On the south-eastern end of Panama City Beach Florida, the natural reserve of St. Andrews State Park includes the 7-mile long barrier island known as Shell Island. This undeveloped stretch of white sand beach, coastal scrubland, and pine hammocks separate St. Andrews 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.


Begin and end your Shell Key adventure at historic Fort De Soto, a military outpost constructed during the Spanish American War, listed in the “National Register of Historic Places”, and Pinellas County’s largest park. Fort De Soto Park includes 1,136 acres of five interconnected islands.. Explore the fort that is still equipped with 12-inch rifled mortars and two British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapid-fire guns. Fort De Soto has been rated the number one beach in the entire United States.

Dolphin


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.

Dolphin
Shell Island Ferry Uk Weather

Shell Island Ferry Uk Weather


The Ferry ride is always possible to spot dolphins, and snorkeling around Shell Island may bring you closer to them. We do not offer dolphin encounters because these dolphins are wild and in their natural habitat. Check out our Panama City Beach dolphin tours for a great chance to see dolphins.

Key Florida


Shell Island Ferry, family-owned since 1928, is still in operation. We are Shell Key's only official ferry company.

Shell Island Shuttle Webcam

Shell Island Shuttle Webcam


* We pick you up and drop you off at the State Park docks about 2.2 miles down the isle.

Shell Island Ferry Schedule


The Shell Island Ferry offers the fastest, most convenient, and safest way to reach Shell Island. Book Now to Save Time on Your Day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Shell Island is seven miles of undeveloped scenery between the Gulf and St. Andrew Bay. At one point, Shell Island was inhabited by Native Americans, Spanish Settlers, and even pirates.

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!

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.