The natural preserve of St. Andrews State Park is located at the southern end of Panama City Beach Florida. It includes a section of Shell Island, a barrier island that measures 7 miles long. This stretch of undeveloped white sand beach, coastal scrubland and pine hammocks is what separates St. Andrew Bay, Florida, from the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is home to wildlife and marine animals. It's a paradise for beach lovers who want to spend a day in a natural setting far from the condominiums and resorts that line the northern shore.


The natural reserve at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach Florida includes the Shell Island barrier, which is 7 miles long. This stretch of undeveloped beach, coast scrubland, and pine hammocks divides St. Andrews Bay and the open Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is a refuge for wildlife, marine creatures, and beach enthusiasts looking for a day out in a serene natural setting far away from the condominiums or resorts that line the shore to the north.

Shell Island Beach Tours


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.

Shell Island Beach Tours
Long Barrier Island

Long Barrier Island


* We pick-up and drop off approximately 2.25 miles down the Island at the State Park Docks* We don't drop off behind Jetty area* It takes about 15 minutes to get to our dock on the Island.

Shell Island Ferry Visit


* We pick us up at the State Park docks and drop them off about 2.2 mi down the island.

National Seashore

National Seashore


Shell Island is an iconic Panama City Beach location that offers unspoiled white-sand beach experiences. The island has plenty of sandy beaches, and tranquil inshore waters for great snorkeling and swimming. You will see many beautiful tropical fish, turtles, and dolphins in the area. Shell Island's interior can be explored on foot.

How do you get to Shell Island


Shell Island Ferry is the best, fastest and easiest way to get there. Book now to save time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Shell Island is technically only an island at high tide, and although the land is privately owned, the footpaths across it are open to the public.

Visitors to your pitch may come on site, after paying the daily admission fee, £10.00 per car, between 8am till 8pm. During busy times when the site is full no day visitors will be admitted on to site.

Shell Island can only be accessed by boat, and the Shell Island Ferry is the easiest, safest, and quickest way for visitors to reach Shell Island. As the official Island Ferry, the Shell Island Ferry has been ferrying guests between the mainland and Shell Island for many years.

You may arrive anytime between 8.00am and 8.00pm (9.00pm on Fridays) no admittance will be given outside of these times. Sites must be vacated by 3.00pm on the day of departure, if you wish to extend you stay please bring your car pass back to reception to book back in.