1 / 6
Location
Visitor tip
Don't miss the interactive touch tank on the first floor and the scavenger hunt activity—these are particularly engaging for kids and help make the learning experience more hands-on and memorable.
Visitor tip
Take advantage of the unique 'okay to touch' policy on select shells throughout the exhibits. This is rare for museums and allows for a more tactile learning experience about shell collections.
Visitor tip
Ask the knowledgeable staff or docents for recommendations on exhibits and to answer questions about sea creatures. They're noted for being particularly helpful and taking time to engage with visitors.
About Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
Seashell exhibits & play area for kids. Museum features interactive exhibits with a focus on local shells & a hands-on space for children.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Collection Size
- Nearly 600,000 shells
- Marine Life
- Over 60 species in living gallery
- Hours
- 10am-5pm daily
- Location
- Sanibel, Florida
What visitors say
An absolutely fantastic visit to the Shell Museum. Riley provided exceptional customer service and made the experience feel welcoming from start to finish. The aquarist education session on seahorses and the giant Pacific octopus was…
Super fun stop on Sanibel Island if you’re looking for something to do for about an hour! I had never been to a shell museum before, so I was definitely intrigued. Admission is $25, and they offer discounts for kids and first…
We loved learning about the different shells and sea life. The aquariums are full of colorful fish and sea life. The sea horses were our favorite. They have an area where you can learn more about and touch some of the sea life. The…
From 1,483 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- The Great Hall of Shells contains nearly 600,000 shells, representing one of the most extensive shell collections accessible to the public
- The Living Gallery of Aquariums features over 60 species of marine life, including interactive touch tanks where visitors can handle mollusks and starfish
- The museum offers hands-on community science projects and participatory programs in addition to traditional exhibits, positioning it as an actively engaged research and education institution
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Aquariums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section