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.
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 is a popular spot for Panama City Beach tourists looking for unspoiled white sand beaches. It has plenty of beaches and calm waters, making it a great place for swimming and snorkeling. In the surrounding waters, you will find many tropical fish, dolphins, as well as sea turtles. Walking the interior of Shell Island on land is a great way to see rare coastal birds and plants.
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.
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.
If you want to travel to Shell Key by ferry, you should pack as though you were spending the day at sea. Make sure to bring sunscreen, towels and any other gear such as sun protective hats. Shell Key is a private island. You won't find a shop or bathroom on the island. So bring plenty of water, food, drinks, and a cooler.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.