum.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 25

Dennis 360

If you are in Sanibel and looking to learn about shells, then this is the place to be. They have just about every shell ever found and some awesome world record shells too. There are learning stations through out the building explaining what people used to do with shells back in the day. Did you know that sailers would make shell art on boxes for their wives. These guys were very creative and some of the creations are amazing. Downstairs is an interactive area. We dug through a pile of shells for an hour finding and learning what all the different shells were called. It was way better then I though it was going to be. They had a few more rooms with more interacting going on, but we were in a hurry to get to the beach and do some shelling before the storms. This is a great place to spend a few hours while at the beach when the weather is too wet for walking on the beach.

A Private User

Dont bother if you have children that are not silent and totally calm. My son ran in yelping with joyful enthusiasm and ran into the display area. They gladly accepted our money after seeing this, but we were then asked to leave after our son continued to be loud and active. They have a lovely, but small area for children. I think they expect children would just stay in that area. For an island dominated by young children and the elderly the museum needs clear signs about what is appropriate behavior so everyone knows what they are getting into and can be comfortable. If they dont want loud kids they should not have accepted our admission payment (not refunded).

JohnDana Custis

If you ever get to Sanibel this is a MUST stop. Its just as odd as it sounds, a museum dedicated to shells. Sounds dry, boring, and avoidable. But dont miss it. There is a contagious effect when you start looking at the unimaginable variety of shells. There are several movies on a constant loop. Our family has seen each at least 10 times and we still go every year. We always learn something new. The museum is staffed with graduate degree biologists. They have always answered every question we have. It is a contagious space for shelling.

Patrick Donahue

I wish I wouldve come here about 20 years ago. If you have any interest in shells and what theyre composed of, this is a MUST. There are displays of different shells from all over the world (pretty cool if you ask me) and there is tons of information to go along with them. I watched a short film on finding critters under the sand, and the presentation downstairs was also very interesting. Anyone who walks the beach, or loves the ocean, I would definitely recommend going here.

Joyce Rowland

Not at all geared enough to kids as the advertisment said. Way to expensive for a family for the amount of time it actually takes. The room for kids to make something out of shells should be available at all times. When we got there it was open but was not told it would be closing so we went to look at the displays and when we got done it would have been an hour wait for us to be able to make something. With children an hour is a long time.

David S

Adult entry is $9.00. After seeing the one display room I did not feel it was worth $9.00, maybe $5.00 but not $9.00. They do have lots of shells but there seemed to be alot of repeats. The child area as mentioned in a prevous review would keep a kid busy for all of 2 seconds. The touch tank had a sign saying to not touch. Overall it was some what educataional but felt the price was to high.

Shanna Bumgarner-Olita

I never knew this place existed and what a wonderful surprise! The most beautiful sea shells from all over the world along with record size shells too. The marine biologist was very informative and shared the life cycle of the sea shells. Walking thru the museum was incredible. I highly recommend this tour there is much to see and learn!

T Cuozzo

Nice little place but we paid $49 for two adults and two teenagers. It took us literally 12 minutes to walk through one large room. There was some presentation at a tank on the lower level but you would have to wait for it. I would not recommend this unless it was about half the price theyre charging.

Jerry Evangelista

More than I expected. In addition to shells from around the world the museum has live specimens with a professional presentation explaining the local species plus a couple movies to educate you before you begin shelling. There are also kids sections and kids activities throughout the day.

Tad Caudill

Took my five year old boy and he loved it. They gave a scavenger hunt and he ran around finding shells. He is a real science kid and this was one of his favorite things. If your kids are older then I can see how they wouldnt like it, but my kids loved it.

Adam Clinkenbeard

Great museum with exceptional shell examples, artifacts, and information. The docents shared their wealths of knowledge and popped up to add extra points occasionally. The $9 admission surprised at first, but after my hour long visit, it was worth it.

Kyle Martinez

Its a rather small place, possibly smaller than youd expect. Despite this the shells on display are incredible and the touch tank is a lot of fun for younger children. If youre visiting Sanibel this place is a must-see.

Adam Pairmore

Awesome!! Beautiful shells. Informative staff. Some may think its pricey but I loved it. I learned a tremendous amount about shells and mollusks as well as other local creatures. Its a must before shelling.

Michiko B

Kiddos had a field trip here last week. The staff was amazing! The museum is set up very well and has an awesome display of shells. Its not a very large museum but its definitely worth the stop.

Andrea Fattorello

Interessanti dettagli sulla vita delle conchiglie e dei molluschi che le "abitano"

FireDragon 9952

Fun place to go and learn about seashells... very interesting and beautiful displays. Enjoyed doing the shell craft as well as the presentation about live sea shells. Worth a visit

Kevin Alan Halleck

Beautiful facility, tremendous specimens and displays, friendly, helpful, and informative staff. A must visit Sanibel Island attraction for children and adults alike.

Antoinette Slack

We went through the whole museum in less than 30 minutes. There were some pretty interesting shells, but definitely not worth the $13 per person we paid.

Sanibel Captiva For Sale- Kris Cardinale, Realtor

A hands on shell museum with live touch tank in the childrens section. Enjoy fun and education together. I enjoyed volunteering as a docent in the past.

Alice Williamson-Oldham

Fun & educational. Had neat little free arts and crafts. Sailor valentines were amazing. Theyve really built this place up since we last visited.

daniel jividen

Truly interesting place. Hands on and interpretive displays. Also, great demonstrations from the naturalist on duty. Wish we had gone sooner.

BK Kirkpatrick

Worth the stop if you are a Shell Aficionado as this museum contains the largest collection of shells from all over the world you may ever see.

ilamadi manickam

Very nice place to understand the life of sea scallops and Mollusks..Dont miss out live session in the level 1. Kids and adults enjoy equally

Barbara Findlay

Love this small museum of shells. It truly helps explain the life of these sea creatures and all their beauty. Great for kids and adults.

Tiffany Bannworth

Very nice tour by the biologist, but definitely slated for an evolutionary standpoint. Wouldnt take a school field trip the because of it.