The coastal waters of South Carolina have more than 700 species of shellfish living in its waters, making shelling a favorite pastime for locals and travelers alike. You'll find angel wings, pen shells, cockles, coquina, olive shells and more. Starfish, sea urchins and sand dollars can also be found. The jingle shell, horse conch, lima clams, White Art shells and scallop shells are others that are plentiful on our shores.
So, with all these seashells on our beaches, it makes sense to go on a shelling expedition. Some charter companies offer the opportunity to boat out to a barrier island for a couple of hours of shelling. Coastal Expeditions, for example, offers the Bull Island Beach Drop once a month when the tide is right.
Kiawah Island Resort also offers shelling expeditions starting in early April.
Accessible only by boat, resort naturalists will escort you to a remote barrier island known for its abundance of shells. Important to our delicate coastline, we encourage photographs and apply shell collecting limits to help conserve the beach and its inhabitants for future generations.
Expeditions start on April 2 with a 10 a.m. to noon tour set. Times varying depending on the day so check before going. Some expeditions are 10 to noon; 10:30 to 12:30 and 1 to 3 p.m. There are even tours from 5 to 6 p.m. on certain days. The cost is $65/adult, $55/child (ages 3-11).
The tour meets at Andell Bluff, 4474 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy. on Johns Island, about a seven-minute drive from Kiawah’s main gate. Pull into the driveway when you see the yellow kayak. Bear to the right and go a few hundred yards where a guide will meet you in the designated area.
Plan Your Vacation to the Charleston Coastal Islands
You can always just head out the door of your rental to go beachcombing. Our 411 Carolina Blvd. on Isle of Palms is just two blocks from the beach. 10C Seagrove Villa is an oceanfront property in Wild Dunes Resort that is a short walk to the beach. Hit the beach at low tide or when the tide is going out for the best shelling. Just after a storm is also a great time to find some treasures.