East Coast Mermaid's Guide to Hunting Seaglass in New Brunswick - East Coast Mermaid (2024)

If there is one thing I’m asked about time and time again on social media it’s seaglass.

Where do I find it? What do I do with it all? Will I give up my best secrets?

It only felt appropriate, after years of talking about it and sharing my findings and adventures on social media with you all, that I give up some of my secrets on how to find the dreamiest seaglass. Especially for those visiting or living in our beautiful province of New Brunswick. Because let’s be honest, we really do have some of the best seaglass in the world along our shores.

East Coast Mermaid's Guide to Hunting Seaglass in New Brunswick - East Coast Mermaid (1)

And while I can’t guarantee you will find the perfectly frosted blue or pirate glass—I waited 36 years to find my first piece—I can promise you, with these mermaid secrets, you’re going to have better odds than the beginners on the beach!

Are you ready to learn from a mermaid?

East Coast Mermaid's Guide to Hunting Seaglass in New Brunswick - East Coast Mermaid (2)

WHERE TO FIND SEAGLASS

Okay, first there’s a bit of bad news. This post is not going to be a pirate’s treasure map to my best spots around Shediac to find Seaglass. After all, there are some secrets that us mermaids keep to ourselves!

But what I can tell you, is that there are plenty of fantastic beaches and coves all along the New Brunswick shorelines. From St. Andrews all the way to Miscou, there are innumerable beaches to explore and find magical pieces of seaglass! You’ve just got to be adventurous and patient. After all, centuries-old treasure isn’t found in a day, now is it?

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The real secret is in finding the right type of beach to find perfectly tumbled mermaid tears. Because of the way seaglass is formed and what glass has to be in the ocean to make it, there are only certian types of beaches that will have seaglass.

Here are a few traits of perfect seaglass beaches to look for:

The Beaches are a Bit Rocky

The best pieces of seaglass are two things: frosted and tumbled. And that quality just isn’t possible without some rocks.

The most ideal beaches for finding seaglass will have some degree of rocks, especially in coves where tides can cause rocks and seaglass to get caught up and swirled along the rocky bottom to reach frosted perfection. These beaches might have a mix of sand and rocks or beaches that are entirely rocks.

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There are, of course, exceptions. I found not one, but two, pieces of the highly coveted RED seaglass on the Bouctouche Dune. It’s one of the sandiest beaches around! But I’ve never found a single piece of seaglass there since that day.

So while rockier beaches should be the goal for the ultimate hunt, don’t discount a sandy beach entirely. Tumbled glass from rocky beaches can totally end up on sandy beaches too. The ocean is pretty magical like that.

There’s History in the Area

Sure, it’s pretty easy to find brown, green, and white seaglass around any beach. All it takes are some broken beer bottles and a bit of time—ok, A LOT of time—to pass for your Corona bottle to turn into a piece of seaglass. But if you want the GOOD stuff such as blues, purples, and gorgeous pieces of china dishes; you’re going to need to look on beaches where there was a lot of history in the area.

Think trade shipping lanes, historical buildings or ports, and yes—even shipwrecks! One of the reasons I love hunting for seaglass on Campobello Island every summer is because of the island’s rich history and richer former residents (such as the Roosevelts.)

What some may not know about the island is that in the 1880s, it was a summer resort destination for wealthy Americans and Canadians. So naturally, when beachcombing around the island you are bound to find old pieces of porcelain china and stoppers from crystal decanters and liquor bottles aplenty.

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Most purple seaglass actually dates all the back to the 1800s, making it a truly precious find. Back in those days, powdered flint (and later, lead) & manganese was added to glass as a clarifying agent in pressed glassware. When exposed to the sun, the manganese caused the glass to turn a dusky lavender colour.

On my own home surf, at our summer cottage, there are plenty of shipwrecks offshore from hundreds of years ago. Which I maintain is one of the reasons we find such precious pieces of china and purple mermaid tears.

Want to find pirate glass? Then you best be looking at beaches that were home to rum runners and pirate smugglers to find these rare pieces of glass which can date back as far as 1700s to the mid-1800s. My first pirate glass pieces, including my super rare pirate glass stopper, were found on Campobello Island and Grand Manan. So don’t be afraid to leave town, island hop, and explore stranger tides to find yours!

East Coast Mermaid's Guide to Hunting Seaglass in New Brunswick - East Coast Mermaid (6)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SEAGLASS HUNTING

One of the many comments I get when I post videos or photos of me picking up seaglass is: “Wait—how did you even spot that?” While it may sound silly at first, after finding some of my most valuable and rare pieces just this summer, I’m proof that practice makes perfect.

Hunting for seaglass is an acquired skill. Especially if you’re in search of the coveted blues, purples, reds or pirate treasures. You have to know what to look for and describing exactly how to do that isn’t the easiest, but I’m going to take a stab at it just for you!

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First of all, get accustomed to what the beach’s natural properties look like. What do the rocks look like? What colour is the sand? Is there a lot of seaweed? What shells seem to be plentiful? Set a baseline for normal. If you know a beach is home to a lot of mussel shells, you’re less likely to scream “I found purple!” every time you see anything purple. Because chances are, it’s the inside of a mussel shell and not a purple piece of seaglass.

Move things around and move slowly

Once you have your baseline, start along the waterline—even if it’s low tide—and look for colours that are not shells, sand, or rocks. Some of the best gems are washed up at high tide, so start there. Don’t be afraid to move seaweed or rocks around (the sea fleas might hate you, but I promise they’re harmless) to uncover hidden pieces that were rolled in by the tides.

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Sometimes seaglass is obvious, especially on beaches where it’s plentiful. But other times, it takes a little searching and patience to find those highly sought after pieces. And of course, it takes practice.

For example, pirate glass looks just like black rocks on a beach so it’s easy to walk right past a chunky piece. A perfectly tumbled white teardrop could look nearly identical to a dry white pebble or rock.

The key is to scan and move slowly. If you’re breaking a sweat looking for seaglass, you’re doing it wrong.

TIPS, TRICKS, & MERMAID SECRETS

Every beachcomber or seaglass hunter has their tips and tricks to finding their best pieces. And while it might sound a little cheesy, seaglass hunting is a talent you fine-tune over time as your eyes get better at spotting those highly coveted pieces!

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To help get you started or to help you improve your seaglass game, here are some of my best tips, tricks, and mermaid secrets to finding seaglass.

Plan around the tides.

There are two very different types of seaglass adventures, depending on whether or not it’s high tide or low tide. While you can find seaglass regardless of the tide, some beaches are only walkable at low tide. It also happens to be when the beach is most exposed, meaning more opportunity to spot some precious pieces that would otherwise be underwater.

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Professional seaglassers know the best time to hit the beach is first thing in the morning or right at low tide, before anyone else has had a chance to walk the beach. This is without a doubt when I find my best pieces. It’s also a fantastic way to start the day.

For me, looking for seaglass is my equivalent of meditation or therapy. I love going to look for seaglass when I can have the beach to myself and hear nothing but the sounds of the waves and the gulls.

Don’t trespass on private property or block driveways!

I hate to say it, but some of the best seaglass locations are only accessible by private property.

I know this well because our summer cottage is where I find some of my best pieces without road-tripping to the Fundy Isles, but you guessed it—it’s private property and not accessible from the road without trespassing.

While you may be tempted to try and access the beach through someone else’s property, be mindful that trespassing is just not cool. You don’t want to upset the seaglass karma Gods by being THAT person, now do you?

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The same goes for blocking driveways, businesses or parking on private property to access beaches for beachcombing. Just don’t do it. If you can’t find a place to park, reconsider your seaglass route.

Overcast days make the best seaglass days.

Sure, there’s no better beach day than when the sun is shinning and the temperatures are rising. Unfortunately, these aren’t always the most ideal days for hunting seaglass.

For starters, you’re at a higher risk of getting a little too much sun. So if you’re beachcombing on a hot summer day in the sun, make sure to reapply your sunscreen regularly and wear a hat!

But more notably, sometimes seaglass is just really hard to spot when the sun is shining on it. Especially if you’re looking on dry sand or rock. Now the exception, of course, is if you’re walking the waterline as wet seaglass does tend to sparkle a little in the sun.

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Never ask someone where they get their seaglass.

This is definitely the question I’m asked ALL of the time. And believe when I say, I really won’t reveal my secret spots 99.9% of the time. Exceptions to this rule are with other seaglass lovers, who may share a secret location with me and we have an unspoken code of trust. It’s a mermaid thing.

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So why is it frowned upon to ask people where they found their seaglass? ESPECIALLY seasoned seaglass hunters? Well, for the same reason you wouldn’t ask a fisherman where his fishing spots are located. While you may be tempted to ask a fellow seaglass hunter or beachcomber where they found their prized seaglass pieces, tread lightly.

Most seaglass lovers won’t reveal their top-secret beaches (especially if pieces are limited and rare at these beaches) but they’ll most likely be happy to share more popular seaglass beaches with you.

Instead of asking: “Where do get all of your seaglass?” or “Where did you find that rare piece of red seaglass?” try asking “Do you recommend any beaches for someone interested in seaglass?”

And most importantly, respect someone’s wishes if they won’t disclose a location to you. Believe me when I say, it’s nothing personal.

Pack accordingly for all of your magical finds.

While old-school-Crystal would rely heavily on the pockets of my denim shorts or a sand bucket for beachcombing, I have fine tuned my ways and now typically bring two bags with me for my seaglass. Both are reusable produce bags, but one is smaller without any holes to put my tiniest and most precious pieces. The other is a more breathable produce bag which is great for larger, sandy pieces.

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My favourite place to purchasing eco-friendly bags for seaglass—and sustainable grocery shopping—is MacArthur’s Market right here in Moncton! Check them out on Facebook right here.

