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.
Shell Island is an iconic Panama City Beach location that offers unspoiled white-sand beach experiences. The island has plenty of sandy beaches, and tranquil inshore waters for great snorkeling and swimming. You will see many beautiful tropical fish, turtles, and dolphins in the area. Shell Island's interior can be explored on foot.
Shell Key is also a large protected area. Nearly half of the island is off limits to guests. This allows the seabirds, sea turtles, and native seabirds to enjoy a stretch of undisturbed beaches. This area is home for tons of nesting bird and nesting turtle species.
Not available at this time. You are welcome to bring your own. We offer beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. You can also buy sun block and other accessories along with drinks and snacks at the store where you purchase Ferry tickets.
The Shell Island Ferry provides the fastest, easiest, and most reliable way to reach Shell Island. Save time and book now to save money!
You can keep any shells you do not believe to have living creatures in them. You can find intact shells by snorkeling and wading below the boat landing or beach areas.
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.
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.
About an hour drive
Shell Island is an actual island in the St Andrews Bay off of Panama City Beach, about an hour drive from Destin.
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
There is no limit to the activities you can experience at or on Shell Island! You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, go kayaking, sunbathe, hunt seashells, go hiking, have a picnic, and more!