Whelks – Commonly mistaken as conchs, whelks are traditionally larger shells that are striking in appearance, thanks to their conical shape, large opening, and spiral top that can have small spikes or perfectly circular wide channels, depending on the species. Keep your eye out for these shells which include both rare and common varieties, and which are worth keeping as a natural souvenir. Once you land on the local Bald Head Island, Fort Fisher, or Oak Island beaches, there are quite a few treasures to uncover.
These beaches are at their least crowded in the fall, winter, and spring months, when beachcombers can sometimes have long stretches of shoreline all to themselves. The towns have multiple beach access points for public day-trippers, as well as wide and gently sloping shorelines that make it easier for delicate shells to wash ashore intact. Oak Island / Caswell Beach – Located just a 10-15 minute drive away from the heart of Southport, depending on the traffic, Oak Island / Caswell Beach is arguably the easiest shelling destination to reach for regional visitors. The Zeke’s Island Reserve is actually a collection of islands, but beachcombers will likely have the best luck on the “main” Zeke’s Island, which boasts the most ocean-facing beaches, and which gets more isolated and less populated the further south a beachcomber wanders. Zeke’s Island Reserve – Located just south of Fort Fisher, visitors can reach this isolated island destination on foot, with a 4WD vehicle, or via a motorized vessel or kayak. Don’t forget to (carefully) check along the rock wall borders close to the oceanfront, which can have tidal pools filled with barely-hidden treasures. The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is a good place to start, as this stretch of shoreline extends for roughly six miles and has no development whatsoever. The southernmost point near the Shoals Club is a particularly popular spot for shelling, thanks to its locale that jets out into the ocean, and which connects with the Frying Pan Shoals.įort Fisher – A second ferry that departs from Southport – the NCDOT managed Southport/Fort Fisher Ferry – will take visitors to the southern end of Pleasure Island, which is also a popular destination for shelling explorers and beach fans of all varieties. Rent a bike or golf cart once on shore, (there are no cars available or allowed in the area), and head to the “east coast” that faces the Atlantic for the best shelling opportunities. Using Southport as a “home base,” visitors will find several beaches in the region that are perfect for a shelling venture.īald Head Island – From Southport, visitors can board the Bald Head Island passenger ferry to reach this small island destination that’s bordered by the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, visitors will find that a myriad of shelling beaches are just a short boat ride (or drive) away, leading to miles of shoreline to explore, and long sun-filled days of combing and enjoying the local beaches. From this small community on the Cape Fear River, visitors can board a ferry to Bald Head Island, Fort Fisher, or even take a cruise to smaller and lesser-known island destinations like Zeke’s Island Reserve. Southport can easily serve as a launching point for a myriad of shelling adventures.
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