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
Excellent! Stayed at Island Inn for the first time and was very impressed. At check in you get a packet of information about hotel amenities, tide charts, businesses that are open, information about turtle nests, etc - very well organized. Walking through the front door of my room, I was greeted by a panoramic view of the beach. Room was very spacious with a bedroom, living area, full kitchen and a large screened in balcony. There are sliding doors so each area can be separated for privacy if desired. If it was pet friendly, it would be my go to place when I visit Sanibel once or twice a year. 
