In the early 1990's the Shell Island sandbar, located just south of Pass-a-Grille Beach, was joined to form one contiguous Island. Pinellas County obtained a lease from Florida in 2000 to create Shell Key (a.k.a. Shell Island was established in 2000 as a Wildlife Preserve. Today, Shell Key is a beautiful white strip of Florida paradise.


* We pick up at the State Park docks approximately 2.2 miles from the island.

Beach Florida


It is not currently available. You can bring your own. You can rent umbrellas and beach chairs. At the Ferry ticket shop, you can also purchase sunblock and other accessories.

Beach Florida
Clearwater Ferry To Shell Island

Clearwater Ferry To Shell Island


Shell Island is a local must-see location for Panama City Beach visitors looking for the unspoiled white-sand beach experience. The island offers plenty of beach space and peaceful inshore waters where swimming and snorkeling are great. Colorful tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles are common in the waters around the island. On land, hiking the interior of Shell Island is an opportunity to explore rare coastal plants, birds, and wildlife communities.

Shell Island Ferry Update


Shell Key is home to an overnight experience for camping enthusiasts! For an unforgettable night in the stars, you will only need your Shell Key "camper" ferry ticket and a Shell Key camping permit. This is a unique chance to camp on a private island.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor


Begin and end your Shell Key adventure at historic Fort De Soto, a military outpost constructed during the Spanish American War, listed in the “National Register of Historic Places”, and Pinellas County’s largest park. Fort De Soto Park includes 1,136 acres of five interconnected islands.. Explore the fort that is still equipped with 12-inch rifled mortars and two British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapid-fire guns. Fort De Soto has been rated the number one beach in the entire United States.

What is the rarest seashell in Florida


Not available at this time. Along with offering transportation services, the Shell Island Ferry operates a concession boat on the island during the summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This is the only concession facility on the island.

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!