Shelling along the Port Aransas beaches can yield everything from sand dollars and whelks to olive shells and the prized lettered olive. The best shelling occurs after storms when waves deposit fresh shells on the beach. For serious shellers, boat tours to uninhabited San Jose Island offer pristine picking grounds with far less competition. Early morning, low tide, and post-storm conditions are ideal.
Difficulty
EasyDuration
1-4 hours
Cost
Free (San Jose Island tours $30-50)
Best Time
Low tide, early morning, after storms
Best Time to Go
OctoberNovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch
What to Bring
- •Mesh bag or bucket
- •Sunscreen
- •Hat
- •Water shoes
- •Camera
- •Shell identification guide
Requirements
- None
Pro Tips
- Go at low tide
- After storms is best
- San Jose Island has best selection
- Look at wrack line
- Take only empty shells
Where to Go
- ➤Port Aransas Beach
- ➤San Jose Island
- ➤Mustang Island State Park