When it comes to seashells, South Africa is a treasure trove.
Aside from swimming, surfing and snorkelling, the beaches of Mzansi are a beachcomber’s paradise. You can find many unique shells washed up by the tides of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans or buried beneath the pearlish sands like hidden gems.
If you’re ready, then grab your bucket, shovel and sunhat, and let’s go!
SEEK SEASHELLS BY THE SEASHORES OF THESE BEACHES
Here are just some of the beaches in South Africa that boast seashells by the boatload:
1. COFFEE BAY MAIN BEACH
Coffee Bay Main Beach in the Eastern Cape is an idyllic location, featuring a combination of rolling green hills, steep cliffsides and clear, satin-blue waters. Here, you can find and collect a variety of shells, including the rare cowrie shell.
2. FRANSKRAAL BEACH
Located near Gansbaai and Kleinbaai in the Western Cape, Franskraal Beach features pearl-white sand, the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean and tons of seashells. These include the blue-black shells of cultured mussels and wafer-coloured shells belonging to limpets.
3. PARADISE BEACH
Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape is not only known for being South Africa’s surfing capital! The shoreline of Paradise Beach plays host to an abundance of seashells, including periwinkles, cone shells, conch shells, cowrie shells and scallop shells.
As a bonus, you can visit the Jeffreys Bay Shell Museum by the main beach. It features more than 600 shells from species across the globe, thus making it one of the largest shell collections in the country.
4. SHELLY BEACH
Shelly Beach in KwaZulu-Natal is a prime spot for deep-sea fishing, snorkelling and whale-watching. And, like its name suggests, there are many seashells to be found. The most famous of these are the pink lady shells – vibrant, miniature shells that belong to a type of sea slug.
5. SODWANA BAY BEACH
Also located on Natal’s coastline, the beach at Sodwana Bay forms part of the famous iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Here, turban shells, cone shells and cowrie shells are washed onto the shore by the waves of the Indian Ocean.
SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE SEASHELL SPOTS
Collecting seashells is both an exciting and therapeutic activity. As you peacefully comb through these beaches at your own pace, you are sure to come across exotic shells that you’ve never seen before.
Don’t go overboard, though. You’re allowed to collect at least one kilogram of seashells from the shore for your own use; any more than that, and you’ll need to obtain a collection permit.
What’s more, many of these shells are home to various marine organisms. Refrain from collecting and taking home shells that are clearly inhabited.
Let us know if you’ve visited (or are planning to visit) one of these shell-packed beaches, and share with us any spots that you like to go shell-collecting!
