These are wild animals in their natural habitat doing what they want to do. Our encounters observe them on their terms and depend on what they are doing and their mood. Encounters happen pretty often; however, there is no way that we can guarantee it. We are bound by the laws of The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and subsequent amendments, in addition to the laws of the State of Florida. We are not allowed to feed or harass dolphins, so we don’t and are very strict about that. Thank you for understanding.


Shell Island is just one part of the tour. We will be crossing the island. We often see dolphins swimming in the area. Keep an eye out for them. A charter fishing trip could include a Shell Island stop.

Shell Island Eco Tour

Shell Island Eco Tour


The Park is situated on miles of sugar-sand coastline. It is regularly rated America’s top beach. St. Andrews State Park has 1200 acres of boating, camping, swimming, and other watersports. There are also bird/wildlife observation and hiking. Shell Island Cruises, located at 405 Cliftonia Cir. Panama City Beach FL 32408.

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St. Andrews State Park Campground Camp Store provides beach bike rentals. Ride the 2 mile paved bike trail through the park, and loop around the campground roads. It is a wonderful way to spot deer or other park wildlife. The Park has two easy and short hiking trails that offer a close-up view of coastal scrub habitats, and native pine forest.

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We're well-known for our famous Rum Punch, but we also have an stocked bar with wine and beer. All snacks are $2.00. Onboard, there are restrooms. Our experienced captains and crew will take you on a sailing adventure to paradise with Island Time.

Shell Island Cruises Jacksonville Fl


Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Shell Island through St. Andrews Bay. It is home of one of the largest resident populations in the world of bottlenose dolphins. This undeveloped barrier island that measures 7 miles in length is a local favorite, and it is one of Florida's most popular beaches. Shell Island's beautiful beaches are a great place to visit dolphins or to collect shells.

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Shell Island Cruises Tortola


Shell Island is a local hot spot for snorkeling in Panama City Beach, Florida. Begin your adventure with Shell Island Cruises.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 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 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.