Not available at this time. You are welcome to bring your own. We offer beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. You can also buy sun block and other accessories along with drinks and snacks at the store where you purchase Ferry tickets.
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.
Any shells with no living creatures inside can be kept. For empty shells that aren't broken, you can snorkel or go knee-deep in the water away from the beach landing and main boat landing.
There is no limit to how long you can stay on the island, but at the end each day you must take the last ferry off. You should always check the Ferry schedule when you purchase your Ferry ticket.
Shell Key is the best place to start or end your adventure. Fort De Soto Park encompasses 1,136 acres, five interconnected Islands. Explore Fort De Soto Park, which is still equipped 12-inch rifled mortars and 2 British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapidfire pistols. Fort De Soto has been ranked the number one beach of the United States.
For Panama City Beach residents looking for unspoiled white-sand beaches, Shell Island is a must-see spot. There is plenty of beach space on the island, as well as calm inshore waters that are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The waters around the island are home to many colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. You can explore the Shell Island interior by foot, where you will find rare birds and other wildlife.
Shell Island is considered a nature preserve and has no toilets or other facilities for visitors such as shade pavilions, trash receptacles, picnic table, or other amenities. There is no trash pickup service. Island visitors are requested to be responsible and bring everything they have to the Island with you when they leave.
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.
When you visit Shell Key, you are essentially in the wilderness. There are no toilets – there is no running water – no trash cans or any other modern conveniences. It is up to you to bring everything you need to survive – and, more importantly – to leave nothing behind except footprints
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!
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.