You can enjoy a Panama City Beach snorkeling trip at the Grand Lagoon. Our snorkel tour guides know the best spots around Shell Island and the St. Andrews State Park Pier. Discover marine habitats from the sandy bottom to the shallow grass flats, and the rocky faces at the jetties. The marine habitats include tropical fish, crabs and even rays. You might also see a turtle or one of the bottle nose dolphins. Renting high-quality snorkel gear in Panama City Beach is an option.


The waters around St. Andrews State Park are nice for both beginning and experienced kayakers. There is plenty of interesting shoreline to explore as well as good swimming and snorkeling spots. Experienced paddlers may want to make the crossing to Shell Island or even paddle out the pass for some sea kayaking. The easiest and safest way to try kayaking on Shell Island is to arrange a rental package that includes a ride on the Shell Island Boats and kayaks available on Shell Island.

Shell Island Boats History

Shell Island Boats History


A great way for your whole family to see dolphins is to visit Shell Island, and then swim in the Emerald waters of Gulf of Mexico.

Is Panama City Beach good for snorkeling


Are you interested in renting a jet ski or swimming with dolphins? Do you and your family want to parasail? Shell Island offers information about all these exciting vacation activities. To make sure your reservation, you can also buy these items ahead of time.

Is Panama City Beach good for snorkeling

Shell Island Boat Tour St Pete Beach


Shell Island is an island barrier off Florida's Emerald Coast. It is approximately 7 miles long, stretching from east-west. It is composed of gracefully sand-dunes, pine hammocks and shrub forests. It is home to both shorebirds, and deer. Shell Island is home for a variety crabs, endangered species, and coastal wildlife because it has a protected shore.

Can You Take Your Own Boat To Shell Island


Our Private Sunset Tour is the perfect way to see Shell Island and the Sunset in a unique and beautiful way. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable captain guide on an unforgettable adventure.

Is Panama City Beach good for snorkeling

Crab Island Destin Florida


Shell Island is a great spot to visit for Panama City Beach locals looking for an unspoiled beach experience. The island is home to a lot of beautiful beaches, calm inshore waters, and great snorkeling. Many colorful sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish and other marine life can be found around the island's waters. Shell Island offers a chance to see rare birds, coastal plants, and wildlife communities by walking its interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shell Island is a nature preserve with no restrooms or any other visitor facilities such as trash receptacles, picnic tables, or shade pavilions. There is no trash removal service. Island visitors are asked to be responsible and take everything they bring to the Island with them when they leave.

Shell Island has a fascinating amount of local wildlife including dolphins, loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, ghost crabs, beach mice, nine-banded armadillos, alligators that live in the lake on the island, marsh rabbits, racoons and more.

It is usually referred to as a barrier island that separates the waters of St. Andrews Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. But strictly speaking, it is now a peninsula rather than an island. Shell Island was an actual island in the past, right after the St.

There is no limit to the activities you can experience at or on Shell Island! You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, go kayaking, sunbathe, hunt seashells, go hiking, have a picnic, and more!