This trip is one of a kind… If you want to travel to an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water, and shelling galore, our ferry to Shell Key from the Fort De Soto boat ramp is a great choice for you and your family! Our ferry boat operates daily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter. The ride to the island is about twenty minutes and offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and even manatees! We also often spot seabirds on the ride to and from Shell Key aboard the green ferry boat.
The natural reserve at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach Florida includes the Shell Island barrier, which is 7 miles long. This stretch of undeveloped beach, coast scrubland, and pine hammocks divides St. Andrews Bay and the open Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is a refuge for wildlife, marine creatures, and beach enthusiasts looking for a day out in a serene natural setting far away from the condominiums or resorts that line the shore to the north.
Yes, you are allowed to bring your own coolers. Take any drink containers or food packages you may need with you to the Island.
Shell Island Ferry is family owned and operated since 1928. We are the only official ferry service to and from Egmont Key and Shell Key.
On the south-eastern end of Panama City Beach Florida, the natural preserve of St. Andrews State Park includes a portion of the 7-mile long barrier island known as Shell Island. This undeveloped stretch of white sand beach, coastal scrubland, and pine hammocks separates St. Andrew Bay from the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is a haven for wildlife, marine animals, and beach lovers looking for a day in a pristine natural setting away from the resorts and condominiums that line the beach to the north.
Shell Island Ferry was established in 1928 and is still family-owned and operated. We are the only ferry service that provides official ferry services to and from Egmont Key, Shell Key.
Shell Island is a nature preserve without any restrooms or other visitor facilities, such as trash bins, picnic tables or shade pavilions. There is no trash collection service. Island visitors are expected to take all their trash with them when they leave the Island.
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.
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!
Visitors to your pitch may come on site, after paying the daily admission fee, £10.00 per car, between 8am till 8pm. During busy times when the site is full no day visitors will be admitted on to site.
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.