Enjoy a relaxing and fun-filled cruise through St. Andrews Bay, home to one of the world’s largest resident populations of bottlenose dolphins, to Shell Island. This undeveloped 7-mile barrier island is a local favorite and is one of the best beaches in Florida. See dolphins, collect shells, and walk the beautiful beaches of Shell Island.


St. Andrews State Park's waters are great for experienced and beginning kayakers. There is plenty to see and do, including great snorkeling and swimming spots. Paddlers who are experienced may wish to make the crossing from Shell Island. It is best to rent a boat and kayaks to explore Shell Island.

Shell Island Cruises Unit 16b

Shell Island Cruises Unit 16b


When you book a boat tour to Shell Island with us. We will take you to the secret coastline areas that most tourists don’t get to see. Also you can bring a lunch or beverages. Make sure to pack up anything that you take, to avoid damaging this natural habitat for future visitors.

Shell Island Cruises 8826


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 that includes Shuttle tickets for a Shell Island Snorkel Tour.

Shell Island Cruises 8826

Park


Crew and office staff will keep an eye on the radar for any signs of a storm approaching and can discuss alternatives. You can cancel the cruise and reschedule if you feel uneasy about inclement weather. However, it is best to cancel at the last minute. It is recommended that Island Time management makes the decision. You will be given the option to cancel, reschedule or get your money back if a trip is cancelled because of bad weather.

Shell Island Tours Near Me


Heath and his crew were amazing! They were great! It was a wonderful time for all of us! They certainly deserve a huge raise.

Shell Island Cruises 8826

Hobcaw Barony


Renting your own pontoon boat is a great way to enjoy a Shell Island beach day. Safe, stable, spacious, and easy to operate, a pontoon boat is ideal for a family or a group of friends looking for adventure on the water and the perfect way to visit Shell Island. You can cruise the clear blue waters of St. Andrew Bay and play on the sugar-white sands of Shell Island with your own private pleasure craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

The waters around Shell Island are home to a large group of bottlenose dolphins. You can encounter these amazing marine mammals at home in their natural habitat on one of our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours.

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 so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. Come expecting to spend all day!

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.

Agree with above, go around 11 a.m., to get the best of daytime sun, because April has some fairly cool days. over a year ago. I'd plan for late morning/early afternoon. There's no shade so if it is really warm you don't want to be there at the absolute hottest part of the day.