There are always chances of seeing dolphins during the Ferry ride. You might also see them snorkeling around Shell Island. These dolphins can be seen in their natural habitat, so we cannot offer any planned encounters. You can see dolphins in their natural habitat by taking a Panama City Beach Dolphin Tour.
At the southernmost tip of Panama City Beach Florida is the natural preserve St. Andrews State Park. This park includes a 7-mile-long barrier island called Shell Island. This undeveloped stretch of beach, coast scrubland, pine hammocks and white sand separates St. Andrew Bay form the open waters of Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is a sanctuary for marine wildlife and beach-lovers who are looking to enjoy a day at the beach in a beautiful natural setting, far from the condos and resorts to the north.
At this moment, not available. The Shell Island Ferry offers transportation services and also operates a concession boat that is available on the island from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This is the only concessional facility on the island.
* We pick you up and drop you off at the State Park docks about 2.2 miles down the isle.
Shell Island is a protected area of nature. There are no facilities for toilets or visitors like shade pavilions, trash cans, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. There is not a trash removal service. Island visitors are asked not to bring trash to the Island and to make sure they take it with them.
Start and finish your Shell Key adventure at Fort De Soto. This historic military outpost was built during the Spanish American War and is listed on the "National Register of Historic Places". It's Pinellas County’s largest park. Fort De Soto Park covers 1,136 acres and five interconnected islands. The fort still has 12 inch rifled mortars as well as two British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapid fire guns. Fort De Soto is the most popular beach in America.
Shell Island Ferry is the best, fastest and easiest way to get there. Book now to save time!
Snorkeling is safe and easy for people of all ages. One of the best things about Shell Island is that the calm shallow water behind the jetty is the perfect place for first-time snorkelers to try the sport.
When you visit Shell Key, you are essentially in the wilderness. There are no toilets – there is no running water – no trash cans or any other modern conveniences. It is up to you to bring everything you need to survive – and, more importantly – to leave nothing behind except footprints
Shell Island is technically only an island at high tide, and although the land is privately owned, the footpaths across it are open to the public.
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.