Shell Island is a great spot to visit for Panama City Beach locals looking for unspoiled white sandy beaches. The island is home to a lot of beautiful beaches and tranquil waters which are perfect for snorkeling or swimming. There are many species of sea turtles, dolphins and tropical fish that can be found in the waters surrounding the island. Shell Island's interior is a great place to hike and discover unique coastal plants, birds, and wildlife communities.
If you want to travel to Shell Key by ferry, you should pack as though you were spending the day at sea. Make sure to bring sunscreen, towels and any other gear such as sun protective hats. Shell Key is a private island. You won't find a shop or bathroom on the island. So bring plenty of water, food, drinks, and a cooler.
Not available at this time. Along with offering transportation services, the Shell Island Ferry operates a concession boat on the island during the summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This is the only concession facility on the island.
The fun, scenic ride over to Shell Island takes only a few minutes and passengers are dropped off in the peaceful cove behind Shell Island Ferry, a great play spot for children and just a short walk from the Gulf of Mexico beachfront.
This is an exclusive trip! If you're looking to visit an uninhabited barrier island with warm water, white sand and shelling, the ferry to Shell Key departs from Fort De Soto boat ramp. The ferry boat runs every day during the spring and summer, and almost every day in fall and winter. It takes about twenty minutes to reach the island. This ride offers many chances to see dolphins, turtles, manatees, and more! On the ferry boat, we often see seabirds as we travel to Shell Key.
Shell Island is considered a nature preserve and has no toilets or other facilities for visitors such as shade pavilions, trash receptacles, picnic table, or other amenities. There is no trash pickup service. Island visitors are requested to be responsible and bring everything they have to the Island with you when they leave.
Shell Island Ferry is the best, fastest and easiest way to get there. Book now to save time!
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
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.
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!
When you visit Shell Key, you are essentially in the wilderness. There are no toilets – there is no running water – no trash cans or any other modern conveniences. It is up to you to bring everything you need to survive – and, more importantly – to leave nothing behind except footprints