Shell Island is a great spot to visit for Panama City Beach locals looking for unspoiled white sandy beaches. The island is home to a lot of beautiful beaches and tranquil waters which are perfect for snorkeling or swimming. Many colorful sea turtles, dolphins and tropical fish can be found around the island's waters. Shell Island offers a chance to discover rare species of birds, plants and wildlife by hiking its interior.
There is always the chance of seeing dolphins while on the Ferry ride. Some dolphins may also be seen snorkeling around Shell Island. These dolphins are wild in their natural habitat so we do not offer scheduled encounters. Visit our Panama City Beach Dolphin tours to get a better chance of seeing dolphins.
Shell Key is also considered a large nature reserve. The island's nearly half is locked to guests. It allows native seabirds as well as sea turtles to have a small section of undisturbed beach. This preserve is home of many nesting birds, nesting turtles.
This is an exclusive trip! If you're looking to visit an uninhabited barrier island with warm water, white sand and shelling, the ferry to Shell Key departs from Fort De Soto boat ramp. The ferry boat runs every day during the spring and summer, and almost every day in fall and winter. It takes about twenty minutes to reach the island. This ride offers many chances to see dolphins, turtles, manatees, and more! On the ferry boat, we often see seabirds as we travel to Shell Key.
Yes, you may bring your own coolers, beach chairs, umbrellas, and other beach gear. Be sure to take any beverage containers and food packages with you when leaving the Island.
Shell Key is also an important nature preserve. Nearly half the island is closed to visitors, giving the local seabirds and turtles access to a portion of undeveloped beach. The nature preserve is home to a lot of nesting birds as well as nesting turtles.
In the 1990's, a sandbar located south of Pass-a-Grille Beach became Shell Island. It joined its neighboring island to make one contiguous Island. Pinellas County received a lease agreement from the State of Florida in 2000. This lease allowed them to establish Shell Key, a.k.a. Shell Island) to preserve wildlife. Shell Key, today, is a Florida paradise made of pristine white sand.
Visitors to your pitch may come on site, after paying the daily admission fee, £10.00 per car, between 8am till 8pm. During busy times when the site is full no day visitors will be admitted on to site.
You may arrive anytime between 8.00am and 8.00pm (9.00pm on Fridays) no admittance will be given outside of these times. Sites must be vacated by 3.00pm on the day of departure, if you wish to extend you stay please bring your car pass back to reception to book back in.
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 with this so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. Come expecting to spend all day!
Shell Island is on the west coast of Wales about 7 miles north of Barmouth. There is a road leading to there that you drive on, but at certain high tides the sea covers the road.