Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, located just 5-minutes from the Island Inn, connect people to the natural world through their love of shells and the animals that create them. Visiting the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a great family activity to do with kids on Sanibel Island, as well as adults! Engage with live animals in two large interactive touch tanks while learning from the museum’s knowledgeable staff about the beautiful creatures you’re holding. Then, head over to see world-record sized shells from around the world, as well as how and where to find shells on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. You’ll even learn the best way to clean and transport your gifts from the sea back home with you. The museum offers more than 30 permanent exhibits and several traveling exhibits, but the most exciting is their Giant Pacific Octopus! You can even watch the octopus via the museum’s Live OctoCam before you meet this beautiful creature in-person!
For more information about the museum, including current hours and rates, visit their website by clicking on the MORE INFORMATION button below.
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road
Sanibel, Florida 33957
Phone: (239) 395-2233
Toll-free: (888) 679-6450
Visitor Reviews
Hurricane survivor does it right. Our first visit to Sanibel and the Island Inn was a great choice. The room was perfect - very clean and well-appointed with a full kitchen, comfortable furniture and a huge screened in deck patio. Convenient parking under the building, and centrally located on a great section of beach. The staff was great in our limited contacts, and made the check in and out process very easy. Staff also sets up and takes down beach umbrellas for guest use a great touch. There was lots of construction (they continue to rebuild after Hurricane Ian) but the noise was very low and almost unnoticeable from the beach. Looking forward to what they accomplish in the coming year. 
