Shell Island can only easily be reached by boat. Shell Island Ferry was established in 1997 as the official Island Ferry. It has been ferrying guests from the mainland to Shell Island for many, many years.
Shell Key is a great place to shell and swim once you're on the island. Shell Key also has a large nature preserve where almost half the island is closed to give the native seabirds access to a small section of undeveloped beach. Enjoy a day of sunbathing and fun!
You can take the ferry to Shell Key along with us if you pack as if you are spending the day on the beach. You will need sunscreen, towels, sun protection hats, shirts, and other gear. Shell Key is a beautiful island. There is no bathroom on the island. Bring water, food, and drink.
For Panama City Beach residents looking for unspoiled white-sand beaches, Shell Island is a must-see spot. There is plenty of beach space on the island, as well as calm inshore waters that are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The waters around the island are home to many colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. You can explore the Shell Island interior by foot, where you will find rare birds and other wildlife.
It takes just a few minutes to ride up to Shell Island. Passengers are dropped off at the quiet cove behind Shell Island Ferry. This is a great spot for children, and only a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico beachesfront.
Shell Island is a local must-see location for Panama City Beach visitors looking for the unspoiled white-sand beach experience. The island offers plenty of beach space and peaceful inshore waters where swimming and snorkeling are great. Colorful tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles are common in the waters around the island. On land, hiking the interior of Shell Island is an opportunity to explore rare coastal plant, bird, and wildlife communities.
Shell Island Ferry is family owned and operated since 1928. We are the only official ferry service to and from Egmont Key and Shell Key.
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.