Kristen Moretti of West Palm Beach crouches amongst thousands of sea shells washed up on the beach at Carlin Park in Jupiter, looking for shark teeth, Monday, October 5, 2020. (Joseph Forzano, The Palm Beach Post)

The Palm Beaches may not be a bucket-list destination for seashell collectors. And Palm Beach County may not be the seashell capital of the world, like Sanibel Island on the west coast, but don't let that discourage you from looking for treasures in your own backyard.

Where to find seashells in Palm Beach County

Largely because of dredging and beach restoration projects that have taken place throughout some of Palm Beach County's popular beach spots, there are plenty of treasure troves for the average shell hunter.

If you're on a quest for a crazy find, like a rare junonia snail shell, you're in the wrong place. Around 95% of the junonia shells found on Florida beaches are discovered along the west coast. Although, a beachcomber from North Palm Beach discovered one of the rarest shells in the world — in perfect condition — on the shore in Juno Beach two years ago.

Here are some beaches in Palm Beach County where you have the best chance of finding shells and shark teeth:

Jupiter Island
Juno Beach
Palm Beach Island
Singer Island
Peanut Island
Red Reef Park, Boca Raton

When is the best time to go shelling?

The best time to go shelling is at low tide. The morning low tide typically produces more shells than low tide in the evening, because mollusks feed at night, leaving more shells behind on the shore in the morning.

You'll find more shells after a storm or close to a full moon

Because of the dramatic shift in tides when the moon is new or full, more shells wash up on shore in the days surrounding a full or new moon. Similarly, stronger currents and tides from storms bring more shells to shore as well.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Where's the best seashell hunting in Palm Beach County? When is the best time to look?