Shell Island Ferry: Explore Panama City's Barrier Island with Unspoiled Sandy Beaches
4.6
10 Ratings
Panama City Beach

Spanning over 700 acres, Shell Island acts as a protective barrier for the waters of St. Andrews Bay in Panama City. The island’s stunning coastline is marked by pristine sandy beaches, making it ideal for activities like shelling, sunbathing, and sightseeing.

Duration: 15 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Boarding Times
Departures from St. Andrews State Park are hourly at the top of the hour (see calendar for current times).

Departures from Shell Island are hourly at the bottom of the hour.
Returns from Shell Island leave from the State Park dock.
Know Before You Go : Shell Island has been preserved as a primitive island. Restroom facilities are not available on the island. Facilities are available at the boarding location and on the boat.

The ferry ride is approximately 15 minutes.
We pick up and drop off approximately 2.2 miles down the island at the State Park docks. There is no lifeguard on duty at Shell Island.

Picking up or removing shells containing live organisms is strictly prohibited as well as disturbing sea bird or sea turtle nesting areas.

St. Andrews State Park & Shell Island are located in the Central Time Zone.
We do not drop off behind the Jetty. (Only the Pier Store parking lot)

Points of Interest

  • Panama City Beach
What's Included
  • Light snacks and drinks available for purchase on Shell Island
What's Not Included
  • On-board restrooms
Additional Information
  • Please bring: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat and Water bottle
Location
Panama City Beach
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(10 Ratings)
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B7358ferachels
Apr 17, 2024
Definitely worth it! - GREAT experience. We truly loved this and HIGHLY recommend them. They are fun and make the trip enjoyable. Also they are very timely!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michele_c
Apr 14, 2024
Best boat guys - Captain Ron and his 1st mate Jim were amazing. We had so much fun on the Shell Island ride that we took the Sunset cruise too.
Review provided by Viator
34makailas
Apr 7, 2024
Ferry - It was very fun. 10/10 recommend. Shell island was very beautiful. The boat ride also was t bad either, we saw dolphins on the way to the island
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shaina_l
Apr 6, 2024
Enjoyed the short ferry... - Enjoyed the short ferry ride over. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The beach was private and beautiful. It was nice to get away from the crowded beaches to relax at Shell Island for the day!
Review provided by Viator
Stephanie_g
Apr 3, 2024
Great value great trip - The boat crew were wonderful throughout the whole process very friendly. Instructions were clear and the trip was great! The state park is beautiful. When we went the water was pretty cold but we got in anyway. We did not see hardly any seashells the day we were there. The area is pristine.
Review provided by Viator
Latrisha_b
Mar 28, 2024
Nice crew - My most memorable experience was laying in the sun at the beach. Friendly crew. The screen while traveling in the boat was very nice and calming , I would recommend to friends and family who will visit.
Review provided by Viator
Shirley_s
Dec 30, 2023
excellent - Both The driver of the boat and his helper were extremely nice. they were a huge plus to the whole trip.,, very mannerly and courteous..
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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