Shell Key is home to an overnight experience for camping enthusiasts! For an unforgettable night in the stars, you will only need your Shell Key "camper" ferry ticket and a Shell Key camping permit. This is a unique chance to camp on a private island.


* We pick us up at the State Park docks and drop them off about 2.2 mi down the island.

Shell Island Ferry Yurts


There is no time limit on your stay, but you must catch the last Ferry off the Island at the end of the day. Please be sure to check the daily schedule when purchasing your Ferry ticket.

Shell Island Ferry Yurts
Shell Island Ferry Union

Shell Island Ferry Union


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.

Pinellas County


Yes, you are allowed to bring your own coolers. Take any drink containers or food packages you may need with you to the Island.

Shell Island Ferry 8826

Shell Island Ferry 8826


This unique trip is not available elsewhere. If you are looking for a way to travel to an uninhabited barrier islands with white sand beaches, warm water and shelling galore then our ferry to Shell Key is the best choice for you and your loved ones. It departs from Fort De Soto's boat ramp. In the spring and the summer, our ferry boat is available almost every day of the year. The trip to the island takes approximately twenty minutes. There are great opportunities to spot manatees and sea turtles. The green ferry boat takes us to Shell Key and we often spot seabirds.

Boat


Unfortunately, this service is not currently available. In addition to providing transportation services, Shell Island Ferry also runs a concession vessel on the island in the summer season (from Memorial Day through Labor Day). This is the island's only concession facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shell Island is technically only an island at high tide, and although the land is privately owned, the footpaths across it are open to the public.

Once you get there it is all worth it, as it is the most beautiful water I've ever seen. It is like you are swimming in a pool it is so crystal clear. We didn't know what to expect with this so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. Come expecting to spend all day!

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. As the official Island Ferry, the Shell Island Ferry has been ferrying guests between the mainland and Shell Island for many years.

Shell Island is on the west coast of Wales about 7 miles north of Barmouth. There is a road leading to there that you drive on, but at certain high tides the sea covers the road.