Sanddollars - What to Expect on the Emerald Coast

1. Sand-dollars here are small - The complete sand-dollars you find will range from 1/4 inch in diameter to silver-dollar sized. 

2. Okaloosa Island is the place to go - Hands down you will find more sand-dollars on Okaloosa island from the shore than you will in Navarre. You might not find much else, but you can find sand-dollars. That's not to say you can't find any in Navarre. I've gone out to a sandbar in Navarre and snorkeled for sand-dollars with success. Here's a video as proof. https://youtu.be/VnrG7fo6sS8 - I've just had more luck walking the shoreline on the Island. 

3. Go early - Other people know about this sand-dollar phenomenon. If you want to find a bunch of sand-dollars, suck it up and get there as early as you can.

4. Get in the water - You don't have to snorkel, but getting in the water can give you a different angle of view.

5. Shell havens - Find areas where the water breaks at the shore. In areas where there are more broken shells and debris, this is where more sand-dollars will be hiding.

6. Trust your eyes. - Your eyes can naturally pick out the anomaly of a circle. Don't strain, trust your eyes to tell you what's waiting under the water.

7. Baseline - I average about 20 sand-dollars on a regular day with one to two hours of walking and looking. Just think with just five good days you can have a hefty collection.

8. Travel - The hardest part about collecting sand-dollars is getting them home in one piece. Place them in a hard box, like an empty Altoids container or an empty Styrofoam cup and handle with care. Be prepared that some may still break. My husband always says it's okay when a sand-dollar breaks, it reminds us that life is fragile.

9. Cleaning - Sand-dollars are brittle as long as they are wet. When you get home soak the sand-dollars in a week bleach solution for up to an hour then place on a paper towel to dry. You can brush the dried sand-dollars in a 50/50 solution of basic white glue and water to seal and add some additional strength if you like.

10. Relax and enjoy - When I find a sanddollar I feel very blessed. What's more is I have the sand, sun and water to enjoy while I'm sand-dollar hunting.