Shell Island Ferry - St Andrews State Park
Badge of Excellence
Panama City Beach, USA
- 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
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
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
4.5
based on 132 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
The boat captain and crew (Ryan and Drew) were the absolute best. From the trip over to the trip back, they were respectful, knowledgeable and so much fun!! And Shell Island was a little paradise within itself! I will definitely be returning next year!
The dog flies were tormenting. Nasty biting. Swarming. Left early due to these pests. Wish someone would have advised us. We would have gladly paid the $15 at the store where we checked in. Found some nice shells and sand dollars. Would we do it again? Maybe…with bug spray, but definitely if there were no flies. Water was great. Stopped to see dolphins on the way to the island. Staff was awesome.
The beaches are beautiful and the ride was great
There were flies that were just a little bit much. No spray helped but staying away from the dunes and shad helped
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Marie,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re so glad you enjoyed the beautiful beaches and had a great ride on the Shell Island Ferry. We appreciate your feedback about the flies as well. We hope to welcome you back for another great adventure soon!
The on line appointment was easily done. The staff was AWESOME, The wait wasn't long and enjoyable, mingling with others was very nice. The tram ride was great and so was the ferry was great.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Audrey,
Thank you so much for your awesome review! We’re delighted to hear that everything from the online booking to the tram and ferry ride went smoothly. It’s great to know our staff made you feel welcome and that you enjoyed meeting and mingling with fellow guests while you waited. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again for another St. Andrews adventure!
It was beautiful and peaceful but there are quite a few biting flies, bring ocean safe bug spray. Water is clear and blue like the Caribbean.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you enjoyed the beautiful, peaceful surroundings and the clear blue water at Shell Island, it really is a special place! We appreciate your helpful tip about the biting flies. They are more prevalent during certain times of the year, depending on seasonal conditions, but we understand they can be an annoyance when they’re around. Bringing ocean-safe bug spray is a great suggestion. We hope to see you back for another relaxing Shell Island adventure!
Wonderful day dolphin experience, Clearwater, beautiful The staff were very nice getting the tickets was easy.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Jerri,
Thank you so much for the outstanding review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a great day and enjoyed the beautiful clear water and dolphin experience. We’re also happy to know that getting your tickets was easy and that our friendly staff helped make your visit enjoyable. We truly appreciate you choosing us and hope to see you again for another St. Andrews adventure!
What a great day! Captain and hand were great, pleasant and funny. Bring an umbrella for shade and enjoy the crystal clear water while you find beautiful shells, relax on the beach and enjoy the ride back to the dock! So much fun for all ages❤️
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Sarah,
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a great day at Shell Island and enjoyed the ride, beautiful shells, crystal-clear water, and relaxing beach time. We’re especially glad our captain and crew helped make the experience fun and memorable! Thank you for the helpful shade tip, too. We love hearing that guests of all ages can enjoy a Shell Island adventure. We hope to see you again soon!
Take bug spray. Biting flies were terrible. When you get off the path at the beach,go as far to the right as possible. Best shells.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Sandy,
Thank you for the 5-star review and for sharing your helpful tips! We’re glad you found some great shells and enjoyed your time at Shell Island. The biting flies can be more prevalent during certain times of the year, depending on seasonal conditions, so bringing ocean-safe bug spray is definitely a helpful tip for visitors. We appreciate you sharing what worked for you and hope to see you back for another St. Andrews adventure!
It's awesome. A very smooth trip across the bay with the captain and crew. They were funny and informative. The tram driver also was super nice and he got us to the ferry and back.
This was a beautiful experience! we were able to find some really cool shells !! & the captain of the boat was a hoot. Really enjoyed the vibes from the crew ! Drew was a big help !
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Breanna,
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a beautiful experience at Shell Island and were able to find some really cool shells!
We love hearing that our captain and crew helped make your trip extra fun. We’ll definitely pass along your kind words to Drew.
Thank you for choosing the Shell Island Ferry and for enjoying the good vibes with our crew! We hope to see you back aboard for another Shell Island adventure soon!
