The scenic ride to Shell Island takes just a few seconds and passengers are dropped off in the peaceful cove next Shell Island Ferry.
Shell Island has no public restrooms. There is no trash removal company. Island visitors are required to take any trash they bring with them to the Island.
This unique trip is not available elsewhere. If you are looking for a way to travel to an uninhabited barrier islands with white sand beaches, warm water and shelling galore then our ferry to Shell Key is the best choice for you and your loved ones. It departs from Fort De Soto's boat ramp. In the spring and the summer, our ferry boat is available almost every day of the year. The trip to the island takes approximately twenty minutes. There are great opportunities to spot manatees and sea turtles. The green ferry boat takes us to Shell Key and we often spot seabirds.
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, plants, and wildlife.
* We pick-up and drop off approximately 2.25 miles down the Island at the State Park Docks* We don't drop off behind Jetty area* It takes about 15 minutes to get to our dock on the Island.
The natural preserve of St. Andrews State Park, located in Panama City Beach Florida, includes a part of Shell Island (a barrier island measuring 7 miles). This stretch of undeveloped beach, coast scrubland and pine hammocks seperates St. Andrew Bay with the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is a refuge for wildlife, marine mammals, and beach lovers seeking a day away from the condominiums or resorts along the shore to the north.
The Shell Island Ferry offers the fastest, most convenient, and safest way to reach Shell Island. Book Now to Save Time on Your 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. 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.