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Best Time to Find Seashells

If you want to find the best shells, when you go matters just as much as where. Three windows reliably outperform all others.

Low Tide

The two hours before and after low tide expose the most shoreline and reveal areas that stay underwater the rest of the day.

After a Storm

Wind and waves stir the seafloor and deposit fresh finds. The 24 to 48 hours after a storm are widely considered the best shelling window of all.

Early Morning

Arriving just after sunrise gives you first access to overnight deposits — before other beachcombers and the day's foot traffic.

Pair perfect timing with our Beginner's Beachcombing Guide.

Read the Beachcombing Guide

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Collector's Field Guide

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Best Time to Find Seashells

coastal guide · seashells · beachcombing

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