We would have like to have known to bring tent and chairs. We probably would have stayed longer. We would have brought coolers.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Melisa,
Thank you so much for the 5-star review and for sharing your feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed your trip to Shell Island!
You’re absolutely right that bringing along beach essentials like chairs, a tent or shade, and a cooler can make it much easier to settle in and enjoy the island for a longer time. We appreciate the suggestion and will look for ways to make those recommendations clearer for future guests when they book.
We hope you’ll come back with your beach setup next time and spend the whole day relaxing, exploring, and enjoying beautiful Shell Island!
They don't tell you to bring bug spray. Br8ng it the flies bite like crazy and it hurts. Very well kept beach . Shells you have to dig to find them.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Heather,
Thank you for sharing your feedback and for visiting Shell Island! We’re glad you enjoyed the beautiful, well-kept beach and had the opportunity to search for some shells.
We’re sorry the black flies were an issue during your visit. Black flies can be particularly abundant at certain times of the year, and their activity can vary depending on seasonal and weather conditions. We understand how uncomfortable their bites can be, and we appreciate you mentioning the importance of bringing bug spray. We’ll take your suggestion into consideration as we look for ways to better prepare our guests for conditions they may encounter on the island.
And yes, Shell Island is a natural environment, so shelling can be hit or miss. Sometimes the best finds are waiting just beneath the surface or along the waterline! Thank you again for the helpful feedback, and we hope to welcome you back for another island adventure when conditions are more comfortable.
Awesome ride to shell captain and mate top notch. Most relaxing time you will ever spend on the beach. It’s like having the island to yourself
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Laura,
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the ride to Shell Island and that our captain and mate helped make your trip such a relaxing experience.
There really is something special about stepping onto Shell Island and feeling like you have your own little piece of paradise! We’re so glad you were able to unwind, enjoy the beautiful beach, and soak it all in.
We’ll be sure to share your kind words with our captain and crew. Thank you for choosing the Shell Island Ferry, and we hope to see you back aboard for another peaceful island escape!
Very friendly and helpful staff. The
ferry takes about 15 minutes, you do ride a tram to the ferry so be sure to arrive at least 25 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure.
The sand is pure white and squeaks when you walk on it. The water is beautiful clear, emerald-green. The beach is uninhabited in that area, It feels wild and peaceful. We saw ghost crabs, herons, and sea turtles.
We didn’t have much like finding any bigger shells or shark teeth but really enjoyed snorkeling and relaxing on the quiet beach.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Brenda,
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a relaxing and memorable day on Shell Island. Our team will be so happy to know their friendliness and helpfulness made a great impression.
It sounds like you experienced some of the best of Shell Island, from the squeaky white sand and emerald-green water to the peaceful, untouched beach and amazing wildlife. Ghost crabs, herons, and sea turtles make for some pretty special sightings!
While the bigger shells and shark teeth didn’t make an appearance this time, we’re glad you still had a great time snorkeling and enjoying the tranquility of the island. We also appreciate you sharing the helpful tip about arriving early for the tram and ferry.
We hope to see you again soon for another Shell Island adventure and maybe a little more luck with those shells and shark teeth next time!
It's a long walk from the pier where they drop you off to the beach. Not that many shells. Boat driver and crew were friendly and looked for dolphins in the bay.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Linda,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re glad to hear that you found our captain and crew friendly and enjoyed the ride as we kept an eye out for dolphins along the way.
We also appreciate your feedback about the walk from the drop-off point to the beach and the number of shells. Shell conditions can vary from day to day depending on tides, currents, and recent weather, but we’re happy you were able to enjoy some time on the island.
We hope to welcome you back for another Shell Island adventure in the future!
I was nice and Lisa was a great host. She was very convincing and we were really close to choosing a place.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Michele,
Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you decided to join us for the Shell Island Ferry, and we’re especially happy to hear that Lisa made your experience so enjoyable! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her. We truly appreciate you choosing us and hope to welcome you back for another Shell Island adventure soon!
