Shell Island Tour: Explore Panama City's Sandy Beaches

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: 24 hours
Highlights

Boarding Times (please arrive 30 mins before departure time)
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…

What's Included
  • Snacks available for purchase at the Pier Store
  • Drinks available for purchase at the Pier Store
  • Beach Umbrellas/Chairs available for purchase at the Pier Store
What's Not Included
  • On-board restrooms
  • Parking fees
Additional Information
  • Please bring: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat and Water bottle
Location
4607 State Park Ln
State Park Lane
Meet at the St. Andrews State Park Pier
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.4
(79 Ratings)
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Jean_r
Jan 4, 2026
Shelling - Ferry ride was great. Even though dolphin tour wasn't part of the trip, they stopped to find them. Not alot of shells.
Review provided by Viator
Nomad29191335292
Jan 3, 2026
Excellent - The captain and staff were engaging,competent, funny and personable. Definitely a highlight in my experience. The ferry was a smooth effortless ride. The beauty of the island left a core memory! On the ride back in we saw pods of dolphins!! Up close!! Riding the wake of the boats...jumping so high out of the water. It was a great day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samjw3866vb
Dec 22, 2025
Great experience !! - We took the first ferry out and it was amazing!! Not as many people and we had shell island to ourselves for hours! It’s gorgeous and weather was amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anna_l
Nov 26, 2025
Awesome - We didn't make it for our time and they rebook for next one with no problems. Very good experience. Fun crue. Beautiful views
Review provided by Viator
Patricia_c
Nov 14, 2025
Shell Island Ferry Experience - The captain and employee were very helpful and went the extra mile to make sure everyone had a great experience
Review provided by Viator
Rebekah_l
Nov 3, 2025
Beautiful island - So we arrived for check in and there was an extra cost to get into the park. We had to pay extra $8 to enter the park. The park staff did say they wish they’d advertised this cost . The $8 is on top of the ferry ticket. The island was beautiful and hot. Trash was on the island. Disappointing.
Review provided by Viator
Angie_g
Nov 3, 2025
Great experience - The captain of the boat was great! The experience was very relaxing and its a great place to go if you want to find sea shells on the beach!
Review provided by Viator
S8028sojanicet
Oct 26, 2025
Awesome - Thanks so much to our captain and crew! They made it an unforgettable day for our girls Ruby-Ann and Ella! They loved seeing the dolphins and dancing on the deck coming back! Captain was outstanding and even rescued Ruby-Ann’s green pumpkin for her! It Will be an experience they will treasure forever. May God bless and keep you always safe on your voyages. Blue skies and calm seas. Sincerely, Janice Tyree RubyAnn, Ella Penelope and Chasity Lee
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebekah_l
Nov 3, 2025
Great - The park its self costs to get in along with your ferry ticket. Please be aware if this extra cost.. I believe it was $8 per vehicle. The ferry ride was great, we saw tons of jelly fish. The island is beautiful and so sunny. Bring sunscreen. There was a ton of trash on the island on the board walk. But overall it was a beautiful island and we enjoyed our trip there . The ocean was beautiful and there were shells. I know a lot of our group was disappointed they didn’t find more shells .
Review provided by Viator
Marylou_c
Nov 6, 2025
Just a beach - The ferry ride was beautiful. But the island is just a beach on the Gulf which, if you’re already in St Andrew’s, you have the same experience for free. Not as many shells as they portray but I did find large ‘pieces’ of shells.
Review provided by Viator
From $26
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).