Shell Island Panama City Beach Hotels

What animals are at Shell Island


Our Dolphin and snorkeling tours start with a search for wildlife. We often find the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. Our Tour guides and Captains are both locals and are familiar with the dolphin behavior in Panama City Beach.



A dolphin tour makes for a fantastic sightseeing experience. All tour boats leave Adventure at Sea in Lower Grand Lagoon. Then they cruise south across the pass between St. Andrew Bay & the Gulf of Mexico to reach Shell Island. Enjoy the views and look out for seabirds, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Shell Island Panama City Beach Key Largo


It's possible that we won’t find dolphins playing in their natural habitat because we're exploring it. Our guides have been doing this for many years and are familiar with all the areas that the dolphins love. Nearly every tour we do encounter the wild dolphins.

Shell Island Panama City Beach Key Largo
Ferry To Shell Island Panama City Beach

Ferry To Shell Island Panama City Beach


For possible wildlife we get to see check out our photos section and our social media! We have taken every singe one of these pictures on our actual tours. It is not uncommon to see sharks, turtles, rays, invertebrates such as starfish, and many different seabird species.

Are There Shells On Shell Island Florida


St. Andrew Bay hosts one of world's largest resident populations (the iconic gray dolphins) of bottlenose dolphins. This is the area most people are most familiar with from movies, television and marine parks. The dolphins at St. Andrew Bay may be wild animals, but they are used the human presence. Boaters are often found in groups of dolphin-feeding, playing and swimming dolphins.

What's the best time to find sand dollars

What's the best time to find sand dollars


It is a three-hour Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour that is a must-do on any Panama City Beach trip!

Are there coral reefs in Panama City Beach


The shallows surrounding Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay offer stunning views. If you have your snorkeling equipment, you can see amazing sights in the Gulf. Take along an underwater camera and take home photos that you will be able to share with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach that makes up the southern reach of St. Andrews State Park. Accessed via private boat or the official Shell Island Shuttle, the island is a local must-see location for visitors who want the pristine beach experience. Swimming and snorkeling are great.

Shell Island is a local must-see location for Panama City Beach visitors looking for the unspoiled white-sand beach experience. The island offers plenty of beach space and peaceful inshore waters where swimming and snorkeling are great.

It's one of the best places in Panama City Beach. Shallow pools can be found with fish and sea life. Plus the clear water in the Gulf is perfect to get out with the family. So bring your snorkeling gear or rent it from a local tour operator.