How to find Sand Dollars on Anna Maria Island

How to Find Sand Dollars on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island Beachcomber's Guide

Anna Maria Island is a coastal paradise known for its sugar-white sands, crystal-clear waters, and treasure-filled beaches. Among the most prized beachcombing finds are sand dollars—the delicate, star-stamped shells that beachgoers love to collect. If you're hoping to discover these marine gems during your visit, timing, tide, and location all matter. Here's your complete guide on how to find sand dollars on Anna Maria Island.

What Are Sand Dollars?

Sand dollars are a type of flattened sea urchin found along sandy shorelines, typically just beneath the surface of the water. Though their bleached white form is commonly found on shore, living sand dollars are darker in color and usually found slightly buried under the sand in shallow waters.

Please remember: if it's alive, leave it! Living sand dollars are protected by Florida law and should never be taken from the beach.

Best Time to Look for Sand Dollars on Anna Maria Island

The most successful sand dollar hunts happen at low tide, especially early in the morning when beach traffic is minimal and the ocean floor is freshly exposed. Check tide charts ahead of time and plan your shelling adventure around a receding tide.

If you're wading in the water, gently shuffle your feet along the sandbar—sand dollars often sit just beneath the surface.

Best Beaches to Find Sand Dollars on Anna Maria Island

1. Bean Point Beach (North End)

Bean Point is the most secluded and serene beach of AMI. It's also a local favorite for shelling and sand dollar hunting. The shallow tidal flats at low tide make it an ideal place to search for these elusive treasures.

2. Coquina Beach & Longboat Pass (South End)

The southern tip of Anna Maria Island near Longboat Pass, known as Coquina Beach is another excellent area for sand dollars, particularly near the sandbars. Arrive early and walk the shoreline or wade in the shallow water just off the beach.

3. Holmes Beach Sandbar

Holmes Beach offers a unique spot for families to explore. At low tide, sandbars emerge just offshore, where beachcombers often find full-sized sand dollars and other seashells. It's a great mid-island location that's easily accessible.

Tips for a Successful Sand Dollar Search

• Go early: Arrive just after sunrise to beat the crowds and catch the low tide.
  

• Use tide charts: Apps and local surf reports will help you plan for the best timing.
  

• Wade carefully: Shuffle your feet gently in shallow waters to feel for buried sand dollars.
  

• Leave living creatures: Only collect sand dollars that are fully bleached and no longer alive.
  

• Bring a mesh bag: Keeps your hands free and your shells clean while allowing water and sand to drain.

Best Shelling Spots on Anna Maria Island

While sand dollars are a top find, Anna Maria Island is also rich in other shelling opportunities. Look for lightning whelks, coquina shells, scallops, olive shells, and more—each tide brings a fresh batch of coastal treasures. Whether you're a seasoned sheller or a first-timer, every beach walk can lead to something special.

Finding a sand dollar on Anna Maria Island is a rewarding and memorable experience. Whether you're strolling the sandbars of Holmes Beach, exploring the tranquil shores of Bean Point, or combing the edges of Coquina Beach, your chances are best when the tide is low and your eyes are sharp. Happy hunting—and remember to leave the living ones behind for the next visitor to discover.