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.
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.
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 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.
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 has operated since 1928. It is family-owned and managed. We are the official ferry service from and to Egmont Key and Shell Key.
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.