If you would like to go on a ferry to Shell Key with us then pack like you are going to the beach. Towels, sunscreen, sun protective gear, shirts, and towels are all essential. Shell Key Island is a virgin island. Therefore, there are no shops or bathrooms on the island. Make sure you bring water, food, and drinks.


Unfortunately, this service is not currently available. In addition to providing transportation services, Shell Island Ferry also runs a concession vessel on the island in the summer season (from Memorial Day through Labor Day). This is the island's only concession facility.

Crab Island


In the early 90's, the Shell Island sandbar south of Pass-a-Grille Beach was joined to form a contiguous island. Pinellas County purchased a lease in 2000 from the State of Florida to build Shell Key (a.k.a. Shell Island) was designated a Wildlife Preserve. Shell Key today is a paradise of white sand in Florida.

Crab Island
Snorkeling

Snorkeling


Shell Island cannot be reached by water. Visitors must travel by boat to reach it. Shell Island Ferry serves as the official Island Ferry. This ferry has been serving guests to and from Shell Island for many year.

Double Decker Pontoon


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.

Why is Clearwater Beach not clear

Why is Clearwater Beach not clear


This is an exclusive trip! If you're looking to visit an uninhabited barrier island with warm water, white sand and shelling, the ferry to Shell Key departs from Fort De Soto boat ramp. The ferry boat runs every day during the spring and summer, and almost every day in fall and winter. It takes about twenty minutes to reach the island. This ride offers many chances to see dolphins, turtles, manatees, and more! On the ferry boat, we often see seabirds as we travel to Shell Key.

Shell Island Ferry 990


You may be able to see dolphins on the Ferry ride. Or, you might even spot them while snorkeling around Shell Island. These are wild dolphins and we don't offer scheduled dolphin encounters. Our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours offer a great opportunity to see dolphins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sand dollars, moon snails, conch shells, pin shells, periwinkles, whelk and olive shells are just a few of the indigenous seashells found here. And, as long as there are no creatures living in them, there is no limit to how many of these one-of-a-kind souvenirs you can take home with you

Shell Island is on the west coast of Wales about 7 miles north of Barmouth. There is a road leading to there that you drive on, but at certain high tides the sea covers the road.

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.

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!