This is a top-notch adventure experience. Shell Island is gorgeous and walking around the shoreline finding shells was amazing. The staff is a true example of southern hospitality.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Barbara,
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable adventure exploring beautiful Shell Island and searching for shells along the shoreline. It means so much to know that our team made you feel welcomed with a true touch of Southern hospitality. We appreciate you choosing the Shell Island Ferry and hope to see you again for another unforgettable adventure!
The shuttle ferry to shell island was enjoyable and we got to see dolphins on both trips. Tour guides Ryan and Devan were great.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Jessica,
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Shell Island Ferry and got to see dolphins on both trips!
We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Ryan and Devin. We’re so glad they helped make your experience enjoyable and memorable. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to see you back for another Shell Island adventure soon!
10/10. I loved Shell Island and the ride on the ferry there was great. Staff was lovely, entertaining and even slowed down and stopped so we could see dolphins. The island itself is peaceful , with beautiful water , waves and soft white sand. I found a bunch of shells. Pack lightly as the walk to the beach is a bit long from the dock (but make sure to bring essentials as the island is remote and has nothing).
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Sabina,
Thank you so much for the awesome review! We’re thrilled to hear you loved your Shell Island adventure and enjoyed the ferry ride. Our crew will be so happy to know you appreciated their friendly and entertaining service, and we’re glad they were able to slow down and give you a great view of the dolphins!
It sounds like you had the perfect island day with beautiful water, soft white sand, and plenty of shells to discover. We also appreciate the helpful tips for future visitors about packing light while still bringing those beach-day essentials.
Thank you for choosing us and for sharing such a thoughtful review. We hope to see you back at St. Andrews for another peaceful getaway soon!
Visiting Shell Island was truly a special experience. Remember to bring some chairs, an umbrella, and a small cooler to make the most of your day. Using a sifter to find beautiful shells under the water made it even more memorable. We took the 10am ferry, which was just right—allowing us to enjoy the views and stay comfortably ahead of the heat. If there had been an earlier ferry, we might have chosen that so we could leave around noon, but overall, it was a magical trip. We returned home with an abundance of shells and large pieces of Half shells, and even a sand dollar or two. Our only small regret is that we didn’t find more, but the overall experience was truly worth it. If you’re considering this trip, I wholeheartedly recommend doing it—it's an unforgettable adventure.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Ashleigh,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for sharing such helpful tips for future visitors! We're delighted to hear that your trip to Shell Island was such a special and memorable experience.
It sounds like you came well prepared and made the most of your day, from searching for shells to enjoying the beautiful scenery. We're especially glad you found some great treasures, including a few sand dollars! Every visit to Shell Island is a little different, which is part of what makes each adventure unique.
We also appreciate your feedback about ferry departure times. It's always helpful to hear what works best for our guests as we continue to evaluate our operations.
Thank you again for your kind recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable day on Shell Island!
I was alittle nervous getting there because I wasn’t sure how everything worked but after going inside and asking the ladies inside the shop they helped me so much and answered all of my questions and the rest was a walk in the park this was my family & I first time here and we absolutely loved it and definitely will be back again.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Maria,
Thank you so much for the outstanding review! We're so happy to hear that our team was able to answer all of your questions and help make your first visit a smooth and enjoyable experience. We know trying something new can feel a little overwhelming at first, so we're glad everything turned into "a walk in the park!"
It means a lot to hear that you and your family had such a great time on the Shell Island Ferry. We truly appreciate you choosing us for your adventure, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable visit!
It was wonderful for those with a spirit for adventure. The staff was great! They were eager to assist with boarding and exiting the ferry, and they were very informational. PLUS, we saw dolphins as we headed toward Shell island! I definitely hope to make this trip again!!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Debbie,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're so glad you enjoyed your Shell Island Ferry adventure. It's wonderful to hear that our crew made you feel welcome and was there to help every step of the way while sharing helpful information along the journey.
And seeing dolphins on the ride over is always an extra special bonus! We're thrilled you got to experience that magical moment. Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another trip to Shell Island soon!
The service was prompt, entertaining, and went very well. The beaches were beautiful but I will warn folks to being bug spray as the biting flies were absolutely voracious in July!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Cassie,
Thank you so much for your great review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the prompt service, the fun ride, and the beautiful beaches at Shell Island. It sounds like you made the most of your adventure!
