Some of the most beautiful experiences to enjoy with your loved ones in the summer are free of charge, and shelling is at the top of that list.

Collecting seashells always evokes a sense of wonder, a reminder that the simplest things often carry the most beauty. Nearly everyone has warm memories of hunting for shells while walking barefoot along a sandy coastline – and whether you are five or 105-years-old, coming home with a dazzling shell bounty can feel like you’ve hit the jackpot.

The Bahamas is a paradise for shell enthusiasts. Some of the finest seashells in the world can be found in the Bahamian archipelago, along with the southwest coast of Florida. The Out Islands, which receive far less tourist traffic than Nassau, can yield particularly rich pickings. Many of the beaches on the leeward side of the islands, protected from the wind and strong Atlantic Ocean waves, are good for shelling, including Tarpum Bay in Eleuthera, and Caribbean-facing beaches in Long Island and the Exumas.

Want to learn more about your newfound treasure? One of the best books for curious beachcombers, in both The Bahamas and Florida, who want to know the names and interesting facts about what they find is a guide called “Florida’s Living Beaches” by Blair and Dawn Witherington.

However, if you decide to go shelling, it’s important to be respectful of nature and avoid taking anything that’s still alive or attached to coral.

When you return home with your treasure, don’t let it collect dust! Crafting with seashells is not just for kids. It’s time to activate your creativity. With a bit of industrial strength glue and some attention to detail, you can turn some basic wooden picture frames or garden pots into ornate shell decor that will dazzle your guests.

Today, shell crafting has evolved from child’s play into a world-class art. For instance, in Nassau, you can take home designer-quality seashell mirrors from shops like the Island Store in Lyford Cay (@islandstorelyfordcay), where one local artist describes her meticulous technique: “I pay strong attention to color, shape, texture, symmetry and harmony of the shells while constructing the frames, and coat them with high-gloss

polyurethane for longevity. Most are created in neutral colors with elegant and chic designs that look fabulous in any home.”

In Palm Beach, there’s a whole niche industry devoted to making seashells into high art, with shops like Christa’s Seashells (@christasseashells) and Wexler Robichaux (@wexlerrobichaux), fulfilling the seashell fantasies of the most discerning and wealthy clients. Indeed, the most exciting new resident in Palm Beach is not a celebrity CEO, but a stunning shell-bedazzled convertible (@sheldon.theshellcar), who has already attracted 16,000 shell-shocked followers.

But seashells are not just pretty objects. They have been proven to be therapeutic for several reasons. For example, shell spirals typically follow a Fibonacci sequence, the mathematical “Golden Ratio” of the universe, which is highly aesthetically pleasing and calming to the nerves. When our human eye detects a spiral in this proportion, it triggers a “Saccadic Reset,” which slows down ocular movement and tells our brain to exit stress mode. Moreover, in various spiritual practices, shells are believed to promote tranquility, protect against negative vibes, improve communication, and strengthen long-distance relationships. Seashells also conjure nostalgia and happy memories of beach vacations.

At the end of the day, seashells are far more than just souvenirs. Full of earthy quirks and joyful energy, they are natural ambassadors for The Bahamas. They can be glamourous and fun, but they are also rudimentary in their natural beauty and universal appeal. They radiate peace and act as a grounding force against external chaos. Seashells are designed by God to protect our soft inner world, just like the squishy sea creatures that they temporarily harbor.