If you want to travel to Shell Key by ferry, you should pack as though you were spending the day at sea. Make sure to bring sunscreen, towels and any other gear such as sun protective hats. Shell Key is a private island. You won't find a shop or bathroom on the island. So bring plenty of water, food, drinks, and a cooler.


There is always the chance of seeing dolphins while on the Ferry ride. Some dolphins may also be seen snorkeling around Shell Island. These dolphins are wild in their natural habitat so we do not offer scheduled encounters. Visit our Panama City Beach Dolphin tours to get a better chance of seeing dolphins.

How long is the Shell Island Shuttle


Once on the island, Shell Key offers great shelling and swimming. Shell Key is also home to a large nature preserve, where nearly half of the island is blocked to allow the native seabirds a section of undisturbed beach. Come out and enjoy a beautiful day of fun in the sun!

How long is the Shell Island Shuttle
Shell Island Fl Tours

Shell Island Fl Tours


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 Shell Island Ferry service of St. Andrews State Park, the Shell Island Ferry has been ferrying guests between the St. Andrews State Park Marina and Shell Island for many years.

What is the best month to go to Destin Florida


There are always chances of seeing dolphins during the Ferry ride. You might also see them snorkeling around Shell Island. These dolphins can be seen in their natural habitat, so we cannot offer any planned encounters. You can see dolphins in their natural habitat by taking a Panama City Beach Dolphin Tour.

What is the best time to go to Shell Island

What is the best time to go to Shell Island


Shell Island is a local must-see location for Panama City Beach visitors looking for the unspoiled white-sand beach experience. The island offers plenty of beach space and peaceful inshore waters where swimming and snorkeling are great. Colorful tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles are common in the waters around the island. On land, hiking the interior of Shell Island is an opportunity to explore rare coastal plants, birds, and wildlife communities.

Island Panama


If you’d like to take a ferry ride to Shell Key with us, pack like you’re spending the day at the beach! Bring sunscreen, towels, bathing suits, sun protective hats, shirts and other gear. Shell Key is a pristine island, so there isn’t a bathroom or any type of shop on the island so make sure to come prepared with a cooler full of water, food and drinks.

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!