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.
Shell Island is an iconic Panama City Beach location that offers unspoiled white-sand beach fun. The island has plenty of sandy beaches, and tranquil inshore waters for great snorkeling and swimming. You will see many sea turtles and colorful tropical fish in the area. Shell Island offers a unique opportunity to discover rare coastal bird and plant species.
The 7-mile-long barrier island Shell Island is located at the south-eastern tip of Panama City Beach Florida's natural reserve, St. Andrews State Park. This undeveloped stretch of white sandy beach, coastal scrubland, pine hammocks, and sandbars seperates St. Andrews Bay form the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is an oasis for wildlife, marine mammals, and beach lovers who seek a day away from the condominiums, resorts, and condos along the coast.
Yes, you can bring your own coolers and beach chairs. You should bring your own beverage containers and food packets when you leave the island.
* We pick you up and drop you off at the State Park docks about 2.2 miles down the isle.
The natural reserve of St. Andrews State Park, located in Panama City Beach Florida's south-eastern part of the city, includes the Shell Island barrier island (7 miles long). The undeveloped stretch of beach, scrubland and pine hammocks that separate St. Andrews Bay is separated from the Gulf of Mexico's open waters. Shell Island is home to wildlife and marine animals. It's a paradise for beach lovers who want to spend a day in a natural setting far from the condominiums and resorts that line the northern shore.
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.
Sand dollars, moon snails, conch shells, pin shells, periwinkles, whelk and olive shells are just a few of the indigenous seashells found here. And, as long as there are no creatures living in them, there is no limit to how many of these one-of-a-kind souvenirs you can take home with you
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 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.
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.