Shell Key is also an important nature preserve. Nearly half the island is closed to visitors, giving the local seabirds and turtles access to a portion of undeveloped beach. The nature preserve is home to a lot of nesting birds as well as nesting turtles.
Panama City Beach's undeveloped Shell Island is a top attraction. Shell Island Ferry: Take the Shell Island Ferry to enjoy the sugar-white sandy beaches and emerald-green waters of Shell Island.
You have no time limits, but must get off the Island by the end the day. Check the Ferry schedule before purchasing your ticket.
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.
The Shell Island Ferry offers a discount of 20% off the price of each ticket for groups of 20 or more people when you pay as a group.
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.
This service is currently unavailable. Shell Island Ferry provides transportation services. A concession boat is also available during summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This is the only concessional service on the island.
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.
Shell Island is a nature preserve with no restrooms or any other visitor facilities such as trash receptacles, picnic tables, or shade pavilions. There is no trash removal service. Island visitors are asked to be responsible and take everything they bring to the Island with them when they leave.
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!