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.


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!

St. Andrews Bay


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.

St. Andrews Bay
Shell Island Ferry 129

Shell Island Ferry 129


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.

Mississippi


Any shells with no living creatures inside can be kept. For empty shells that aren't broken, you can snorkel or go knee-deep in the water away from the beach landing and main boat landing.

Shell Island Ferry Florida

Shell Island Ferry Florida


If you would like to go on a ferry to Shell Key with us then pack like you are going to the beach. Towels, sunscreen, sun protective gear, shirts, and towels are all essential. Shell Key Island is a virgin island. Therefore, there are no shops or bathrooms on the island. Make sure you bring water, food, and drinks.

Shell Island Tours In Panama City Beach


Unfortunately, this service is not currently available. In addition to providing transportation services, Shell Island Ferry also runs a concession vessel on the island in the summer season (from Memorial Day through Labor Day). This is the island's only concession facility.

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.