The St. Andrews State Park covers the western portion of Shell Island. It's as Florida is. So you won't need to stop at a restaurant or stop at the picnic table. But you'll have the opportunity to see some of East Coast's most beautiful wildlands. This tour will allow you to see many endangered species.


The St. Andrews State Park encompasses the western half Shell Island. It's as Florida-like as you can get. It doesn't mean you won’t stop at a food court or picnic table. You will still have the chance to see some beautiful, unspoiled wilderness on the East Coast. A variety of endangered species can be seen.

Can you snorkel at Shell Island

Can you snorkel at Shell Island


After spending approximately an hour at Shell Island's Marina, we'll embark on a leisurely sailboat cruise to the Gulf of Mexico to search for wild dolphins. (Please refer to the disclaimer regarding dolphins below). Although we wish the conditions were perfect, it is not often that dolphins will not be seen. The itinerary is designed to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Enjoy the cruise back to Panama City Beach. There is upbeat music and dancing.

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A great way to spend a Shell Island Beach Day is to rent a pontoonboat. A pontoon boat can be safely operated, is stable, spacious, or used by a group of friends. This is a great way to visit Shell Island. You can cruise St. Andrew Bay's clear blue waters and enjoy the beautiful Shell Island's sugar-white sands from your own pleasure craft.

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Shell Island Cruises Kayak Launch


It was a 3 hour long tour that was truly amazing. Captain made sure we saw dolphins. He even took us on a trip to a wreck! It was super fun, and the children loved snorkeling at Shell Island. Everyone, regardless of age, should go snorkeling on Shell Island.

Bay


Shell Island Snorkeling, aboard the Island Time, has been a Panama City Beach favorite, since 1999. That’s why we’re rated as the top Things to Do, by TripAdvisor, for St. Andrews State Park tours and trips to Shell Island.

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Boat


These wild animals do what they love in their natural habitat. We observe these animals on their terms, and are sensitive to their moods and activities. It is possible to have encounters quite often, but it is impossible to guarantee that they will happen. The laws of The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1973 and its subsequent amendments as well as the laws of Florida are ours. We are forbidden from harassing or feeding dolphins. Thank you for understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is usually referred to as a barrier island that separates the waters of St. Andrews Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. But strictly speaking, it is now a peninsula rather than an island. Shell Island was an actual island in the past, right after the St.
 

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!

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.

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.