Shell Island Ferry

Is it worth going to Shell Island


For groups of 20 people or more, the Shell Island Ferry offers a 20% discount on all tickets when you pay as one group.


• 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 Beach Tours Photos


Shell Island Ferry has operated since 1928. It is family-owned and managed. We are the official ferry service from and to Egmont Key and Shell Key.

Shell Island Beach Tours Photos
Shell Island Ferry Yelp

Shell Island Ferry Yelp


Shell Island is a popular spot for Panama City Beach tourists looking for unspoiled white sand beaches. It has plenty of beaches and calm waters, making it a great place for swimming and snorkeling. In the surrounding waters, you will find many tropical fish, dolphins, as well as sea turtles. Walking the interior of Shell Island on land is a great way to see rare coastal birds and plants.

Bike Trail


Undeveloped Shell Island's pristine beaches are a popular attraction in Panama City Beach, Florida. You can spend the day on Shell Island enjoying the sugar-white sands and emerald waters.

What Can You Do At Shell Island

What Can You Do At Shell Island


In the early 90's, the Shell Island sandbar south of Pass-a-Grille Beach was joined to form a contiguous island. Pinellas County purchased a lease in 2000 from the State of Florida to build Shell Key (a.k.a. Shell Island) was designated a Wildlife Preserve. Shell Key today is a paradise of white sand in Florida.

Dolphin Watching


Shell Key offers a camping adventure for those who love to camp! All you need for an unforgettable night is a "camper" ferry tickets, a Shell Key camping permit and all your camping gear. This is an amazing opportunity to camp on a small island.

Frequently Asked Questions

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