Among the many things to do in Panama City Beach Florida, there is one standout that should not be missed. Photo by Tom Blagden. Our Shell Island Dolphin Tours are one of the most memorable experiences you will have while visiting Panama City Beach. St. Andrews State Park and beautiful Shell Island are must-see attractions. You can also give us a call at (850) 233-0504 or drop by the office just inside the Park entrance at 4607 State Park Lane Panama City Beach, FL 32408. Shell Island is a very natural environment, which means there are no concession stands where you can buy food or drinks, no restroom facilities, and no picnic tables, trash receptacles or shaded pavilions. You'll see dolphins, manatees, rays, horseshoe crab, and a variety of shore birds. They laid out streets and subdivided the central waterfront and hills into spectacular view lots, then purchased a small streamer, the Princess, to bring in prospective buyers from San Francisco. Hiking inland on the island offers the opportunity to explore Florida is rare coastal flora, birds, and wildlife communities in their natural state. This is a perfect secluded getaway spot without having to travel far. Do rent an umbrella and chairs, prices are very reasonable! And while you and your family are in the water, the Island Ferry crew stands watch on lifeguard duty. While Shell Island was named for the abundance of shells found here, in the more heavily trafficked parts of the island shells are few and far between, since so … It is fascinating that the tides are so strong here than it can create and then bury a half-mile-long island. We are the only official ferry service to and from Egmont Key and Shell Key. Buy Tickets. Snorkel along the jetties. You can take a break from snorkeling and shelling, and sit on our shaded boats with a cold drink. DISTRICTS 1 3/8, 1 3/4, 2, 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2, 4, 4 1/8, and 4 3/4 generally constitute inland water or land areas. We are the only tour operator that takes guests to the center of Shell Island, where the locals go. The Preserve is an important sanctuary for nesting, wintering, and migrating birds, as well as a popular fishing and boating area. Make reservations for the Shell Island Express Ferry out of Capt. The ferry to Bird Shoal & Rachel Carson Reserve runs every 30 minutes, and reservations are not required. © Hubbard's Marina 2020 • 170 Johns Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 • Tel: 727-393-1947, Passengers ~ Groups larger than 4 require 1 form of payment. About St. Andrew Bay Ferry Company Shell Island, Dolphin & Restaurant Hopping Cruises St. Andrew Bay Ferry Company is the only year-round and pet-friendly tour operator in Panama City. We are the only official ferry service to and from Egmont Key and Shell Key. Habitats range from sand bottom, to shallow grass flats, to the rocky faces of the jetties. Shell Island Shuttle tickets are available at the St. Andrews State Park Pier Store during the summer high season. Begin your adventure with Shell Island Shuttle. Park at the store, take the free bus down to the Marina, and board the Shuttle. Tampa Bay Ferry is family owned and operated since 1928. Shell Island can only be accessed by boat, and the Shell Island Shuttle is the easiest, safest, and quickest way for visitors to reach Shell Island. Be aware that there are entrances to the Gulf on both sides of you. Getting to Shell island is simple. The Shell Island Shuttle is the safest, quickest, and easiest way to reach Shell Island. Shell Island is the southern part of St. Andrews State Park, and the Shell Island Shuttle is the official water transportation provider for the park. Hiking inland on the island offers the opportunity to explore rare Florida coastal plant, bird, and wildlife communities in their natural condition. Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach that makes up the southern reach of St. Andrews … Following a 30-minute ecotour through Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, the Ferry docks at Bulls Island and passengers depart to explore the island on their own. It is also headquarters of the Shell Island Shuttle, the official water transport service to one of the star attractions in Panama City Beach: Shell Island. Or join us on the Shell Island Web Cam and preview the beauty of the park while you plan your trip. Shell Key is also home to a large nature preserve, where nearly half of the island is blocked to allow the native seabirds a section of undisturbed beach. There is plenty of interesting shoreline to explore as well as good swimming and snorkeling spots. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Travel Web Design by Wodu. Ride around the campground loops and park roads as well as on the 2-mile paved bike trail that wanders through the park. Bring water, sunscreen & food. Learn More. For $3, they will give you parking pass you can use all day (6) Your cost includes shell collection bags, snorkel and umbrella rental. Looking for things to do in Panama City Beach? Renting your own pontoon boat is a great way to enjoy a Shell Island beach day. St. Andrews State Park Beach Chair Rentals. The Shell Island Shuttle is the easiest, safest, and fastest way to get to Shell Island. St. Andrews State Park covers 1200 acres and offers boating, camping, swimming and watersports, fishing, hiking, and bird/wildlife watching. Shell Island, FL Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. 1) Don't anchor too close to shore. Shell Island) as a Wildlife Preserve and today, Shell Key is a pristine white sand strip of Florida paradise. The Bulls Island Ferry runs year-round, taking passengers to Bulls Island from Garris Landing in Awendaw. Come out and enjoy a beautiful day of fun in the sun! If you have a boat, or a rented one, you can simply motor over, drop anchor just offshore, and come and go to the island as you please. This 7.5 mile long, half mile wide barrier island separates the St. Andrews Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. Anderson's Marina in Panama City Beach, Florida. Sandbar on bayside was pretty ." Check flight prices and hotel availability for your visit. Book now and save time on the day! Swimming and snorkeling are great. $25 (+tax) for adults, kids 12 and under 1/2 price, kids 2 and under go free. Check-In Location4607 State Park LnPanama City Beach, FL 32408Get DirectionsPhone (850) 233-0504. Your professional guide will give you an interesting narration on the background and the biology of the 1,800 acre Shell Key preserve. Legal. Great for small kids to play in lagoons with clear water. Fort De Soto Park includes 1,136 acres of five interconnected islands.. In Shelter Island is the outstanding Mashomack Preserve, and to the other side of the river, are the historic village of Sag Harbour and the town of East Hampton a popular ritzy … Shell Key Shuttle departures: 10:00 AM 12:00 Noon 2:00 PM Return when you wish: 12:15 PM 2:15 PM 4:15 PM (Schedule may vary, please call to confirm) Round Trip fares are $25.00 for adults $12.50 for children 12 and under (plus tax) Parking passes for the meters may be purchased when checking in … We dock up in legendary Spanish Shanty Cove. Winter Schedule: Saturdays 10 … Very pretty & natural. We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Egmont Key Island aboard the Tampa Bay Ferry, our big green boat. You can bring coolers, chairs, beach toys, and everything you need to spend a full day on the island. The easiest and safest way to try kayaking on Shell Island is to arrange a rental package that includes a ride on the Shell Island Shuttle and kayaks available on Shell Island. 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