On the south-eastern end of Panama City Beach Florida, the natural reserve of St. Andrews State Park includes the 7-mile long barrier island known as Shell Island. This undeveloped stretch of white sand beach, coastal scrubland, and pine hammocks separate St. Andrews Bay from the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is a haven for wildlife, marine animals, and beach lovers looking for a day in a pristine natural setting away from the resorts and condominiums that line the beach to the north.
A portion of Shell Island, a barrier-island that measures 7-miles long, is found at the south-eastern tip of Panama City Beach Florida's natural preserve St. Andrews State Park. This undeveloped stretch of white sandy beach, coastal scrubland & pine hammocks divides St. Andrew Bay and the open oceans of the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is an oasis for wildlife and marine life, as well as beach lovers who wish to escape the resorts, condominiums, and other developments that line the coast to the north.
On the south-eastern end of Panama City Beach Florida, the natural preserve of St. Andrews State Park includes a portion of the 7-mile long barrier island known as Shell Island. This undeveloped stretch of white sand beach, coastal scrubland, and pine hammocks separates St. Andrew Bay from the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is a haven for wildlife, marine animals, and beach lovers looking for a day in a pristine natural setting away from the resorts and condominiums that line the beach to the north.
This item is currently not available. Your own umbrellas are allowed. We have beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent. There are also options to purchase sun block or other accessories, as well as drinks and snacks.
Shell Island can only easily be reached by boat. Shell Island Ferry was established in 1997 as the official Island Ferry. It has been ferrying guests from the mainland to Shell Island for many, many years.
Enjoy a wonderful day on Shell Island Ferry. Online bookings are available for Ferry tickets. Or you can visit Shell Island Ferry at Shell Island Ferry, 313 Brynn Ct,Panama City Beach, FL 32408. The Ferry also offers water-sports packages, such as snorkeling equipment or kayak rentals. Give us a call at
For groups of 20 people or more, the Shell Island Ferry offers a 20% discount on all tickets when you pay as one group.
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.