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.
Yes. You may bring your own umbrellas, coolers, beach chairs and umbrellas. If you are leaving the Island, make sure to take your beverage containers and food packaging.
Shell Key is also a large nature preserve – nearly half of the island is blocked to guests, allowing the native seabirds and sea turtles a section of undisturbed beach. This nature preserve area is home to tons of nesting birds and nesting turtles.
For Panama City Beach residents looking for unspoiled white-sand beaches, Shell Island is a must-see spot. There is plenty of beach space on the island, as well as calm inshore waters that are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The waters around the island are home to many colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. You can explore the Shell Island interior by foot, where you will find rare birds, plants, and wildlife.
Any shells without living creatures may be kept. To find unbroken shells, snorkel or dive below the surface of the water.
This is an exceptional trip. In spring and summer, the ferry boat runs almost every day and in winter it operates nearly every day. The ride to the island takes only twenty minutes. It offers excellent opportunities to spot dolphins and sea turtles as well as manatees. You may also spot seabirds while riding the green ferry boat to Shell Key.
* We pick you up and drop you off at the State Park docks about 2.2 miles down the isle.
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.