Venezuela and ?Aruba

There are so many shells to be found on the beaches that many of my shellers have had to buy extra suitcases to bring them home! Not only do shells wash up, but people all over the island eat mollusks and put the shells back on the beaches for us to find. We will visit two or three locations: Margarita Island and the Paraguana Peninsula. At the latter we can purchase shells from fishermen (see more below.) This year I also hope to shell in Aruba. I am in the process of finding out if the local laws allow it. If we do that, the trip will likely be two weeks.

Date:	March 3-14, 2012
For:	Beachcombers and waders
Cost:	to be determined (about $4000)
Includes:	Airfare from Miami Accommodations Land transportation (Possible) boats Guide
Deposit:	$1250 with reservation balance due 6 weeks before trip. Reservation Form

More about Margarita Island

Our Margarita hotel is modern and convenient. There are several restaurants in front of it and you can even walk to a casino! We'll have a small kitchen area to clean shells and a nice pool/patio. Though there is a problem with theft here, the hotel is secure and there are safes in the rooms (which you must rent!)

Besides collecting your own shells all day, we may have an opportunity to purchase shells from local fishermen, so bring some small bills (they may take US money) or try to exchange for some. In any case, you'll find more shells on this trip than on most others I offer, and most of them are already dead and clean.

So - what shells will we find? We usually find: large murex (2 species), smaller murex, music volutes, bright orange fighting conchs, large crown conchs, orange or brown tulips, marginellas, beautiful bivalves: lions' paws, pectens, large cockles, and many more. Most of these species are not found in Florida and the Bahamas.

Ready to go? Fill out the reservation form and send a deposit. I will send a list of items to bring about 6 weeks before the trip.