A Guide to Beachcombing

There’s a magic to mornings spent walking along the shoreline. As the tide recedes, it unveils a blanket of intricately patterned shells and glistening fragments of coral. For the beachcomber, each discovery tells part of the story of the vibrant life beneath the waves.

At Sea Island, with its five-mile stretch of private beach, the joy of beachcombing comes alive. This guide invites you to explore the shoreline’s natural bounty, awaken your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the marine life that thrives along Georgia’s coast.

Knobbed Whelk

COMMON TREASURES OF THE SHORE

Beachcombing begins with knowing where and when to look. Low tide is the best time to explore, as the receding waters reveal the wrack line—a collection of shells, seaweed and other marine remnants deposited by the waves. Walking this line with patience often yields the most intriguing finds.

“A walk along the water’s edge can be filled with fascinating marine life that sparks our curiosity and leaves us wanting to learn more,” explains Haley Rogers, Resort Lead Naturalist at Sea Island. “It’s not just about what you find, but how those discoveries connect to the larger ecosystem.”

One of the most cherished finds is Georgia’s state shell, the knobbed whelk. With its ridged, spiral form and earthy tones of orange and brown, this large shell is as iconic as it is fascinating. “The knobbed whelk is not just a symbol of Georgia but a reminder of the intricate balance within our coastal habitats,” shares Rogers. These shells are home to the sea snails that play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by preying on bivalves.

Shark Eye Moon Snail

Shells left behind by whelks and other species provide excellent habitats for hermit crabs and anemones. “Finding a knobbed whelk and then leaving it behind can be a great way to discover something new, while helping protect the many species that rely on empty shells for protection and habitat,” says Rogers.

Another favorite among beachcombers, the shark eye moon snail, is as mysterious as its name suggests. It’s a smooth, rounded shell with a hypnotic bull’s-eye pattern. These snails are stealthy hunters, known for drilling perfectly round holes into the shells of their prey, typically clams and other small mollusks.

Imagine finding a shell with one of these tiny, precise holes. It’s not just a fascinating discovery but evidence of the moon snail’s role in the intricate web of marine life. “The shark eye is a perfect example of nature’s efficiency,” notes Rogers. “Its beauty lies not just in its appearance but in its behavior.”

Few beachcombing finds, however, are as iconic as the sand dollar. Often found bleached white by the sun, these flat, circular echinoderms are symbols of peace and serenity. When broken, sand dollars reveal five tiny pieces of their internal structure, called “doves.”

Sand Dollar

“Sand dollars are always an exciting find along our beaches,” exclaims Rogers. “While they may look like a seashell at first glance, they are actually a type of sea urchin known as the five-keyhole urchin. Beachcombers can spot a live sand dollar by its brown or purple hue. It is important to remember that if you come across a live sand dollar you should gently place it back in water.”

From the Atlantic giant cockle, known for its bold ridges, to the intricate spirals of the wentletrap, every discovery is a piece of the ocean’s puzzle. Beachcombing, however, isn’t just limited to shells. A stroll down the beach simply observing the vast array of living creatures that inhabit the shoreline is half the fun.

BEYOND THE SHELLS

Other marine life, such as the gray sea star, often make appearances. These echinoderms are not only beautiful but also vital to their environment, feeding on bivalves and keeping populations in check. With their perfectly symmetrical five arms, they are a striking reminder of the natural patterns found in the ocean.

A vibrant piece of sea whip coral is like a splash of paint on the beach’s natural canvas, often in hues of fiery orange or delicate lavender. “Coral reminds us of the biodiversity beneath the waves,” explains Rogers. “It’s a connection to a world we rarely get to see up close.” Flexible and often brightly colored, these fragments come from soft coral that thrives in the shallow waters off Sea Island.

Atlantic Giant Cockle

Then there’s the sea cucumber, a creature that might not win a beauty contest but plays a crucial role in cleaning the ocean floor. Often mistaken for a plant or debris, sea cucumbers process sand and sediment, recycling nutrients and keeping the seabed healthy.

For those eager to immerse themselves in the full experience of beachcombing, the Nature Center offers a guided Sea Island Eco Tour and a Golf Cart Shelling Tour. These excursions take members and guests out to the beach and teach them not only how to spot shells but also the stories behind them and their significance in the ecosystem. “Our tours are about more than just finding shells,” says Rogers. “They’re about seeing the shoreline as a naturalist does, understanding the ecosystems that shape it, and appreciating the delicate balance of life at the edge of the sea.”