Second Chance Island Reopens for Boaters and Shellers

With another shorebird nesting season complete, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve staff, partners and volunteers removed the ‘Critical Wildlife Area’ and ‘Nesting Shorebird’ closure signs from Second Chance Island. Now one of Southwest Florida's most popular shelling destinations is once again open to the public. 

Located just offshore of Cape Romano in the southern portion of Rookery Bay, Second Chance Island is a dynamic three-acre sandbar that serves as critical nesting habitat for several species of endangered beach nesting shore birds including Black skimmers, Least terns and Wilson’s plovers. Once nesting season ends, its pristine beaches become a favorite destination for shell collectors from across the region and visitors from around the world.

To protect the vulnerable nesting birds, the island is closed to public access each year from March 1 through August 31. During this time, boat landings, pedestrians, dogs and camping are prohibited, allowing shorebirds to nest and raise their chicks with minimal disturbance. 

The annual reopening has become something of a tradition among local shellers and ecotour operators who lead shelling expeditions in the area. Last year, a record 11 boats gathered just offshore, eagerly waiting for Reserve staff to remove the closure signs and officially reopen the beach. This year, even more boaters lined up in anticipation, ready to search the shoreline for the shells that make Second Chance Island (also known as “shell island”) famous.

Visitors to the island often discover a variety of Gulf Coast treasures including lighting whelks, lettered olives, fighting conchs, cockles and many other shells deposited by tides and storms. 
Rookery Bay extends its appreciation to the staff, volunteers and partner organizations who assist each year with installing, monitoring and removing the seasonal closure signs, helping to protect one of Southwest Florida's most important nesting areas for coastal birds.