* We pick up at the State Park docks approximately 2.2 miles from the island.


The Shell Island Ferry is the easiest, safest, and fastest way to get to Shell Island. Book now and save time on the day!

Panama


Begin and end your Shell Key adventure at historic Fort De Soto, a military outpost constructed during the Spanish American War, listed in the “National Register of Historic Places”, and Pinellas County’s largest park. Fort De Soto Park includes 1,136 acres of five interconnected islands.. Explore the fort that is still equipped with 12-inch rifled mortars and two British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapid-fire guns. Fort De Soto has been rated the number one beach in the entire United States.

Panama
St andrews State Park Shell Island Ferry

St andrews State Park Shell Island Ferry


Shell Island can only easily be reached by boat. Shell Island Ferry was established in 1997 as the official Island Ferry. It has been ferrying guests from the mainland to Shell Island for many, many years.

Walkers


Shell Island can only been accessed by boat. Shell Island Ferry allows visitors to access Shell Island in a safe, easy and quick manner. Since its inception, the Shell Island Ferry is the official Shell Island Ferry Service of St. Andrews State Park. It has been ferrying guests between Shell Island and the St. Andrews State Park Marina for many years.

Shell Island Ferry 5c

Shell Island Ferry 5c


Shell Island is a protected area of nature. There are no facilities for toilets or visitors like shade pavilions, trash cans, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. There is not a trash removal service. Island visitors are asked not to bring trash to the Island and to make sure they take it with them.

Beaches


The Ferry ride is always possible to spot dolphins, and snorkeling around Shell Island may bring you closer to them. We do not offer dolphin encounters because these dolphins are wild and in their natural habitat. Check out our Panama City Beach dolphin tours for a great chance to see dolphins.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.