* We pick up at the State Park docks approximately 2.2 miles from the 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, family-owned since 1928, is still in operation. We are Shell Key's only official ferry company.
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.
At this moment, not available. The Shell Island Ferry offers transportation services and also operates a concession boat that is available on the island from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This is the only concessional facility on the island.
Panama City Beach's undeveloped Shell Island is a top attraction. Shell Island Ferry: Take the Shell Island Ferry to enjoy the sugar-white sandy beaches and emerald-green waters of Shell Island.
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.
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.