Are you able to collect and take shells, and sandollars home with you? I guess you could smuggle it back..HAha

About the coral..I know u cant like pick it out of the ocean but if it washes ashore can keep it?

Responses would be appreciated....Chris

On several occasions I have come home with shells and/or coral. If you find a nice piece that you like in the ocean, you can take it also. I just wrapped it and packed in the carry-on. Never had a problem.

I have never seen any sand dollars, though. When you see the sand, you might like to take
that home, too! Only kidding!!

Hope you have a fabulous time!!

It is illegal to take shells from Aruba. That being said many people do it including myself. Have fun get all the shells you want! When they checked my bags at the airport they said nothing about the shells to me.

YOu could smuggle it and get away with it - but then those that follow would not have the pleasure of seeing it , unless you want to give your home address.

charles
arubafastphones.com

I have to agree with Charles, I am glad he said it, as I was afraid to. People don't realize that the very soft white sand they love to play & lay on is created by those shells and coral getting pulverized by the ocean waves. Please leave them for everyone to enjoy, take pictures, they don't leave sand in your luggage, or smell funny if they aren't washed.

Also, the shells serve as homes to many sea critters.....don't leave them homeless. :-)

Aruba doesn't have nearly as many shells as east coast US beaches do. Let's leave them for others to enjoy. If you MUST, just take one. I admit to have taken dead sea fans that wash up on the coast, as they just wither away.

I myself wanted to find a sharks tooth for my kids In 3 years I have never found 1 but in my quest I noticed the lack of sea shells I think I know why now. Why do people visiting someones home. now just remember we are all visitors steal from them? To me this is like going in someones backyard and picking their flowers. Just leave them where they belong in the backyard of the Arubain people. You can buy sea shells in the shops there just like I did to get the sharks tooth for my kids.

Too many people take them, a few weeks later don't even look at them anymore and a few months later throw them in the trash. Why not just leave them where they are and go back to Aruba to visit them there.

You shold never take anything out of the water or off the beach with a live critter in it. It is also illegal to remove shells from the island.
We have a home in Aruba and have collects many shells that are at our house. You can see photos of some samples on our web site

http://www.arubahouse.com

Hugh