The 17 Best Sea Shelling Tools Ever

Hello, fellow shell hunters! If you’re looking for the best sea shelling tools, you’ve come to the right place.

I hunt for seashells every time I visit the beach. And I’ve found having the right tools makes it easier to find amazing seashells.

I recently visited Ocean Isle Beach in NC to look for seashells, but I couldn’t find my shelling bag to bring on the trip. I had to use a plastic bag instead, which ripped after I filled it with too many shells.

I will soon purchase more shelling bags from my friend, Amazon.

In this article, I’ll share my top 16 sea shelling tools that will help you find more shells. (Just don’t forget to pack them on your next beach adventure.)

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• The Ultimate Sea Shell Identification Guide
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1 – Shelling Bag

A shelling bag is my #1 most important sea shelling tool. You wear it over your shoulder to keep your hands free to collect shells. It makes it easy to store your shells while you walk the beach.

2 – Sand Dipper

I use a sand dipper to search the sand and water for shark teeth or shells. The long handle keeps me from having to bend over. It’s easy to adjust the length and even take it apart to fit in a suitcase.

3 – Sand Flea Rake 

A sand flea rake scoops up multiple shells below the water’s surface. You can then dump the shells on the beach and look for treasures. It’s also good for finding sand dollars and starfish.

The downside to a Sand Flea Rake is that it’s a bit bulky, and you have to be careful not to hit the sharp edge against your leg.

This tool comes apart for easy transport and storage, so I would suggest putting it together when you get to the beach and taking it apart before you leave the beach. This will help prevent hitting the sharp edge against your leg, as I have done when using it at the beach.

4 – Shell Identification Guide

I have a free printable shelling guide HERE. But I recommend Smithsonian’s Shelling Handbook or Seashells of Georgia and the Carolinas for a comprehensive shelling book.

Related Posts:
The Ultimate Beach Packing List
24 Best Shelling Beaches In NC

6 – Scuba Boots

You can wear scuba boots any time of the year to protect your feet from sharp, broken shells. They’ll also keep your feet warm and dry if you shell in the winter.

7 – Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses cut the glare on the water and help you see what’s below the water’s surface more clearly. The glasses pictured below on my husband also have photochromatic lenses that adjust to the light.

8 – Sifting Pan

A sifting pan is great for shelling at the water’s edge. It allows you to sift through sand and shells to find treasures. It’s especially helpful when hunting for shark teeth.

9 – Headlamp

A headlamp is a must-have for night shelling or early morning shelling. It will help you spot shells that are otherwise hidden in the darkness while keeping your hands free to collect shells. The one below is my husband’s favorite headlamp. (And he’s tried many.)

10 – Sunscreen

Don’t forget the sunscreen! Even if it’s cloudy, you can still get sunburned at the beach.

11 – Beach Chair or Towel

You’ll want to take a break from shelling and just enjoy the ocean view. I prefer bringing a chair because it’s easier on my back. But towels work great, too and don’t take up as much space.

I prefer the Tommy Bahama Beach Chair because it has straps to carry it on your back, a storage pouch, and cup holder.

12 – Beach Umbrella

This is a must if you shell on a hot, sunny day. It will provide some much-needed shade.

13 – Water and Snacks

You’ll need to stay hydrated and fueled while shelling. I like to bring protein bars or trail mix for a quick snack. I love the S’well Water Bottle below because it keeps your drinks cold for several hours.

14 – Water Shoes

You can wear these to protect your feet from sharp shells or broken coral. I have the exact pair below. They’re comfortable and affordable – 2 of my favorite things!

15 – Sun Hat

Getting sunburned at the beach is easy if you’re out for very long. A sun hat will protect your face, head, and neck from exposure to the sun.

16 – Fat Tire Ebike

I absolutely love taking my fat-tire ebike to the beach for shelling. It’s the best way to explore a long stretch of beach.

I can cover more ground and find more shells in a shorter amount of time. I can also quickly ride to parts of the beach that others haven’t explored.

I own the Jaguarundi by Magicycle. You can read my full review here. This fat-tire ebike folds in half to fit in my car.

You can’t believe how much fun an ebike is at the beach until you try it.

View the Magicycle Fat-Tire Ebike here.

17 – Chacos Sandals

I love wearing my Chacos Sandals for shelling because they are waterproof and protect my feet from sharp objects.

I’ve had them over a year and they have held up well no matter what kind of beating I give them. I wear them paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and at the beach.

See all styles of Chacos on Amazon or REI.

That’s it!

These are the 16 most useful sea shelling tools ever.

See my full list of shelling tools on Amazon HERE.

With the right equipment, you can find shells anywhere – even in the darkness! So get out there and start exploring the beach. Who knows what treasures you’ll find!

Happy shell hunting!

Read More:

• How To Find Sea Shells On Ocean Isle Beach, NC
• 82 Amazing Things To Do In Atlantic Beach, NC
• Why I Love Okaloosa Island, FL
• View My Web Story About Best Sea Shelling Tools

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