Shell Island Ferry - St Andrews State Park
Badge of Excellence
Destin, USA
- 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
![State Park E-Bike Tour: Alligators, Pier, & More [SELF-GUIDED]](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-360x240/12/37/9e/af.jpg)
Overview
Enjoy a relaxing getaway to Shell Island via a tour, which offers you the perfect escape from the upbeat city life. Relax on its beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for shelling, sunbathing, and exploring. Purchase snacks, drinks, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, and other essentials on the island to ensure optimum comfort. Ferries depart hourly from St. Andrews State Park at the top of the hour, with returns from Shell Island at the bottom of the hour.
- Take a break from the city and board a ferry to Shell Island for a fun time
- Spot some sea birds, sea turtles, and other animals; take some pictures
- Sunbathe, relax, swim, and explore when you arrive at the beach
- Stop by the shops on the beach; buy some snacks and beach necessities
What's Included
- Snacks, Drinks, Beach Umbrellas/Chairs available for purchase at the Pier Store before Departure
- Restroom on board
- Parking Fees$8.00 per booking
Meeting and Pickup
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Please bring: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat and Water bottle
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Kai_Y
We traveled with a 5 yr old and a 92 yr old grand mother. Staff was very attentive and helpful. We even got a beach wheelchair to take grand mother around on the beach from the state park. Boat Captain, Ryan, and his staff went over and beyond to make the boat ride a joy for everyone. He asked for people’s favorite music and even stop the boat so we can see dolphins. Highly recommend the ferry ride to the Shell Island.
Reviews
4.4
based on 91 reviews
Amanda_R, Apr 2026
Everyone was super nice and informative! The captain was so kind on the way back when we seen dolphins he went off course so everyone could see them!
Andrew_C, Apr 2026
The boat ride was amazing the driver and his partner were awesome they stopped so everyone could see the dolphins
Joe_L, Apr 2026
Shell island was great had a great time will definitely be back water was beautiful clear truly the emerald coast
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Joe,
Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad you had such a wonderful time out at Shell Island. That clear, emerald water really is something special, and we’re happy you got to see it at its best.
We truly appreciate you saying you’ll be back, that means a lot to us! We can’t wait to welcome you again for another beautiful day on the water.
Kai_Y, Apr 2026
We traveled with a 5 yr old and a 92 yr old grand mother. Staff was very attentive and helpful. We even got a beach wheelchair to take grand mother around on the beach from the state park. Boat Captain, Ryan, and his staff went over and beyond to make the boat ride a joy for everyone. He asked for people’s favorite music and even stop the boat so we can see dolphins. Highly recommend the ferry ride to the Shell Island.
Bennie_P, Apr 2026
We enjoyed everything about the boat ride. The captain allowed my son to stir the boat. He has autism and he just doesn’t know how he brought tears to it our eyes as parents because he didn’t treat him differently. One had on a American flag bandanna the other a blue shirt with shades on
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Bennie,
Thank you so much for sharing this incredibly meaningful experience with us. We’re truly touched by your kind words. It means the world to know that your son felt included and had such a special moment at the helm—those are the memories that stay with you forever.
Our crew strives to make every guest feel welcome and valued, and we’re so glad they were able to create such a genuine and heartfelt experience for your family. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind recognition to the captain and crew.
Thank you again for choosing us. We hope to welcome you and your family back for another unforgettable day on the water.
Margaret_D, Apr 2026
Nice little ferry ride, but the drop off location is different than it was a few years ago. I don’t know if the change in drop off locations (different part of the island) has anything to do with it, but we saw next to no shells. We did see dolphins, but as we went for shells we were a little disappointed. We ended up feeling like we basically just paid to go swim on a different beach. The boat crew were very nice.
Bryttani_M, Mar 2026
Was told the 30 mins prior to our trip boats weren’t running after we booked and paid in advance and paid to get into the park they said they would issue an immediate refund with email proof and that hasn’t been done yet
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Bryttani,
We’re very sorry for the inconvenience and frustration you experienced. Unfortunately, weather conditions can change quickly, and, for everyone’s safety, we sometimes have to cancel trips on short notice. We understand how disappointing it is, especially after you’ve already made plans and entered the park.
We also want to sincerely apologize for the delay in communication regarding your refund. A full refund has now been processed, and you should see it reflected in your account shortly, depending on your bank or payment provider.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We truly hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a much smoother and more enjoyable experience in the future.
Tammy_B, Mar 2026
Was a great experience . The island didn’t have many shells by 1:00pm so taking an earlier time would be ideal.
Nicole_P, Mar 2026
The shuttle is more than just a ride. It is an adventure on its own. The captain and crew were amazing with passengers and children.
