You can snorkel around the St. Andrews State Park Jetty and on Shell Island. The habitats vary from sandy bottom to shallow grass flats to the rocky faces in the jetties. You will see tropical fish, crabs and rays. If you're lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle, or one of the resident bottlenose dolphins. You can rent snorkel gear at the Jetty Store or purchase it as part of a package with boat tickets for a Shell Island Snorkel Tour.


Shell Island Boats is smaller than larger boats, which can carry up to 150 passengers. Our Large Family Cruiser boat holds 15 passengers. Children are not allowed on our boat. With your snorkel gear on, we can get you in the water quickly without causing any disruptions or splashes that may scare the dolphins.

Fort Walton Beach Florida

Fort Walton Beach Florida


Private Sunset tours are a wonderful way to see Shell Island and Sunset from a different perspective. A knowledgeable captain guide will lead you on an unforgettable journey.

Is Panama City Beach good for snorkeling


Also you can find any vacation activity you’re interested in, lot’s of fun kid-friendly activities right here on our web site. If you don’t know where to stay in Florida or where to go once you are here in Panama City Beach, be sure to check out our Where to Go and Where to Stay sections.

Is Panama City Beach good for snorkeling

Shell Island Boat Trips


St. Andrews State Park's waters are great for experienced and beginning kayakers. There are plenty of great spots for swimming and snorkeling, along with an interesting shoreline. Paddlers who are experienced may wish to make the crossing from Shell Island. It is best to rent a Shell Island kayak rental package. This includes a ride on the Shell Island Boats.

Shell Island Boats 128


Shell Island Boats offers the fastest, safest and easiest way for you to reach Shell Island. Save time by booking now

Is Panama City Beach good for snorkeling

Shell Island Boats Excursions


The St. Andrews State Park jetty is a good spot for snorkeling, as well as Shell Island. There are many habitats available, including sand bottoms, shallow grass flats and the rocky faces of the jetties. There are many species of fish and crabs to be seen, as well as rays and, if you're fortunate, some resident bottle nose dolphins. Renting snorkel equipment at the Jetty Store is an option, as well as purchasing it in a complete package that includes Boat tickets and snorkel tours to Shell Island Snorkel Tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. Come expecting to spend all day!

Every year, visitors flock to the white sands of Panama City Beach, and each year they are joined by some 200 different species of shark. Both are drawn to the area's crystal clear waters and abundant sea life. The double sandbar system at Panama City Beach creates a deep water channel close to shore

There is still an amazingly pristine, uninhabited island just waiting to be explored. Shell Island is a barrier island, a 7-mile stretch of undeveloped land nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews

Agree with above, go around 11 a.m., to get the best of daytime sun, because April has some fairly cool days. over a year ago. I'd plan for late morning/early afternoon. There's no shade so if it is really warm you don't want to be there at the absolute hottest part of the day.