Shell Island Facts

Shell Island Pontoon Boats


Shell Island can only be accessed by boat, and the Shell Island Boats is the easiest, safest, and quickest way for visitors to reach Shell Island. As the official Shell Island Boats service of St. Andrews State Park, the Shell Island Boats has been ferrying guests between the St. Andrews State Park Marina and Shell Island for many years.
• We pick up and drop off approximately 2.2 miles down the island at the State Park docks• We do not drop off behind the Jetty area• It is a nature-preserved part of the island so there are no restrooms, shade, or food available on the island.• Snorkeling and scuba equipment are not available for rent on the island or at any of our store locations.• It will take about 15 minutes to reach our dock at the island.


Shell Island, a 7-mile-long barrier island and beach in the southern part of St. Andrews State Park, is undeveloped. The island can be reached by private boat or via the Shell Island Shuttle. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to enjoy pristine beaches. There are many great options for snorkeling and swimming. You can explore the natural habitats of rare Florida wildlife and plants by hiking inland.
You can snorkel around the St. Andrews State Park Jetty and on Shell Island. The habitats vary from sandy bottom to shallow grass flats to the rocky faces in the jetties. You will see tropical fish, crabs and rays. If you're lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle, or one of the resident bottlenose dolphins. You can rent snorkel gear at the Jetty Store or purchase it as part of a package with boat tickets for a Shell Island Snorkel Tour.

Shell Island Wales Boats

Shell Key

Shell Key


Do you want to swim with dolphins, or rent a jet ski? Would your family like to go parasailing? Visit Shell Island not only has information on all of these fun vacation activities but you can purchase these items right here, in advance, to assure your reservation.
Sightseeing dolphin tours to Shell Island are some of the more popular tourist attractions in Panama City Beach, Florida. We offer jet ski tours and boat cruises to Shell Island. The vistas are amazing at Shell Island for snorkeling, a great spot for that family photo you’ve been putting off.

Shell Island Boat Rentals


Are you looking for activities in Panama City Beach Florida Our Panama City Beach pontoon rental allows you to enjoy a thrilling day on the water. Take a Panama City Beach dolphin tour to meet the bottlenose dolphins. You can also join us for the best Panama City beach snorkeling.
Rent a pontoonboat to make your vacation unforgettable. The Shell Island Boats offer safety, stability, spaciousness, and ease of use. A pontoon is the ideal way to explore Shell Island with a family or friends. With your private pleasure boat, you can cruise through the blue waters of St. Andrew Bay or play on the white sands at Shell Island.

Shell Island Boat Rentals

Shell Island Boats 602


The Shell Island Boats is the easiest, safest, and fastest way to get to Shell Island. Book now and save time on the day!
Looking for things to do in Panama City Beach? Take our Boat over to Shell Island, rent a pontoon boat, or even take a dolphin tour.

Shell Island Glass Bottom Boat Tours


Shell Island is only accessible by boat. The Shell Island Boats makes it easy, safest and fastest to get there. The official Shell Island Boats service for St. Andrews State Park has been operating since many years.
* We pick up at the State Park docks approximately 2.2 miles from the island.

Shell Island Boat Rentals

Can you see dolphins on Shell Island


Shell Island Boats can be your local guide to Panama City Beach boat rentals, as well as some of the most visited attractions in Panama City Beach. Continue exploring our website for more information and photos. You can also call us at (850) 756-7535, or stop by our dock-side kiosk located at 203 Jase Cr,Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Rent your own pontoonboat for the ultimate adventure and freedom! Reservations are strongly recommended due to high demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shell Island has a fascinating amount of local wildlife including dolphins, loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, ghost crabs, beach mice, nine-banded armadillos, alligators that live in the lake on the island, marsh rabbits, racoons and more.

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!

It is usually referred to as a barrier island that separates the waters of St. Andrews Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. But strictly speaking, it is now a peninsula rather than an island. Shell Island was an actual island in the past, right after the St.

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.