Shell Island is an island barrier off Florida's Emerald Coast. It is approximately 7 miles long, stretching from east-west. It is composed of gracefully sand-dunes, pine hammocks and shrub forests. It is home to both shorebirds, and deer. Shell Island is home for a variety crabs, endangered species, and coastal wildlife because it has a protected shore.


Definitely memories for a lifetime when you see our most famous residents up close, the Atlantic Bottle Nose Dolphins!

Shell Island Boats Opening 2021

Shell Island Boats Opening 2021


Shell Island is a barrier island that stretches 7 miles long and a beach that forms the southern portion of St. Andrews State Park. Visitors who are looking for a pristine beach experience can access the island via private boat, or by the Shell Island Shuttle. The island is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Walking inland on the island allows you to see rare Florida birds, plants, and wildlife in their natural state.

Shell Island Boats In Panama City Beach


Our Private Sunset Tour is the perfect way to see Shell Island and the Sunset in a unique and beautiful way. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable captain guide on an unforgettable adventure.

Shell Island Boats In Panama City Beach

How to Get to Shell Island By Boat


Shell Island cannot be reached by water. Visitors must travel by boat to get there. Shell Island Ferry is the simplest, most reliable, and fastest way to get to Shell Island. Since 1999, the Shell Island Ferry has been the official Shell Island Ferry of St. Andrews State Park.

Crab Island Destin Florida


Renting your own Shell Island Boats is a great way to enjoy a Shell Island beach day. Safe, stable, spacious, and easy to operate, a pontoon boat is ideal for a family or a group of friends looking for adventure on the water and the perfect way to visit Shell Island. You can cruise the clear blue waters of St. Andrew Bay and play on the sugar-white sands of Shell Island with your own private pleasure craft.

Shell Island Boats In Panama City Beach

Shell Island Boats Jellyfish


Shell Island is a 7-mile long barrier beach and barrier island that lies in the southern end of St. Andrews State Park. Accessible by boat or official Shell Island Shuttle, this island is a must-see spot for tourists who seek a tranquil beach experience. Great for swimming and snorkeling. It is possible to hike inland and see the rare Florida coast bird, bird, or wildlife communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Though the area boasts an average of 320 days of sunshine per year, late spring, summer and early fall offer some of the warmest air and water temperatures. Plus, by avoiding a visit in March or April, you'll dodge the deluge of college students who descend on the area's ivory sands every year for spring break.

The waters around Shell Island are home to a large group of bottlenose dolphins. You can encounter these amazing marine mammals at home in their natural habitat on one of our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours.
 

Shell Island has a fascinating amount of local wildlife including dolphins, loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, ghost crabs, beach mice, nine-banded armadillos, alligators that live in the lake on the island, marsh rabbits, racoons and more.

Shell Island is a nature preserve with no restrooms or any other visitor facilities such as trash receptacles, picnic tables, or shade pavilions. There is no trash removal service. Island visitors are asked to be responsible and take everything they bring to the Island with them when they leave.