Shell Key is great for swimming and shelling. Shell Key is also home of a large nature reserve, where half of the island has been blocked off to allow native seabirds an area of unspoiled beach. Have fun and sun!
Your stay is unlimited, but you must return to the mainland by the end of each day. When purchasing your Ferry ticket, please make sure you check the daily schedule.
Panama City Beach's star attraction is Shell Island, the undeveloped beaches that lie just off the coast of Florida. Enjoy a day at Shell Island by taking the Shell Island Ferry.
In the early 1990s, the Shell Island Sandbar (south of Pass-a-Grille Beach) joined with the neighboring island to form one contiguous Island. Pinellas County was granted a lease by the State of Florida in order to establish Shell Key (a.k.a. Shell Island) was declared a Wildlife Preserve in 2000. Shell Key is now a Florida paradise on a strip of pure white sand.
The pristine beaches of undeveloped Shell Island are a star attraction in Panama City Beach, Florida. Take the Shell Island Ferry over to spend a day enjoying the sugar-white sand and emerald green waters of Shell Island.
In the 1990's, a sandbar located south of Pass-a-Grille Beach became Shell Island. It joined its neighboring island to make one contiguous Island. Pinellas County received a lease agreement from the State of Florida in 2000. This lease allowed them to establish Shell Key, a.k.a. Shell Island) to preserve wildlife. Shell Key, today, is a Florida paradise made of pristine white sand.
In the early 1990’s, the sandbar just south of Pass-a-Grille Beach known as Shell Island joined with its neighboring island to the south to form one contiguous island. In 2000, Pinellas County acquired a lease from the State of Florida to establish Shell Key (a.k.a. Shell Island) as a Wildlife Preserve and today, Shell Key is a pristine white sand strip of Florida paradise.
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.
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.
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 with this so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. Come expecting to spend all day!
Snorkeling is safe and easy for people of all ages. One of the best things about Shell Island is that the calm shallow water behind the jetty is the perfect place for first-time snorkelers to try the sport.