Heading to the Outer Banks for vacation offers a chance to enjoy tons of ocean fun. Whether you’re into surfing or just relaxing on the shore, the coastal waters are welcoming to all. One of the most popular beach activities in the OBX is shelling, and with tons of varieties and beautiful spots to scope out, you can find some incredible gems to add to your collection. Get the scoop on all the must-know details in our ultimate guide to shelling in the Outer Banks, and get ready to rake in a fantastic haul on your upcoming getaway.
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Types of Shells You Can Find on the Outer Banks
There are tons of varieties of shells to find in the Outer Banks, from the elusive North Carolina state shell, the Scotch Bonnet, to the ever-present coquinas. When it comes to top varieties or coveted finds, be on the lookout for these particular items:
Scallops – Found in a variety of colors, their ribbed surface and fanned base are easy identifiers.
Whelks – These beautiful snail shells have spiraled tops and come in many different sizes. The most common is the lightning whelk, denoted by the opening on its left side.
Ocean Quahogs – Similarly shaped to clams, Ocean Quahogs are distinguished by their white exterior and occasional purple rim.
Giant Cockles – Another ribbed variety of clamshell, Giant Cockles can grow up to six inches in width! They often come in white with brown or red colorings, or deep grey with white interiors.
Starfish – If you happen to stumble upon a live starfish while shelling in the Outer Banks, you’ve found one of the top thrills of a beachcomber. Denoted by the five arms, or rays, these marine wonders are fragile and beautiful pieces of the underwater ecosystem. Only pick them up if they are dry and hard, signifying they’re no longer alive.
Sand Dollars – Heralded as one of the most prized finds, Sand Dollars are delicate, round shells with a star shape on their body. If they are white, they’re usually safe to collect. If you find any that are brown or fuzzy, they’re still alive and should be left in the water.
Shark Eye Moon Snails – The spiral ends of these colorful snail shells give them their name – Shark Eye. At their widest point, they can be up to five inches.
Skate and Ray Egg Cases (Mermaids Purse) – These look like odd pea pods, making them stand out amidst the shiny shells. Black with two extensions off each end, they’re a fun keepsake when shelling in the Outer Banks.
Sea Glass—While it’s imperative to do all we can to keep our oceans clean, sometimes glass and other items end up in the water. Sea glass is formed when some of that glass is broken and smoothed over years against the sand and salt. During your visit, keep your eyes peeled for white, green, and amber pieces.
Best Time and Places to Go Shelling on the Outer Banks
Fall and winter offer the best times of year to go shelling in the Outer Banks. This is due in part to fewer crowds on the beaches, as well as increased storm activity. During a big rainstorm, the water is churned up, depositing even more shells on the sand than normal. For that reason, whether you’re visiting in the off-season or peak summer, heading out after a storm will yield better results.
As for the best beaches to visit, you’re sure to find seashells on any Outer Banks shore. One of the best spots is Shelly Island, home to the Scotch Bonnet. There’s also Coquina Beach, where you’ll find clams and moon snails. And in Kitty Hawk, beautiful pieces of driftwood and sun-bleached sand dollars are common occurrences.
Book Your Seashore Escape to the Outer Banks
Armed with this guide to shelling in the Outer Banks, you’re ready to hit the shore with buckets and nets in tow. But before you can do that, you have to secure your perfect OBX vacation rental! At Paramount Destinations, you can stay right on the beach in one of our gorgeous rental homes.
Enjoy walking the shores each day and then coming home to Time to Coast, a gorgeous 6-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom gem complete with a rooftop deck and game room. Check it out here, and book directly with our team today for the best rates on this property!
Discover more top things to do in the Outer Banks during your vacation, and get ready for an unforgettable trip!
