Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium - Sanibel Island

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is the only museum in the United States devoted primarily to shells and mollusks. The Sanibel Shell Museum is one of the must-visit spots on Sanibel Island.

Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium

Located on Sanibel-Captiva Road in the heart of Sanibel Island, it is widely considered the most comprehensive shell museum in the Western Hemisphere. The museum officially opened in 1995 and has since grown its collection to nearly 600,000 shells from around the world.

Following damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022, the museum undertook a full redesign and reinstallation of its shell exhibits. Phase 1 of the new Great Hall of Shells reopened in May 2025, and the final phase reopened in October 2025, bringing the full hall back to visitors for the first time since the storm.

Living Gallery of Aquariums

The Living Gallery of Aquariums displays over 60 species of marine life, with exhibits that illuminate the biology and behavior of mollusks including growth, anatomy, feeding, reproduction, and unique traits. Highlights include:

• Giant Pacific Octopus
• Two-Spot Octopus
• Flamingo Tongue Mollusk
• Giant Clam
• Queen Conch
• Giant Triton
• Horse Conchs in the touch tanks
• Additional rotating species throughout the year

Touch tanks allow guests to get hands-on with live mollusks under the supervision of museum staff. The touch tanks are always operated by aquarists to ensure the animals are not overstimulated.

Great Hall of Shells

The Great Hall of Shells is awe inspiring. Every time we visit I find myself pausing right after walking into the Great Hall of Shells. I am always amazed at how many shells are on display.

The Great Hall of Shells is the centerpiece of the museum, displaying highlights from a collection of nearly 600,000 shells gathered from around the world. The 2025 reinstallation organized the hall around themes of global biodiversity, shapes and colors, and time and evolution, with dedicated focus areas on cones, cowries, volutes, murexes, scallops, and carrier shells.

The second phase of the reinstallation, which reopened in October 2025, brought in exhibits on Southwest Florida Shells, World Record Shells, Florida Land Snails, Florida Fossil Shells, and shells in human history and culture, including the use of shells by indigenous peoples over centuries

Daily Programs Included with Admission

• Keeper Chats - 11:00am and 2:00pm daily. Aquarists share fun facts about the marine life on exhibit and answer questions about the animals in their care.
• Touch Pool Talks - 3:30pm daily. Educators share stories about mollusk biology and behavior while guests interact with the touch pools.
• Daily Arts and Crafts - A hands-on activity for kids and adults.
• Scavenger Hunt - Available for kids throughout the museum.

Museum Store

The Museum Store carries a wide range of island-themed and shell-themed items for all ages including jewelry, home decor, books, toys, original work by local artists, and shell museum-branded clothing.

This is a great shop to find a fun souvenir from your time on Sanibel. I have a shell sticker from the museum on my laptop that I love.

No museum admission is required to shop at the store.

Why you will love The Sanibel Shell Museum

• Air conditioned break from the hot Florida Gulf Coast sun
• The only museum in the United States devoted primarily to shells and mollusks, with a collection of nearly 600,000 specimens
• Fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 2022
• The Great Hall of Shells was completely redesigned and reinstalled following Hurricane Ian, with both phases fully reopened as of October 2025
• Over 60 species of marine life in the Living Gallery of Aquariums
• Three daily programs included in admission: Keeper Chats at 11am and 2pm, and Touch Pool Talks at 3:30pm, all led by marine biologists and aquarists
• Touch tanks let you get hands-on with live mollusks under attentive staff supervision
• The learning lab with hands-on games, displays, and a mollusk tank is a great option for families with younger children
• Free parking on-site
• Museum Store accessible without purchasing admission

Things to know when planning a visit

Address - 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, Florida

Phone - 239-395-2233

Hours - 10 am - 5 pm daily

Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day

Accessibility - There is accessible parking near the front entrance to the museum. Once inside there is lots of space to move around. There is an elevator to the 2nd floor.

Plus Size Seating - The museum has benches and seating areas throughout.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual

Pets - Pets are not allowed in the musum

Parking  - There is a nice size parking lot next to the museum.

Sanibel Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Best Breakfast Restaurants on Sanibel and Captiva Island - A full guide to the best breakfast spots on both islands including Over Easy Cafe, Sanibel Cafe, Lighthouse Cafe, Wickies, and more. A great resource for planning your museum day around a morning meal.

Captiva and Sanibel Island Beaches - A complete guide to every beach park on Sanibel and Captiva Island with parking, amenities, shelling tips, and what to know before your beach day.

The Bubble Room Captiva - The legendary Captiva Island restaurant has reopened with its full menu and world-famous cakes. Just over the bridge from Sanibel, an easy add-on to a museum day.

Rosalita's Cantina Sanibel - A popular Sanibel Mexican restaurant on Periwinkle Way with great margaritas and a fun casual vibe.

Sanibel Bean - A local Sanibel coffee shop with great espresso drinks and a relaxed island atmosphere.

Cheeburger Cheeburger - A Sanibel Island tradition with custom build-your-own burgers, over 100 milkshake flavors, and boozy shakes on Periwinkle Way.

Additional Florida Gulf Coast Articles

Sanibel Cafe - A Sanibel breakfast institution since 1984 with legendary fossilized shell tables and hearty island breakfasts.

Sanibel Sprout - Fresh acai bowls, smoothies, cold-pressed juice, and a full coffee bar at Islander Center on Sanibel.

The Shack of Sanibel - Fresh frozen custard right on Periwinkle Way, a perfect dessert stop after your museum visit.

Causeway Islands Park Sanibel - A free beach park along the Sanibel Causeway with easy beach access, great sunsets, and fishing.

Sanibel & Captiva Island Tours

Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse Views Rated 4.9 with over 370 reviews. A 1.5-hour cruise that passes the Sanibel Lighthouse at sunset with dolphin sightings along the way. One of the most consistently well-reviewed tours in the area.

Daytime Dolphin Cruise Near Sanibel Rated 4.9. Passes the Sanibel Lighthouse and Twin Sister Key, a secluded island only reachable by boat.

Private Boat Tour - Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel A private option for groups or families who want a more personal experience on the water.

Sanibel Captiva Island Moke Adventure Day Trip Rental Rated 4.9 with 16 reviews. A self-guided day trip around Sanibel and Captiva in a vintage electric Moke vehicle. A genuinely fun and different way to see the islands.

Check out all of the nearby tours here