Beachcombing or shelling is a favorite activity for people of all ages in Port Aransas. The simple joy of finding the perfect shell during your beach stroll and adding to your collection can’t be beat. With the tide changing every day, you’ll never know what kinds of treasures await!
Where to Find Shells in Port Aransas
- San José Island (St. Jo Island): This uninhabited island, just a short ferry ride across the channel, is a beachcomber’s paradise. With 21 miles to explore, you’re likely to find Lightning Whelk, sand dollars, and so much more.
- Mustang Island State Park: You could spend hours hunting for shells at Mustang Island State Park. Keep your eyes peeled for coquinas, shark eyes, and whelks while walking.
- I.B. Magee Beach State Park: Located under the Horace Caldwell Pier, the area around the pier and jetties is great for shelling.
When is the Best Time to Find Shells
The best time for beachcombing is low tide, right after a full moon or a storm, when more sand is exposed. Early mornings are also a great time to find shells, and you’ll get first pick! Try beachcombing one or two days before a storm or high winds if you can. The turbulence of a storm churns up the sand on the ocean floor and deposits the shells on the beach.
Types of Shells You Can Find in Port Aransas
Lightning Whelk: The Lightning Whelk is Texas’ official state shell, which makes spotting them all the more exciting. Unlike most shells, the lightning whelk opens on the left side of the shell. Live lightning whelks live in bay waters and mainly feed on clams, oysters, and scallops.
Angel Wings: These beautifully delicate, chalky white shells mimic the wings of an angel (hence its name). Finding half of a wing is fairly common, but the real prize is finding these feather-like shells with both valves intact. True angel wings live up to 3 feet in sand, clay, and mud of the bays.
Shark Eyes: These swirly, round brown shells are a fairly common shell to come across in Port Aransas. They are a type of moon snail and are carnivorous eaters who hunt for other clams in the surf!
Moon Snails: Another highly sought-after shell for beachcombers in Port Aransas, moon snails are defined by their smooth and glossy appearance and their swirl. They’re often referred to as “Necklace” shells because the snails drill holes into the shells themselves!
Other common sea creatures you’ll come across on your shelling adventures include sand dollars, starfish, and shark teeth!
Shelling Etiquette
We always want to be respectful and responsible when it comes to beachcombing. While it’s a fun, free, family-friendly activity, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure there are no live animals in the shells you are collecting. If you come across a shell with a living creature, you can admire it, but please leave it where you found it.
- While building your seashell collection can be fun, limit how many shells you take so that marine life like hermit crabs can use the empty shells as homes.
- If you dig any holes to look for shells, make sure to fill them back up.
Have a Shell of a Time on Your Port A Vacay!
A huge perk of booking one of our Port Aransas beachfront condos is that the beach is right out the door! You’ll get easy and early access to the pristine beaches of Port A and can get to beachcombing right away. With a resort-style pool and hot tub, private tennis courts, and live entertainment during the summer months, you won’t even need to leave Sandpiper to have fun on your beach getaway.
