Here on the Gulf of Mexico, we get our fair share of beautiful shells on our shores. So if you want to know what type of shells you’re picking up, check out our handy Seashell Guide for some of the more commonly found shells on Navarre Beach!

Cleaning and preserving shells is also easy.

1. First of all, make sure that there are NO animals in your shells or animal tissue.
2. Next, soak your shells in water for a week, changing the water every day to help loosen dirt.
3. After the week in water, combine equal parts bleach and water in a pot and soak the shells again, making sure they are completely covered. This will ensure all the animal tissue and impurities are off the shell, including the periostracum organic coating of the shell. Once the shells stop flaking and the periostracum is gone, remove the shells from the solution.
4. Rinse and allow your shells to air dry.
5. Rub baby or mineral oil on the shells to restore their shine.

There you have it, a souvenir you can cherish forever!