Tickets
Shell Island Ferry, family-owned since 1928, is still in operation. We are Shell Key's only official ferry company.
On the south-eastern end of Panama City Beach Florida, the natural preserve of St. Andrews State Park includes a portion of the 7-mile long barrier island known as Shell Island. This undeveloped stretch of white sand beach, coastal scrubland, and pine hammocks separates St. Andrew Bay from the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is a haven for wildlife, marine animals, and beach lovers looking for a day in a pristine natural setting away from the resorts and condominiums that line the beach to the north.
The pristine beaches of undeveloped Shell Island are a star attraction in Panama City Beach, Florida. Take the Shell Island Ferry over to spend a day enjoying the sugar-white sand and emerald green waters of Shell Island.
Shell Island Ferry, family-owned since 1928, is still in operation. We are Shell Key's only official ferry company.
There is always the possibility of a dolphin sighting during the Ferry ride, and you may even see some dolphins while snorkeling around Shell Island. However, these are wild dolphins in their natural habitat and we do not offer planned dolphin encounters. For a good chance to see dolphins, check out our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours.
Shell Island cannot be reached by water. Visitors must travel by boat to reach it. Shell Island Ferry is the simplest, most reliable, and fastest way to get there. The Shell Island Ferry serves as the official Shell Island Ferry provider of St. Andrews State Park. Since many years, it has been ferrying visitors between Shell Island Marina and St. Andrews State Park Marina.
For camping enthusiasts, we offer an overnight experience on Shell Key! All you need is your “camper” ferry ticket, a camping permit from Shell Key, and all your camping gear to have an epic night under the stars! This is an unbelievably unique opportunity to camp out on a secluded island.
Camping enthusiasts will love our overnight camping experience on Shell Key. To have an unforgettable night under the stars, all you need to do is get your ferry ticket for "camper", a Shell Key camping permit, and your camping gear. This is a rare opportunity to camp on an isolated island.
About an hour drive
Shell Island is an actual island in the St Andrews Bay off of Panama City Beach, about an hour drive from Destin.
Shell Island can only be accessed by boat, and the Shell Island Ferry is the easiest, safest, and quickest way for visitors to reach Shell Island.
Shell Island is seven miles of undeveloped scenery between the Gulf and St. Andrew Bay. At one point, Shell Island was inhabited by Native Americans, Spanish Settlers, and even pirates.
Go Where the Dolphins are
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.