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
(69 Ratings)
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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
Coastal608977
Oct 24, 2025
Family fun!! - We had a great time the beach was outstanding and Ryan our ferry driver was also outstanding really everyone was super!! The beach has not restrooms or food or drinks so make sure and pack what you can but be prepared no rest rooms
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stacy_e
Oct 17, 2025
We loved the atmosphere... - We loved the atmosphere of the boat ride, and Shell Island was beautiful. The water was crystal clear, the weather was perfect!
Review provided by Viator
477jensenj
Oct 14, 2025
nice, quick trip - Comfortable ride to the island and back. Friendly crew. The island beach was clean and fun with no crowding. I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lara_j
Oct 13, 2025
Great - Be aware of the wind the boat ride great and most fun. Always be prepared for Great stay on the island
Review provided by Viator
Tahrima_i
Oct 12, 2025
It was an amazing... - It was an amazing experience. We will definitely use this same ferry ⛴️ again 😊 the captain and crew were fantastic. Beautiful of Shell Island is unreal. We were mesmerized by it’s beauty 😍😍😍😍
Review provided by Viator
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
Wanderer668889
Sep 11, 2025
Waste of money and time - It was a complete waste of time. They let us off on the opposite side of the island. Too much walking even before you get to the beach. A waste of money and time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $26
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).