We also appreciate you sharing the helpful tip about bringing bug spray during the summer months. Nature definitely likes to keep us on our toes this time of year! Thanks again for choosing the Shell Island Ferry at St. Andrews State Park. We hope to welcome you back for another visit soon!
Unable to stay entire day due to storms. Staff were excellent and had genuine concerns for passengers
It was an amazing boat ride! The captain and crew were extremely helpful and very friendly too the kids. 10/10 experience
The Shell Island Ferry from St. Andrews State Park is such an easy, relaxing way to spend a beach day, with a friendly crew, a smooth 10‑minute ride, and beautiful views that sometimes even include dolphins. The boats are clean and well‑run, boarding is simple, and the drop‑off spot on Shell Island is quiet, clear, and completely natural. Travelers should know to arrive a little early, bring all their supplies since the island has no facilities, and keep an eye on return times because the schedule is strict. It’s perfect for families, great for anyone who wants a peaceful stretch of untouched beach, and absolutely worth the trip if you want a simple, stress‑free way to enjoy Shell Island!🐚🏝️🩵✨
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Samantha,
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the easy ride, friendly crew, and the natural beauty of Shell Island. There's nothing quite like a relaxing day on those pristine beaches—especially when dolphins decide to make an appearance!
We also appreciate you sharing such helpful tips for future visitors. Arriving a little early, bringing everything you'll need for the day, and keeping an eye on the return schedule are all great recommendations to help make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Thank you for choosing the Shell Island Ferry. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back for another unforgettable beach day soon!
We enjoyed the fact that we could stay on shell island for more than an hour. Crew was real friendly.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Sheila,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed having extra time to relax and explore Shell Island. We believe having more than an hour on the island helps guests make the most of their visit, so it's great to know you appreciated it. We're also glad our crew made a positive impression with their friendly service. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to see you back on the ferry again soon!
Absolutely fantastic. Every aspect of our journey was a joy. The staff at check-in was thoughtful and very helpful. Our tram driver to the boat was kind and very friendly keeping us informed of needed schedule. And then there was the captain of the boat, who I must say has a great play list with a great personality to make for the most fun had in one peaceful day.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Gary,
Thank you so much for this incredible review! We are delighted to hear that every part of your Shell Island Ferry experience was enjoyable. From our check-in team to the tram driver and boat captain, our staff works hard to create a smooth, welcoming, and memorable experience for every guest, so your kind words mean a great deal to us.
We're especially glad you enjoyed the captain's personality and playlist—it sounds like the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing day on the water! Thank you for taking the time to recognize so many members of our team. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another peaceful and fun-filled trip to Shell Island soon.
Do not waste your time or money it’s just another beach no shells go to a public access no shells to be found plain and simple do not go
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Mendy,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're sorry to hear that your visit to Shell Island did not meet your expectations.
Shell Island is a natural barrier island, and shelling conditions can vary greatly depending on tides, weather, currents, and the time of year. While some guests discover an abundance of shells and wildlife, others may have a different experience on any given day.
Our ferry service is designed to provide safe, convenient access to this beautiful undeveloped island, where visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, swimming, wildlife viewing, and the natural coastal environment. We understand that shell collecting was an important part of your visit, and we're disappointed that the conditions did not provide the experience you were hoping for.
We appreciate your feedback and thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.
The drivers were awesome very friendly all of them! Loved the experience! Not many shells unless fight the waves for them, but still cool!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Chelsy,
Thank you for the 5-star review! We're so happy to hear you loved the experience and that our captains and crew made such a great impression. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to the team!
Shell Island can be a bit unpredictable when it comes to shell hunting, as tides, waves, and weather conditions all play a role in what washes ashore. Even when the shells are hard to come by, we're glad you still enjoyed exploring the island and spending time on the water.
We appreciate you joining us and hope to see you back for another adventure soon!
Member Pricing
From
$26.55
per personWas $27.95(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Member Pricing
Shell Island Ferry - St Andrews State Park
132
30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$27.95
$26.55
5% savings
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do