Can you dock at Shell Island
Shell Island is a barrier island that stretches 7 miles long and a beach that forms the southern portion of St. Andrews State Park. Visitors who are looking for a pristine beach experience can access the island via private boat, or by the Shell Island Cruise. The island is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Walking inland on the island allows you to see rare Florida birds, plants, and wildlife in their natural state.
The Shell Island Cruises are the best way to experience Panama City Beach.
It is possible to snorkel at the St. Andrews State Park Pier, or out on Shell Island. You will find habitats from the sandy bottom to the shallow grass flats to rocky faces of jetties. The habitats include tropical fish, crabs, rays, sea turtles, and, if lucky, bottle nose dolphins. Snorkel gear can be rented at the Jetty Store. Or you can get it as part a package with Shuttle tickets on a Shell Island Snorkel Tour.
Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island off Florida’s Emerald Coast, is called "Seaside Island". It measures 7 miles east to west. It is composed of graceful sand dunes as well as pine hammocks and shrub forest. Shorebirds and deer can call this inland lake home. Shell Island is protected by the shore, which means that many species of coastal wildlife and endangered species have made their home there.
I had a great time relaxing on the catamaran and watching for dolphins. Also, paddle boarding and snorkeling were fun. Great staff! We saw quite a number of dolphins and stingrays. It was fun, even though there were not many fish to snorkel with.
Among the many things to do in Panama City Beach Florida, there is one standout that should not be missed. At the far south end of the long stretch of resort hotels and condominiums lining the white sands of Panama City Beach, Shell Island which is located across from St. Andrews State Park offers a surprisingly pristine slice of Florida coastline to beach lovers and outdoor adventurers.
And of course, seeing Shell Island is only part of the tour! As we cross out to the island. Keep a sharp eye out for dolphins, because we often see wild schools of dolphins in the area. You could also make a Shell Island rest stop part of a charter fishing trip.
Though the area boasts an average of 320 days of sunshine per year, late spring, summer and early fall offer some of the warmest air and water temperatures. Plus, by avoiding a visit in March or April, you'll dodge the deluge of college students who descend on the area's ivory sands every year for spring break.