The Seashell Crisis in Costa Rica: Why Leaving Shells Matters
When you walk along Costa Rica’s beaches, it’s almost impossible not to be enchanted.
The warm breeze, the rhythm of the waves, and the sand beneath your feet often come with another treasure: seashells, scattered like nature’s souvenirs along the shoreline.
But there’s an urgent conservation story hiding beneath the beauty — one that many traveler’s don’t even realise they’re a part of.
Why Picking Up Seashells Is a Problem
For generations, visitors have collected seashells as keepsakes, pocketing them on walks or filling bags to bring a piece of paradise home.
It feels harmless. After all, it’s just one shell, right?
The reality is far more complex. Seashells are not just decorations — they are vital parts of coastal ecosystems.
Hermit crabs, for example, depend entirely on discarded shells for protection. As they grow, they must constantly find new, larger homes to survive. Without a supply of empty shells, many hermit crabs are left vulnerable to predators — or die from exposure.
Shells also provide habitat for small fish, marine worms, algae, and tiny crustaceans, forming micro-ecosystems along the beach.
Shell fragments help stabilize sand, acting as a natural barrier that protects coastlines from erosion. When shells are removed, beaches become more vulnerable to storms, tides, and rising sea levels.
What seems like a tiny act — picking up a pretty shell — can ripple out into serious consequences for entire ecosystems.
The Hermit Crab Housing Crisis
Hermit crabs are among the most visible victims of seashell collection.
Unlike true crabs, hermit crabs have soft, vulnerable abdomens, which they protect by living inside empty snail shells.
As hermit crabs grow, they must switch shells regularly to avoid becoming easy targets.
In areas where too many shells are removed, crabs are forced to fight over limited shells, take on poorly fitting homes, or even seek shelter inside plastic debris — an often deadly alternative.
Young, small crabs suffer the most, as tiny shells are often the first ones people pick up.
Without available shells, entire populations of hermit crabs can collapse — taking a crucial piece of the food web with them.
What the Law Says
In Costa Rica, it is illegal to remove shells (and other natural materials like sand, rocks, and coral) from national parks and protected beaches.
However, enforcement can be inconsistent, especially on unmonitored stretches of coastline.
That’s why education and awareness are key — so that visitors understand the impact of their actions before it becomes a matter of fines or penalties.
How Conservation Groups Are Responding
Thankfully, local conservation organizations across Costa Rica are stepping up:
Volunteer projects often include talks about coastal conservation and responsible tourism.
Informational signs are starting to appear at beaches and lodges, encouraging visitors to “Leave Only Footprints.”
Some groups run "shell return" programs, where visitors can return shells they’ve taken, helping restore local beaches.
The goal isn’t to guilt-trip tourists — it’s to reconnect them to the truth that every part of the ecosystem has a role, no matter how small.
How You Can Help
If you’re planning a beach trip to Costa Rica — or anywhere tropical — there are a few simple ways you can make a difference:
Admire, but don’t take. Photograph beautiful shells instead of collecting them.
Educate fellow travelers. Many people simply don’t know the impact of removing shells — kind conversations go a long way.
Support conservation efforts. Choose eco-friendly tours and lodges that prioritize sustainable tourism practices.
Leave no trace. Take only memories (and maybe a few sand grains in your shoes).
Every shell left behind is a shelter saved, a coastline protected, and a small act of hope for the future of these incredible ecosystems.
