Shell Key offers excellent swimming and shelling opportunities once you get to the island. Shell Key also houses a large protected area that allows native seabirds to have a stretch of unspoiled beach. Enjoy a wonderful day in the sun.


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.

Low Tide


This item is currently not available. Your own umbrellas are allowed. We have beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent. There are also options to purchase sun block or other accessories, as well as drinks and snacks.

Low Tide
Shell Island Beach Tours Panama City Fl

Shell Island Beach Tours Panama City Fl


You may keep any shells that do not have living creatures inside. Try snorkeling or wading knee-deep away from the main boat landing and beach use areas to find empty, unbroken shells.

Shell Island Tours South Carolina


The natural reserve of St. Andrews State Park, located in Panama City Beach Florida's south-eastern part of the city, includes the Shell Island barrier island (7 miles long). The undeveloped stretch of beach, scrubland and pine hammocks that separate St. Andrews Bay is separated from the Gulf of Mexico's open waters. 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.

Shell Island Shuttle Schedule

Shell Island Shuttle Schedule


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.

Is there snorkeling in Panama


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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Shell Island is technically only an island at high tide, and although the land is privately owned, the footpaths across it are open to the public.

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

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!