The 7-mile-long barrier island Shell Island is located at the south-eastern tip of Panama City Beach Florida's natural reserve, St. Andrews State Park. This undeveloped stretch of white sandy beach, coastal scrubland, pine hammocks, and sandbars seperates St. Andrews Bay form the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is an oasis for wildlife, marine mammals, and beach lovers who seek a day away from the condominiums, resorts, and condos along the coast.


Unfortunately, this service is not currently available. In addition to providing transportation services, Shell Island Ferry also runs a concession vessel on the island in the summer season (from Memorial Day through Labor Day). This is the island's only concession facility.

Is Shell Island Open To The Public


For camping enthusiasts, we offer an overnight experience on Shell Key! All you need is your “camper” ferry ticket, a camping permit from Shell Key, and all your camping gear to have an epic night under the stars! This is an unbelievably unique opportunity to camp out on a secluded island.

Is Shell Island Open To The Public
Panama City Shell Island Ferry

Panama City Shell Island Ferry


Start and finish your Shell Key adventure at Fort De Soto. This historic military outpost was built during the Spanish American War and is listed on the "National Register of Historic Places". It's Pinellas County’s largest park. Fort De Soto Park covers 1,136 acres and five interconnected islands. The fort still has 12 inch rifled mortars as well as two British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapid fire guns. Fort De Soto is the most popular beach in America.

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The Shell Island Ferry makes it the easiest, most secure, and fastest way for you to reach Shell Island. Save time by booking now!

Can you walk onto Shell Island

Can you walk onto Shell Island


In the early 90's, the Shell Island sandbar south of Pass-a-Grille Beach was joined to form a contiguous island. Pinellas County purchased a lease in 2000 from the State of Florida to build Shell Key (a.k.a. Shell Island) was designated a Wildlife Preserve. Shell Key today is a paradise of white sand in Florida.

What are the best beaches in Panama


For groups of 20 people or more, the Shell Island Ferry offers a 20% discount on all tickets when you pay as one group.

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!