Beachcombing

Make four responsible beachcombing choices

Beachcombing can protect marine life when visitors look closely and leave living finds where they belong.

Your four choices

Look inside each shell before moving it. If an animal occupies the shell, return it where you found it.

Leave live shells, sea stars, sand dollars, and other marine animals on the beach.

Watch marine life from a distance. Do not touch animals or move the habitat around them.

Pick up trash and carry it off the beach, but do not disturb marine life while removing it.

This page gives general beachcombing guidance for visitors. It does not state a Surfside Beach collection rule.

Check local signs and official notices for collection rules that apply where you visit.

How should I check a shell before moving it?: Look inside each shell before moving it. If an animal occupies the shell, return it where you found it.; Source: National Park Service beachcombing guidance (opens in a new tab)
What should I do when I find a live marine animal?: Leave live shells, sea stars, sand dollars, and other marine animals on the beach.; Source: NOAA responsible marine wildlife viewing handbook (opens in a new tab)
How can I watch marine life without disturbing it?: Watch marine life from a distance. Do not touch animals or move the habitat around them.; Source: NOAA responsible marine wildlife viewing handbook (opens in a new tab)
What should I do with trash I find on the beach?: Pick up trash and carry it off the beach, but do not disturb marine life while removing it.; Source: National Park Service beachcombing guidance (opens in a new tab)