Fort Desoto Shell Island Ferry

Shell Island Ferry Vacation Rentals


Shell Island Ferry has operated since 1928. It is family-owned and managed. We are the official ferry service from and to Egmont Key and Shell Key.


The natural preserve of St. Andrews State Park is located at the southern end of Panama City Beach Florida. It includes a section of Shell Island, a barrier island that measures 7 miles long. This stretch of undeveloped white sand beach, coastal scrubland and pine hammocks is what separates St. Andrew Bay, Florida, from the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is home to wildlife and marine animals. It's a paradise for beach lovers who want to spend a day in a natural setting far from the condominiums and resorts that line the northern shore.

Can you have alcohol at St Andrews State Park


Shell Island is only accessible by boat. The Shell Island Ferry makes it easy, safest and fastest to get there. The official Shell Island Ferry service for St. Andrews State Park has been operating since many years.

Can you have alcohol at St Andrews State Park
City Beach Florida

City Beach Florida


Shell Island is a great spot to visit for Panama City Beach locals looking for unspoiled white sandy beaches. The island is home to a lot of beautiful beaches and tranquil waters which are perfect for snorkeling or swimming. There are many species of sea turtles, dolphins and tropical fish that can be found in the waters surrounding the island. Shell Island's interior is a great place to hike and discover unique coastal plants, birds, and wildlife communities.

Shell Island Ferry 603


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 Kayak Tours

Shell Island Kayak Tours


* 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.

St. Andrews Bay


You can enjoy a day at Shell Island Ferry's beautiful beach. Order Ferry tickets online now or visit Shell Island Ferry at 313 Brynn Ct, Panama City Beach, FL 32408. The Ferry can also provide water-sports packages such as kayak rentals and snorkeling equipment. You can call us at (850) 756-7533, or visit our office at 313 Brynn Ct,Panama City Beach, FL 32408.

Frequently Asked Questions

Snorkeling is safe and easy for people of all ages. One of the best things about Shell Island is that the calm shallow water behind the jetty is the perfect place for first-time snorkelers to try the sport.

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!

About an hour drive
Shell Island is an actual island in the St Andrews Bay off of Panama City Beach, about an hour drive from Destin.

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