Shell Island Ferry: Explore Panama City's Barrier Island with Unspoiled Sandy Beaches
4.4
18 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
4.4
(18 Ratings)
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Keshia_l
Jun 9, 2024
Fabulous - The crew from beginning to end were very professional we really enjoyed Shell Island. My husband and I really loved booking with you guys we loved it.
Review provided by Viator
Donna_l
May 8, 2024
Shell Island ferry - Every one was very pleasant and ferry was on time going both way. Only found few small shells but beach was great
Review provided by Viator
Danielle_l
Apr 26, 2024
Amazing time! - The ferry ride was a great experience. Everyone was super friendly and made you feel welcomed. We got to see dolphins on our trip over to the island and the Captain of the boat stopped the boat so we had a chance to watch them. Our trip back from the island was on time and very enjoyable. I highly recommend this company for tours. They also have a sunset dolphin tour which is also highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
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
Timothy_m
Apr 20, 2024
Great ferry, the island was nothing special. - The ferry was great. The island was nothing different than the state park beach. More shells in the state park.
Review provided by Viator
Jonathansu5127cr
Jun 7, 2024
Good but could use more information - The captain Ryan was amazing. The boat ride was great... could put that you have to load up a few times on the website and walk far to get there, though 🤔 Also 40 bucks nearly to rent one umbrella just for a hour that we stayed due to infant was kinda steep could put that price on website also 😳
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anna_h
May 29, 2024
Missed our boat because of the fine print - The ferry itself and the staff are great! I just wish they would make it more clear that you must be there 30 before to catch the tram that takes you to the ferry. OR change the times for booking , say 9:30 instead of 10:00 so that there is zero confusion and people don’t miss their booking.
Review provided by Viator
Ainslee_m
Jun 7, 2024
Unfortunately Disappointed - We were disappointed with the ferry, The deck hand was loud/obnoxious thinking she was a lot funnier than she was. As well as older men making inappropriate comments around little kids that were never addressed. Then after the ferry we we waited for ten minutes for the tram to pick us back up. Besides that the captain and tram driver were very nice. Just a bad experience for us. Wouldn’t do again.
Review provided by Viator
Michelelr9916gq
May 6, 2024
Average - Beautiful, quiet beach. However if you want to snorkel take your own boat so you can access the side of the island that has the best areas for this. The ferry only drops off at the main island section and walking to those sites are quite difficult especially if you have supplies in tow.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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