"Shellebrate" on Shackleford Banks on the Crystal Coast in North Carolina

Some of the best shelling in NC, and indeed on the Atlantic Coast, is located on Shackleford Banks in the Southern Outer Banks of NC.

It is on this uninhabited, except for the wild horses who have resided here for the past 400-500 years where you will find 8.25 miles of pristine beach containing an abundance of shells including:

•The Official Seashell of NC, the Scotch Bonnet (Note: difficult to find fully intact)

• The Official Seashell of Virginia, the Eastern Oyster (same as Mississippi)

• The Official Seashell of SC, the Lettered Olive

• The Official Seashell of Georgia, the Knobbed Whelk

• and on a lucky day The Official Seashell of Florida, the Horse Conch

Other shells to be found are:
Bay Scallops, The Atlantic Moon Snail also called Shark's Eye, Atlantic Jackknife Clams, Queen or Empire Helmets, Coquinas, Lightning Whelks, Sand Dollars, Augers, Florida Fighting Conch, and Wampum, etc.

The best times of the day to find shells for your collection are on an ebb tide, at times of low visitation by humans for example between Memorial Day through Labor Day, after a storm, or when you find yourself at the beach.

To avoid the crowded eastern and western shores of Shackleford, where ferries offload up to 50 tourists at a time, consider engaging a private boat captain. They can guide you to the less-traveled central areas of the island, away from the ferry routes. However, it’s important to choose a captain who holds a National Park Permit, as Shackleford is protected under the National Seashore regulations. Before embarking, verify their permit, which is typically displayed as a decal on the boat’s windshield. These authorized boats can accommodate 1-6 passengers and offer personalized tours, including guided walks to the island’s prime shelling locations.

H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions proudly stands among the select group of operators granted a National Park Service permit. To ensure an exclusive and environmentally conscious shelling adventure, reach out to them directly. You can secure your booking by visiting https://h2ocaptain.com or by calling 202-369-1063. As part of their commitment to sustainability, every group embarking on a shelling excursion receives a complimentary reusable shelling bag to cherish as a memento from their eco-friendly journey.

Happy Shelling! 😊

Photo Courtesy of H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions