Can you kayak to Shell Key
The Shell Island Water Taxi provides the fastest, most secure, and easiest way to get to Shell Island. Book Now to Save Time on Your Day!
The 7-mile-long barrier island Shell Island is located at the south-eastern tip of Panama City Beach Florida's natural reserve, St. Andrews State Park. This stretch of undeveloped beach, coastal scrubland, pine hammocks and white sand separates St. Andrews Bay's Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is an oasis for wildlife and marine life, as well as beach lovers looking for a day away from the condominiums, resorts, and condos along the coast.
Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach that makes up the southern reach of St. Andrews State Park. Accessed via private boat or the official Shell Island Water Taxi, the island is a local must-see location for visitors who want the pristine beach experience.
You can rent snorkel gear at the Shell Island Water Taxi departure points in St Andrews or purchase it online with Shuttle tickets. Or call Shell Island Water Taxi @ (850) 754-2938, to reserve your trip.
You can snorkel around the St. Andrews State Park Jetty and on Shell Island. The habitats vary from sandy bottom to shallow grass flats to the rocky faces in the jetties. You will see tropical fish, crabs and rays. If you're lucky, a turtle or one of the resident bottlenose Dolphins. You can rent snorkel gear at the Jetty Store or purchase it as part of a package that includes Shuttle tickets for a Shell Island Snorkel Tour.
The Shell Island Water Taxi is the safest, quickest, and easiest way to reach Shell Island. The Shell Island Water Taxi is also your connection to snorkel gear rentals and Shell Island Snorkel Tours, Panama City Beach dolphin tours, and more.
The St. Andrews State Park Campground Camp Store offers beach bike rentals. You can ride around the campground loops, park roads and on the 2-mile paved bike path that runs through the park. This is a great place to spot deer and other wildlife in the park. Two short, easy trails allow for close inspection of the coastal scrub habitats and native pine forest.
Shell Island is technically only an island at high tide, and although the land is privately owned, the footpaths across it are open to the public.
Once you get there it is all worth it, as it is the most beautiful water I've ever seen. It is like you are swimming in a pool it is so crystal clear. We didn't know what to expect with this so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. Come expecting to spend all day!
In Panama City Beach, Shell Island is a great spot to encounter wild dolphin pods. Shell Island is 7 miles of incredible beach bliss located across the water from Saint Andrew's Park. This natural wonder is one of your best bets for finding and swimming with dolphins in Panama City Beach.