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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There is no time limit on your stay, but you must catch the last Ferry off the Island at the end of the day. Please be sure to check the daily schedule when purchasing your Ferry ticket.
Camping enthusiasts will love our overnight camping experience on Shell Key. To have an unforgettable night under the stars, all you need to do is get your ferry ticket for "camper", a Shell Key camping permit, and your camping gear. This is a rare opportunity to camp on an isolated island.
Shell Island is a nature preserve with no restrooms or any other visitor facilities such as trash receptacles, picnic tables, or shade pavilions. There is no trash removal service. Island visitors are asked to be responsible and take everything they bring to the Island with them when they leave.
Shell Island is on the west coast of Wales about 7 miles north of Barmouth. There is a road leading to there that you drive on, but at certain high tides the sea covers the road.
Snorkeling is safe and easy for people of all ages. One of the best things about Shell Island is that the calm shallow water behind the jetty is the perfect place for first-time snorkelers to try the sport.