David_V, Mar 2026
The ferry ride was fantastic. Saw some dolphins and the captain was very hospitable. Shell Island itself was a disappointment! No shells!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
David,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the ferry ride, spotted dolphins, and had a great experience with our captain—that’s exactly what we hope every guest takes away from the trip.
We’re sorry to hear that Shell Island didn’t meet your expectations when it came to finding shells. Because it’s a natural, ever-changing environment, shell availability can vary quite a bit depending on tides, weather, and how recently the area has been visited.
We truly appreciate you joining us and hope you’ll consider coming back for another visit. Sometimes the conditions are just right for a much more “shell-filled” experience!
Natalie_A, Mar 2026
Great experience and I would recommend to anyone who wants to shell or relax. We enjoyed having someone take out in the boat with no worries.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Natalie,
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled you had a great experience at St. Andrews State Park. It’s the perfect spot to relax and do some shelling, and we’re glad you were able to enjoy it stress-free while we handled the boat.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back out on the water again soon!
Darryl_H, Mar 2026
It’s beautiful! The ferry ride was a ply, the captain and crew were very nice and informative. Not really a lot of shells but recommend going on one of the ear out trips before the shells get picked up over. It was a great experience beach is beautiful. Saw many doors. Will definitely return
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Darryl,
Thank you so much for the amazing review! We’re thrilled you had such a great experience and enjoyed the beautiful beach and relaxing ferry ride. Our captain and crew will be happy to hear your kind words—they love making each trip both fun and informative.
You’re absolutely right that earlier trips can sometimes offer better shelling before the beach gets picked over, and we appreciate you sharing that helpful tip for future guests! And how exciting that you got to see so many dolphins, that’s always a highlight.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and can’t wait to have you back out on the water again soon!
Jason_R, Mar 2026
Don’t be late and make sure you take your sunscreen. These folks are very easy to deal with. Other than that have fun
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Jason,
Thank you for the 5-star review! We love the advice—arriving on time and bringing sunscreen definitely helps make the day even better out on the water.
We’re so glad you found our team easy to work with, that’s exactly the experience we strive to provide. Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to see you back for another fun trip soon!
Justin_B, Mar 2026
The boat ride and the crew were awesome!
The island itself is a bit of a let down, nothing special about it, but overall it was a fun little trip to take.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Justin,
Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the boat ride and had a great experience with our crew—they’ll be happy to know they made your trip memorable.
We appreciate your honest feedback about the island as well. While it may feel simple to some, many guests enjoy it as a relaxing escape, and we’re always looking for ways to enhance the experience.
We’re glad you still had a fun trip overall and hope to welcome you back again soon!
Christine_M, Feb 2026
The shuttle driver and boat driver were great. Shell Island is a great place to get away from the crowded beach. There are lots of small shells. The bigger shells are quickly picked up by the first people to arrive each day,
Jean_R, Jan 2026
Ferry ride was great. Even though dolphin tour wasn't part of the trip, they stopped to find them. Not alot of shells.
Anna_L, Nov 2025
We didn't make it for our time and they rebook for next one with no problems.
Very good experience. Fun crue.
Beautiful views
Patricia_C, Nov 2025
The captain and employee were very helpful and went the extra mile to make sure everyone had a great experience
Marylou_C, Nov 2025
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.
Rebekah_L, Nov 2025
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.
Rebekah_L, Nov 2025
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 .
Angie_G, Nov 2025
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!
Stacy_E, Oct 2025
We loved the atmosphere of the boat ride, and Shell Island was beautiful. The water was crystal clear, the weather was perfect!
Lara_J, Oct 2025
Be aware of the wind the boat ride great and most fun. Always be prepared for Great stay on the island
Tahrima_I, Oct 2025
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 😍😍😍😍
Dustin_M, Sep 2025
The ferry ride was quick and interactive for the kids the captain and crew are very friendly and funny.
The beach is beautiful with lots of sea life visible from the shore.
Jessica_T, Aug 2025
Crystal clear water beautiful beaches we seen several dolphins and a manatee got a bunch of shells and a few sand dollars 10/10 recommend and the captain was awesome he let us pick out music for the ride and even let us take pictures of some dolphins
Jennifer_T, Aug 2025
Great time Captain was very funny and friendly! Would definitely go again! Waves were calm was a great dummy day
Jessica_T, Aug 2025
We have been there before but was on the bay side which we didn’t care for but this was beautiful crystal clear waters we seen several dolphins jellyfish and crabs. Found a ton of shells. We loved it so much we are going again before we go home 10/10 recommend
Brandon_H, Aug 2025
Short walk to beach from dock on island. Staff were friendly and helpful to all. It was enjoyable experience.
From $27.95
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Shell Island Ferry - St Andrews State Park
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