The fun, scenic ride over to Shell Island takes only a few minutes and passengers are dropped off in the peaceful cove behind Shell Island Ferry, a great play spot for children and just a short walk from the Gulf of Mexico beachfront.


This is an exclusive trip! If you're looking to visit an uninhabited barrier island with warm water, white sand and shelling, the ferry to Shell Key departs from Fort De Soto boat ramp. The ferry boat runs every day during the spring and summer, and almost every day in fall and winter. It takes about twenty minutes to reach the island. This ride offers many chances to see dolphins, turtles, manatees, and more! On the ferry boat, we often see seabirds as we travel to Shell Key.

Shell Island Ferry Vs Blockade Runner


At the southern end of Panama City Beach Florida lies the natural reserve St. Andrews State Park. It includes the Shell Island, a barrier island that measures 7 miles in length. This stretch of undeveloped white sand beach, coastal scrubland and pine hammocks is what separates St. Andrews Bay, Florida, from the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is a sanctuary for marine wildlife and beach-lovers who are looking to enjoy a day at the beach in a beautiful natural setting, far from the condos and resorts to the north.

Shell Island Ferry Vs Blockade Runner
What is there to do at Shell Island PCB

What is there to do at Shell Island PCB


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.

Can You Get To Shell Island By Car


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.

Is Destin or Panama City better

Is Destin or Panama City better


This is a unique experience! The ferry boat operates every day in spring and summer and almost every day in autumn and winter. The journey to the island takes around twenty minutes. You have great chances of seeing dolphins, sea turtles and manatees. Seabirds are often seen on the boat ride from Shell Key to the island.

Shell Island Ferry St Pete


It takes just a few minutes to ride up to Shell Island. Passengers are dropped off at the quiet cove behind Shell Island Ferry. This is a great spot for children, and only a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico beachesfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you visit Shell Key, you are essentially in the wilderness. There are no toilets – there is no running water – no trash cans or any other modern conveniences. It is up to you to bring everything you need to survive – and, more importantly – to leave nothing behind except footprints

About an hour drive
Shell Island is an actual island in the St Andrews Bay off of Panama City Beach, about an hour drive from Destin.

Once you get there it is all worth it, as it is the most beautiful water I've ever seen. It is like you are swimming in a pool it is so crystal clear. We didn't know what to expect with this so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. Come expecting to spend all day!