Shell Island Ferry has operated since 1928. It is family-owned and managed. We are the official ferry service from and to Egmont Key and Shell Key.
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.
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.
If you want to travel to Shell Key by ferry, you should pack as though you were spending the day at sea. Make sure to bring sunscreen, towels and any other gear such as sun protective hats. Shell Key is a private island. You won't find a shop or bathroom on the island. So bring plenty of water, food, drinks, and a cooler.
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.
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!
Your stay is unlimited, but you must return to the mainland by the end of each day. When purchasing your Ferry ticket, please make sure you check the daily schedule.
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.