For groups of 20 people or more, the Shell Island Ferry offers a 20% discount on all tickets when you pay as one group.
Shell Key is also an important nature preserve. Nearly half the island is closed to visitors, giving the local seabirds and turtles access to a portion of undeveloped beach. The nature preserve is home to a lot of nesting birds as well as nesting turtles.
There are always chances of seeing dolphins during the Ferry ride. You might also see them snorkeling around Shell Island. These dolphins can be seen in their natural habitat, so we cannot offer any planned encounters. You can see dolphins in their natural habitat by taking a Panama City Beach Dolphin Tour.
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.
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.
* We pick up at the State Park docks approximately 2.2 miles from the island.
Shell Key is also home to a large nature preserve. Guests are restricted from half the island, which allows for the turtles and seabirds to enjoy a section unaffected beach. This area is home countless nesting birds and nesting tortles.
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.
Visitors to your pitch may come on site, after paying the daily admission fee, £10.00 per car, between 8am till 8pm. During busy times when the site is full no day visitors will be admitted on to site.
Shell Island can only be accessed by boat, and the Shell Island Ferry is the easiest, safest, and quickest way for visitors to reach Shell Island. As the official Island Ferry, the Shell Island Ferry has been ferrying guests between the mainland and Shell Island for many years.
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.