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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.
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.
At the southernmost tip of Panama City Beach Florida is the natural preserve St. Andrews State Park. This park includes a 7-mile-long barrier island called Shell Island. This undeveloped stretch of beach, coast scrubland, pine hammocks and white sand separates St. Andrew Bay form the open waters of Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is a sanctuary for marine wildlife and beach-lovers who are looking to enjoy a day at the beach in a beautiful natural setting, far from the condos and resorts to the north.
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.
Panama City Beach's undeveloped Shell Island is a top attraction. Shell Island Ferry: Take the Shell Island Ferry to enjoy the sugar-white sandy beaches and emerald-green waters of Shell Island.
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.
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.
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!
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.