Shell Island Ferry Cost

Shell Island Ferry 401


There is always the possibility of a dolphin sighting during the Ferry ride, and you may even see some dolphins while snorkeling around Shell Island. However, these are wild dolphins in their natural habitat and we do not offer planned dolphin encounters. For a good chance to see dolphins, check out our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours.


* We pick us up at the State Park docks and drop them off about 2.2 mi down the island.

Kayaking


Not available at this time. Along with offering transportation services, the Shell Island Ferry operates a concession boat on the island during the summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This is the only concession facility on the island.

Kayaking
Clearwater Ferry To Shell Island

Clearwater Ferry To Shell Island


This item is currently not available. Your own umbrellas are allowed. We have beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent. There are also options to purchase sun block or other accessories, as well as drinks and snacks.

Shell Island Ferry 2110


• We pick up and drop off approximately 2.2 miles down the island at the State Park docks• We do not drop off behind the Jetty area• It is a nature-preserved part of the island so there are no restrooms, shade, or food available on the island.• Snorkeling and scuba equipment are not available for rent on the island or at any of our store locations.• It will take about 15 minutes to reach our dock at the island.

Tierra Verde

Tierra Verde


The natural preserve of St. Andrews State Park is located at the southern end of Panama City Beach Florida. It includes a section of Shell Island, a barrier island that measures 7 miles long. This stretch of undeveloped white sand beach, coastal scrubland and pine hammocks is what separates St. Andrew Bay, Florida, from the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is home to wildlife and marine animals. It's a paradise for beach lovers who want to spend a day in a natural setting far from the condominiums and resorts that line the northern shore.

Pinellas County


This unique trip is not available elsewhere. If you are looking for a way to travel to an uninhabited barrier islands with white sand beaches, warm water and shelling galore then our ferry to Shell Key is the best choice for you and your loved ones. It departs from Fort De Soto's boat ramp. In the spring and the summer, our ferry boat is available almost every day of the year. The trip to the island takes approximately twenty minutes. There are great opportunities to spot manatees and sea turtles. The green ferry boat takes us to Shell Key and we often spot seabirds.

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

You may arrive anytime between 8.00am and 8.00pm (9.00pm on Fridays) no admittance will be given outside of these times. Sites must be vacated by 3.00pm on the day of departure, if you wish to extend you stay please bring your car pass back to reception to book back in.

Sand dollars, moon snails, conch shells, pin shells, periwinkles, whelk and olive shells are just a few of the indigenous seashells found here. And, as long as there are no creatures living in them, there is no limit to how many of these one-of-a-kind souvenirs you can take home with you

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.