You have no time limits, but must get off the Island by the end the day. Check the Ferry schedule before purchasing your ticket.


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.

What is the number 1 beach in Florida


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.

What is the number 1 beach in Florida
Shell Island Ferry York

Shell Island Ferry York


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.

Can you stay on Shell Island


The pristine beaches of undeveloped Shell Island are a star attraction in Panama City Beach, Florida. Take the Shell Island Ferry over to spend a day enjoying the sugar-white sand and emerald green waters of Shell Island.

Jet Ski

Jet Ski


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.

Shell Island Ferry One Piece


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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

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.

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.