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All 38 Sanibel Island Attractions »

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel Island, FL 33957
239 395 2233
4.5 of 5 stars 126 Reviews
Type: Speciality Museums
Activities: Leisure education
Description: The only one of its kind in America, this museum displays shells and mollusks from around the world.
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126 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    75
    36
    9
    5
    1
Date Rating
Washington DC
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

A great stop for the family..kids of all ages. Nice layout of shells and displays that will give you an appreciation of what is available to find in Sanibel, or how it got to Sanibel.

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See 5 more reviews by Julia R for Sanibel Island
Swansea, Illinois
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012

If you have never been here and are at all interested in shells / ocean life, you must visit! Yes - it is a museum and can be a bit "too educational" but it is worth the admission price. And the gift shop is neat. I don't know if I would stop for a second visit in the next couple... More

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See 6 more reviews by Lynn S for Sanibel Island
MN
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012

The staff and volunteers are excellent. Don't miss the movies as they provide some very helpful information.

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See 6 more reviews by 2TravelersMn for Sanibel Island
Punta Gorda, Florida
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012

So many wonders to behold in the shell world. Movies, mentors to talk with, beautiful displays and interactive exhibits. I enjoyed my day there very much.

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Maryville, Tennessee
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in shelling. The two thirty-minute films explain the lives of shell-inhabiting creatures, and the exhibits show not only the natural history of shellfish, but also the human uses of them through history.

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See 8 more reviews by Kathryn P for Sanibel Island
Boulder
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

The videos were very educational. The shells on display were magical. I learned so much about sea life that I better appreciated all of the shells on the beach.

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See 6 more reviews by Arrohed for Sanibel Island
Sarasota, Florida
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
66 helpful votes 66 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

This is a great place to go to when on Sanibel Island. It is so educational and we learned so much. I would recommend it to families and any one with an interest in seashells. The displays are so interesting and it is a must stop!

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See 3 more reviews by Beckys29 for Sanibel Island
shreveport
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2012

Beautiful displays and very informative. However, it does get a little too much because there is just so much you can tell me about them . I just really liked to look! Go and spend an hour.

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See 3 more reviews by blistersister for Sanibel Island
Nutley, New Jersey
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012

Lots to see, lots to learn. Also, great air conditioning!

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See 2 more reviews by SheriNJ for Sanibel Island
Austin, Texas
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2012

Everyone was very friendly and helpful in this small museum. The exhibits are well done, and they have quite an impressive collection of shells. For the kids there is a shell scavenger hunt, and the prize is a coloring book, shell, pencil and bracelet. We did the museum in about 30 minutes, however we did not watch the two movies... More

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See 3 more reviews by LuckyLyndi for Sanibel Island

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