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Alright beach combers! There you have it. My best tried, tested, and true secrets to seaglass hunting in New Brunswick. I can’t wait to see what treasures you find, so make sure to tag me on Instagram @crystal_catherine so that I can see all of your treasures!

Happy Hunting!

#NBStaycationbeachcombingBest OfMermaid TearsPurple SeaglassSeaglassSeaglass HuntingSeaglassingTourism New Brunswick

East Coast Mermaid's Guide to Hunting Seaglass in New Brunswick - East Coast Mermaid (2024)

FAQs

Where to find sea glass in New Brunswick? ›

Bayshore, Saint's Rest, and McLaren's offer sandy beaches on the Bay of Fundy where you can hunt for sea glass.

What is the rarest seaglass find? ›

While red sea glass reigns as the rarest, there are several other colors that are also highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Among these are shades like cobalt blue, orange, and yellow. Cobalt blue sea glass originates from early milk of magnesia bottles and certain types of ink bottles.

Where is the best place to find sea glass in Canada? ›

For a small province on the East Coast of Canada Prince Edward Island is a mighty great summer vacation spot with 690 miles of beaches to explore. A large quantity of seaglass has been found on the Island, so large that a lighthouse in the town of Souris is home to a sea glass museum.

Where is sea glass on the East Coast? ›

Best Beaches for Sea Glass in New England
  • Skaket Beach | Orleans, MA. ...
  • Sea Glass Beach | Great Diamond Island, Portland, ME. ...
  • Race Point Beach | Provincetown, MA. ...
  • Nantasket Beach | Hull, MA. ...
  • Spectacle Island | Boston, Massachusetts. ...
  • Mowry Beach | Lubec, ME. ...
  • Seaside Beach | Bridgeport, CT.

Can you find sea glass in the Bay of Fundy? ›

You can't beat waking up in the morning and strolling straight down to the beach for your first seaglass walk of the day! Last but certainly not least, a beloved gem in the Bay of Fundy, Campobello Island is home to so many seaglass beaches – you won't know where to start!

Where are you most likely to find sea glass? ›

Rocky beaches are one of the BEST spots to find seaglass, especially in coves where tides can cause rocks and seaglass to get caught up. Because rocks help tumble the glass, you're more likely to find frosted, perfectly tumbled pieces on rocky beaches.

What is the best beach for sea glass? ›

The best beaches for sea glass hunting are urban beaches where bottles may have been broken like the one in Cape Town (in South Africa) pictured above, or beaches which may have been old garbage dumps like Port Townsend (in Washington), Dead Horse Bay (in Brooklyn), Hanapepe (in Hawaii), or Fort Bragg (in California).

Is sea glass worth the money? ›

Prices can vary widely, from pennies per piece for small pieces in odd shapes with chips and flaws (sometimes called “roughs”) to flawless, nicely shaped, jewelry quality pieces that might sell for $5-10 each if they are rare colors like deep aqua or cobalt blue.

Where is the best part of the beach to find sea glass? ›

We've come up with a few tips to help with your searches, which with patience and (an increasingly) trained eye should be successful. Sea glass is generally more abundant on pebble or stone based beaches, so if you are hunting along a sandy shoreline look for areas where larger debris or pebbles gather.

Is there a trick to finding sea glass? ›

You will find the best pieces of sea glass at low tide. I usually give myself an hour or so before low tide, depending on the amount of rocks on the shore! This gives me plenty of time cover the most ground. Plus the sea glass is so much easier to see when it is still a bit wet.

What is the best tide time to find sea glass? ›

Plan to go an hour before or after low tide

Youre most likely to find sea glass if your beachcombing explorations are well planned out. Going an hour before or after low tide is ideal when looking for sea glass. Seasoned beachcombers will tell you that the winter months are an especially prime time to look.

Can you take sea glass from Glass Beach? ›

It is forbidden to take sea glass within the boundaries of MacKerricher State Park: the glass morsels are strictly for your viewing pleasure, not for taking home as a souvenir. After all, if each of the thousands of daily tourists were to take some home, then, eventually, it wouldn't be Glass Beach!

Where is the best place to find sea glass in St Croix? ›

Visiting West End Beaches, such as Frederiksted, Dorsch and Rainbow Beach, increase your chances of finding beautiful sea glass and Chaney. Make it a West End day and take a stroll along the waterfront.

Can you take rocks from the beach in New Brunswick? ›

Rock collection of any kind is prohibited when visiting any Nature Trust nature preserve. The unpermitted removal of rocks from a known fossil site, like the Cape Enrage Nature Preserve, is also illegal under the New Brunswick Heritage Conservation Act.

Where is sea glass most commonly found? ›

Sea glass can be found all over the world, but the beaches of the northeast United States, Bermuda, Fort Bragg, California, Benicia, California, North Carolina beaches, Scotland, northwest England, Mexico, Hawaii, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Nova Scotia, Australia, Italy and southern Spain are famous.

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