Hunting for seashells in Myrtle Beach is a beloved pastime for countless visitors to the Grand Strand. It’s an absolute delight to identify unique or unblemished shells while strolling along the shoreline. With such a vast coastline spanning over 60 miles, finding the best shells and figuring out where to look can seem like an insurmountable task. However, fear not! We have compiled a comprehensive guide of shelling tips and tricks to ensure that your exploration is both fruitful and worthwhile. Join us as we highlight some of our favorite seashells and provide insights on where you’re most likely to encounter them locally. But before we proceed, let’s remember to be considerate of wildlife by leaving any living beings undisturbed in their natural habitat.
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Beaches With Seashells Around Myrtle Beach
If you happen to be staying at an oceanfront hotel, the most convenient place to search for seashells is right outside your door. However, keep in mind that you might have better luck at less crowded beaches. For instance, Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park are excellent options for shelling. Additionally, areas south of Myrtle Beach, such as Garden City Beach, Litchfield, and Pawleys Island, boast a diverse array of seashells. Don’t forget to keep a keen eye out for banded tulips, heart cockles, and other fascinating seashell varieties during excursions, cruises, or kayak tours that include stops at islands!
Where to Find Myrtle Beach Seashells
If you limit yourself to scouring the Myrtle Beach shoreline, you might be missing out on hidden treasures. Regardless of whether you find yourself on a secluded beach or a popular coastline dotted with oceanfront hotels, being thorough and attentive during your hunt will yield the best results. Here are the key places you should explore in your quest for seashells:
- Right at the shoreline
- Along the high-water line
- In pools left on the beach during low tide
- Any beach area with wet sand
- A few feet into the ocean, where seashells may be floating or resting on the shallow sea floor
- Tangled in grass and seaweed on the beach
- Beneath the top layer of sand or mixed in with rocks
When to Embark on a Shelling Adventure in Myrtle Beach
To maximize your chances of unearthing the most remarkable seashells along Myrtle Beach shores, it’s crucial to be mindful of the tides. When the tide is receding, particularly after a substantial storm, the more forceful waves can wash beautiful seashell specimens onto the sand. Moreover, you’ll have greater success during a full moon or new moon when the tide is at its lowest point. Consider installing a handy tide monitoring app on your phone to track the ebb and flow of the ocean.
For those aiming to get first dibs on the finest seashells like calico scallops or lettered olives, heading to the Myrtle Beach shoreline bright and early, before other shell seekers emerge, is a smart strategy. Additionally, hunting for seashells in Myrtle Beach during the off-peak months, when the beaches are less crowded, may increase your chances of success.
How to Discover Sand Dollars in Myrtle Beach
The key to finding sand dollars lies in perfect timing. These marine creatures reside along the shoreline and are often partially buried just beneath the surface. Hence, they are easiest to spot during low tide. To determine if a sand dollar is alive, gently flip it over and lightly rub its surface to observe any movement from the cilia (tiny hairs). Dead sand dollars will remain motionless. It’s important to note that removing live sand dollars from the beach in South Carolina is illegal. So, if you happen to stumble upon one, take a picture and then set it free! If you wish to keep a sand dollar skeleton as a memento and want to whiten it, make sure to rinse it thoroughly and then soak it in a solution of bleach water.
How to Encounter Starfish in Myrtle Beach
Spotting starfish is relatively straightforward since they exhibit vibrant colors and don’t burrow like sand dollars. The best time to catch a glimpse of starfish is during low tide, as they often appear in shallow water or rocky areas. Occasionally, Myrtle Beach and its surrounding beaches are subject to mass strandings of starfish, with thousands of them washing ashore. However, it’s important to remember that removing live starfish from the beach is not advisable. To determine if a starfish is deceased, gently touch it and observe its response or check if its body feels stiff or cold.
What Types of Seashells Can You Discover at Myrtle Beach?
The coastal waters of South Carolina house an impressive variety of species, which is why Myrtle Beach seashells are so intriguing. Whelks, lettered olives, jingles, coquina, tulips, and calicos are just a few examples of the frequently encountered seashells. Each species possesses distinctive characteristics and coloring. While you’re out shelling, keep an eye out for seastars and sand dollars as well, as these are among the most captivating marine creatures that wash ashore.
Myrtle Beach Seashells Identification Guide
Once you’ve collected your seashell haul, you may want to compare it to our list of common Myrtle Beach seashells to identify the treasures you’ve unearthed.
Remember, exploring Myrtle Beach in search of seashells is not only an enjoyable activity but also an opportunity to connect with nature. So, grab your bucket, venture out to the beach, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the seashell world! And for more information on a variety of topics, don’t forget to visit 5 WS. Happy shelling!
