* We pick up at the State Park docks approximately 2.2 miles from the island.
Any shells with no living creatures inside can be kept. For empty shells that aren't broken, you can snorkel or go knee-deep in the water away from the beach landing and main boat landing.
The fun, scenic ride over to Shell Island takes only a few minutes and passengers are dropped off in the peaceful cove behind Shell Island Ferry, a great play spot for children and just a short walk from the Gulf of Mexico beachfront.
The natural preserve of St. Andrews State Park, located in Panama City Beach Florida, includes a part of Shell Island (a barrier island measuring 7 miles). This stretch of undeveloped beach, coast scrubland and pine hammocks seperates St. Andrew Bay with the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is a refuge for wildlife, marine mammals, and beach lovers seeking a day away from the condominiums or resorts along the shore to the north.
Shell Island is a popular spot for Panama City Beach tourists looking for unspoiled white sand beach experiences. It has plenty of beaches and calm waters, making it a great place for swimming and snorkeling. In the surrounding waters, you will find many tropical fish, dolphins, as well as sea turtles. Shell Island's interior can be explored by hiking.
Shell Key is the best place to start or end your adventure. Fort De Soto Park encompasses 1,136 acres, five interconnected Islands. Explore Fort De Soto Park, which is still equipped 12-inch rifled mortars and 2 British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapidfire pistols. Fort De Soto has been ranked the number one beach of the United States.
Shell Island has no public restrooms. There is no trash removal company. Island visitors are required to take any trash they bring with them to the Island.
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.
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.
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.
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.