Guide
North Carolina Shelling Guide
The Outer Banks and Crystal Coast are legendary among collectors. Remote stretches of sand and strong currents deliver whelks, olives, and the state shell — the Scotch bonnet.
Best Beaches for Shelling
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Ocracoke Island
- Cape Lookout National Seashore
- Topsail Island
- Sunset Beach
When to Go
Plan around low tide and the 24 to 48 hours after a nor'easter or storm, when the wildest finds wash ashore.
Shells You'll Likely Find
- Scotch bonnet
- Whelks and olive shells
- Augers and moon snails
- Scallops and cockles
- Sand dollars
Bring the illustrated North Carolina guide for your next Outer Banks adventure.
Shop the Mini BoxPin it for later
Save This Article on Pinterest
Choose a pin design below to save this guide to your boards, download a high-resolution graphic, or share it with fellow shell lovers.
Pin This Shell Identification Guide
Save it to your beachcombing board so it's ready for your next trip to the shore.