Shell Island is only accessible by boat. The Shell Island Ferry makes it easy, safest and fastest to get there. The official Shell Island Ferry service for St. Andrews State Park has been operating since many years.
In the early 1990’s, the sandbar just south of Pass-a-Grille Beach known as Shell Island joined with its neighboring island to the south to form one contiguous island. In 2000, Pinellas County acquired a lease from the State of Florida to establish Shell Key (a.k.a. Shell Island) as a Wildlife Preserve and today, Shell Key is a pristine white sand strip of Florida paradise.
* We pick you up and drop you off at the State Park docks about 2.2 miles down the isle.
It is not currently possible to access this boat. Shell Island Ferry not only offers transportation services but also has a concession boat which is open to the public during the summer months from Memorial Day until Labor Day. It is the only concessionary facility on the Island.
This item is currently not available. Your own umbrellas are allowed. We have beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent. There are also options to purchase sun block or other accessories, as well as drinks and snacks.
Shell Key is home to an overnight experience for camping enthusiasts! For an unforgettable night in the stars, you will only need your Shell Key "camper" ferry ticket and a Shell Key camping permit. This is a unique chance to camp on a private island.
At this moment, it is not available. Bring your own. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. The store also sells sunblock and other accessories.
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 with this so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. Come expecting to spend all day!
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.
Snorkeling is safe and easy for people of all ages. One of the best things about Shell Island is that the calm shallow water behind the jetty is the perfect place for first-time snorkelers to try the sport.
About an hour drive
Shell Island is an actual island in the St Andrews Bay off of Panama City Beach, about an hour drive from Destin.