In the early 1990s, the Shell Island Sandbar (south of Pass-a-Grille Beach) joined with the neighboring island to form one contiguous Island. Pinellas County was granted a lease by the State of Florida in order to establish Shell Key (a.k.a. Shell Island) was declared a Wildlife Preserve in 2000. Shell Key is now a Florida paradise on a strip of pure white sand.
The scenic and fun ride over to Shell Island only takes a few moments. Passengers will be dropped off at the tranquil cove behind Shell Island Ferry.
There is no limit to how long you can stay on the island, but at the end each day you must take the last ferry off. You should always check the Ferry schedule when you purchase your Ferry ticket.
Not available at this time. Along with offering transportation services, the Shell Island Ferry operates a concession boat on the island during the summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This is the only concession facility on the island.
Yes, you can bring your own coolers and beach chairs. You should bring your own beverage containers and food packets when you leave the island.
You can start and end your Shell Key adventure from historic Fort De Soto. It is Pinellas County’s biggest park and a military outpost built during the Spanish American War. Fort De Soto Park is 1,136 acres with five interconnected islands. You can still see the fort's 12-inch rifled mortars, and two British breechloading 6-inch Armstrong rapidfire guns. Fort De Soto was voted the best beach in America.
Shell Island can only easily be reached by boat. Shell Island Ferry offers visitors the best, most secure, and fastest way to reach Shell Island. Since 1999, the Shell Island Ferry, which is officially the Shell Island Ferry service provided by St. Andrews State Park Marina to Shell Island has been transporting guests there for many years.
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.