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
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
4.3
(30 Ratings)
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Carla_p
Dec 11, 2024
Great little cruise - This was an excellent short excursion. The price was reasonable. The crew was very helpful and friendly.
Review provided by Viator
Shanda_g
Dec 5, 2024
Watching the dolphins and beautiful water!m - We got to see a lot of dolphins on the way back. The captain was very nice and made the trip fun! I would definitely recommend this excursion!
Review provided by Viator
Compass48588249076
Dec 4, 2024
Our shell island adventure - My husband and I had an amazing time it was so peaceful since we went in December. We will definitely go back but now we know to bring fishing gear and chairs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sunshine16264907596
Nov 14, 2024
Beautiful walk along the beach with no crowds - Enjoyed a wonderful ride to and from Shell Island with an excellent crew who were very friendly, funny and entertaining. We had hoped to find more shells but because of strong waves and recent storms there were not many, but we did find sand dollars. Walked about 1 1/2 miles along the sandy shoreline which was beautiful. We will definitely visit again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_b
Aug 9, 2024
Beautiful waters, great... - Beautiful waters, great captain, fun ride, 2nd year using the ferry very enjoyable. Looking forward to next year
Review provided by Viator
Dawn_i
Aug 1, 2024
Great relaxing family day. - Crystal clear water with beautiful white sandy beaches. If you're looking for quiet and relaxing this is your place. The waves aren't large, great for littler kids. It's still shallow after the break to snorkel. Definitely a great choice. The boat captain and crew were amazing and friendly along with the entire staff. Thank you.
Review provided by Viator
Kasey_l
Jul 23, 2024
We loved it! - Great crew! Very fun and knowledgeable! We were running a little late and they were very helpful! We will be back!
Review provided by Viator
Susankb9677db
Jul 11, 2024
Great trip on the water - Great ride to Shell Island. Ferry was comfortable and clean, crew was nice and we felt safe. The only negative was that we didn't realize the walk on the boardwalk was as long as it was and on a hot day, that was kind of miserable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_w
Jun 29, 2024
Wouldn't do it again - Ferry ride was very pleasant. However they take you to a dock where you have to walk quite a ways to the beach. No shells, no marine life, not what you'd expect. . It's a complete waste if $26 per person. If I had to do it again I'd book a cruise with another company.
Review provided by Viator
Sonjalee1967
Sep 12, 2024
DO NOT book through TripAdvisor !! - Book directly through Shell Island Ferry ! They say they will pick you up at another point through TripAdvisor, They will not they only pick up at the state park. The ferry was wonderful and thank goodness rescheduled our ferry because we missed it due to waiting and finding the pick up location.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
January 2025
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