There is no limit to how long you can stay on the island, but at the end each day you must take the last ferry off. You should always check the Ferry schedule when you purchase your Ferry ticket.
You can keep any shells that aren't inhabited. If you are looking for empty, unbroken shells in your area, it is worth snorkeling or wading at least knee-deep.
You have no time limits, but must get off the Island by the end the day. Check the Ferry schedule before purchasing your ticket.
The scenic, fun ride to Shell Island is only five minutes long. Passengers are dropped at the serene cove behind Shell Island Ferry. It's a great place for children and a short walk from Shell Island Beachfront.
In the early 1990’s, the sandbar just south of Pass-a-Grille Beach known as Shell Island joined with its neighboring island to the south to form one contiguous island. In 2000, Pinellas County acquired a lease from the State of Florida to establish Shell Key (a.k.a. Shell Island) as a Wildlife Preserve and today, Shell Key is a pristine white sand strip of Florida paradise.
Shell Island can only been accessed by boat. Shell Island Ferry allows visitors to access Shell Island in a safe and easy way. Since its inception, the Shell Island Ferry has been ferrying people between the mainland (and Shell Island) for many years.
Your stay is not limited in time, however you must make it to the Island by the close of the day. Please ensure you review the Ferry schedule prior to purchasing your Ferry tickets.
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 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.
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.