Start and finish your Shell Key adventure at Fort De Soto. This historic military outpost was built during the Spanish American War and is listed on the "National Register of Historic Places". It's Pinellas County’s largest park. Fort De Soto Park covers 1,136 acres and five interconnected islands. The fort still has 12 inch rifled mortars as well as two British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapid fire guns. Fort De Soto is the most popular beach in America.
The scenic ride to Shell Island takes just a few seconds and passengers are dropped off in the peaceful cove next Shell Island Ferry.
Once on the island, Shell Key offers great shelling and swimming. Shell Key is also home to a large nature preserve, where nearly half of the island is blocked to allow the native seabirds a section of undisturbed beach. Come out and enjoy a beautiful day of fun in the sun!
Yes, you can bring your own coolers and beach chairs. You should bring your own beverage containers and food packets when you leave the island.
Shell Island Ferry is family owned and operated since 1928. We are the only official ferry service to and from Egmont Key and Shell Key.
* We pick up at the State Park docks approximately 2.2 miles from the island.
A portion of Shell Island, a barrier-island that measures 7-miles long, is found at the south-eastern tip of Panama City Beach Florida's natural preserve St. Andrews State Park. This undeveloped stretch of white sandy beach, coastal scrubland & pine hammocks divides St. Andrew Bay and the open oceans of the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is an oasis for wildlife and marine life, as well as beach lovers who wish to escape the resorts, condominiums, and other developments that line the coast to the north.
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!