Shell Island Cruises Tide Times

Shell Island Cruise Georgetown Sc


With one of our well-maintained Shell Island Pontoon Boat Rentals, you can explore Shell Island on your own or with your loved ones.


Beach bike rentals are available at the St. Andrews State Park Campground Camp Store. Ride around the campground loops and park roads as well as on the 2-mile paved bike trail that wanders through the park. It’s a great way to see deer and other park wildlife. The Park also features two short and easy hiking trails that give walkers a close look at native pine forest and coastal scrub habitats.

Pontoon Boat

Pontoon Boat


And of course, seeing Shell Island is only part of the tour! As we cross out to the island. Keep a sharp eye out for dolphins, because we often see wild schools of dolphins in the area. You could also make a Shell Island rest stop part of a charter fishing trip.

Hiking Trails


Shell Island is a 7-mile-long barrier beach and barrier island that lies in the southern end of St. Andrews State Park. You can reach the island by either private boat or official Shell Island Cruise. This is the perfect spot for those who desire a beautiful beach experience. It is a great place to snorkel and swim. The island's inland hiking trails offer the chance to view rare Florida bird and plant species in their natural environment.

Hiking Trails

Shell Island Cruises 101


St. Andrews State Park Campground Camp Store has beach bike rentals. Ride along the loops and park roads of the campground, or on the 2-mile paved bicycle trail that winds through the park. This trail is great for seeing deer and other park wildlife. There are two easy, short hiking trails in the Park that allow walkers to get a closer look at coastal scrub habitats as well as native pine forests.

Blue Dolphin Tours


Shell Island is a local hot spot for snorkeling in Panama City Beach, Florida. Begin your adventure with Shell Island Cruises.

Hiking Trails

Portsmouth Harbor


After about an hour on Shell Island will be over, we'll sail leisurely out to see if wild dolphins are there. (Please see the below dolphin disclaimer). We hope the conditions are perfect and dolphin sightings are very common. But, we do not control the weather. The cruise back to Panama City Beach is a great sailing party with upbeat music, games, and dancing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. Come expecting to spend all day!

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!

Though the area boasts an average of 320 days of sunshine per year, late spring, summer and early fall offer some of the warmest air and water temperatures. Plus, by avoiding a visit in March or April, you'll dodge the deluge of college students who descend on the area's ivory sands every year for spring break.

This island is not as secluded as you see on the pictures and we couldn't find any of the cool shells either. (I understand that it's nature and can't be controlled).