Shell Museum in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape

The Shell Museum is situated in Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Jeffrey’s Bay is known for its’ golden beaches strewn with shells of all colours, shapes and sizes, so it stands to reason that the town should have a shell museum. It all started with Charlotte Kritzinger, a very dedicated shell collector back in 1945. The Museum actually began in her private home where she collected unique shells and marine life skeletons in boxes and was more than willing to show off her collection to interested visitors. After her death in 1960 her shell collection was purchased by the local municipality and moved to the Library. The Shell Museum where it is found today was opened in 1970’s in Charlotte’s honour and is also known as the Charlotte Kritzinger Shell Museum.

Today the Museum is home to over 600 different kinds of shells from all over the world. It is the largest collection of shells in South Africa. The museum relies mostly on donations from private collectors or shells are acquired by exchange through collectors throughout the world. Jeffrey’s Bay holds an annual Shell Festival every September.

Things to do and see

Legendary Cowry Shell
Baby Jam Tart shells
Paper nautilus Shell
New species of Cone Shell
Shell Shop
Shell Arts & Crafts Stalls

Admission

A nominal admission fee is charged. Please contact the Museum directly to confirm pricing.

Monday to Saturday, 09h00 - 16h00

Sunday, 09h00 – 13h00

Climate

Jeffreys Bay has a warm climate throughout the year with colder evenings in the winter months.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 14˚C and 25˚C with fair rainfall all year round, the driest months are December, January and February.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 9˚C and 21˚C with August to October being its peak rainy season.

Transport

Commercial Airlines offer flights into Port Elizabeth International Airport. Car hire facilities are available and self-drive trips can be taken along the N2 highway or you can contact J-Bay Cabs who offer shuttle services from the airport and in and around the town.