Island Panama City Beach Florida
Enjoy a relaxing and fun-filled cruise through St. Andrews Bay, home to one of the world’s largest resident populations of bottlenose dolphins, to Shell Island. This undeveloped 7-mile barrier island is a local favorite and is one of the best beaches in Florida. See dolphins, collect shells, and walk the beautiful beaches of Shell Island.
Dolphins are wild animals that live in their natural habitat. They are not kept in tanks or in netted areas. Polarized sunglasses are recommended to reduce the glare from the water in order to see wild dolphins better. It is rare to see dolphins.
One of the many activities in Panama City Beach Florida is not to be missed. Shell Island, located just south of Panama City Beach's long stretch of condominiums and resort hotels, offers a breathtaking slice of Florida's coastline to outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers.
The Park is situated on miles of sugar-sand coastline. It is regularly rated America’s top beach. St. Andrews State Park has 1200 acres of boating, camping, swimming, and other watersports. There are also bird/wildlife observation and hiking. Shell Island Cruises, located at 405 Cliftonia Cir. Panama City Beach FL 32408.
St. Andrews State Park has waters that are suitable for both beginners and experts. There are many beautiful beaches that you can explore. You also have great swimming and snorkeling areas. Paddlers with experience may choose to cross to Shell Island. Or, they can even try sea kayaking out of the pass. You can kayak on Shell Island in safety and comfort by renting a rental package. It includes a ride on a Shell Island Cruise as well as kayaks.
Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Shell Island through St. Andrews Bay. It is home of one of the largest resident populations in the world of bottlenose dolphins. This undeveloped barrier island that measures 7 miles in length is a local favorite, and it is one of Florida's most popular beaches. Shell Island's beautiful beaches are a great place to visit dolphins or to collect shells.
Enjoy 3 hours of sunbathing fun with your Panama City Beach adventure sail catamaran. An hour-long sailing cruise will take you across St. Andrews Bay to Shell Island's best spots, depending on weather conditions and visibility for dolphin viewing and sea life. The "Island Time", an inflatable sailing cruise boat, will anchor in about 5 feet water. From there, you can snorkel around Shell Island. Or search for seashells. Our popular water slide is also available for use.
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).