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: 1 day learn more
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 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)

What's Included
  • Snacks available for purchase on Shell Island
  • Drinks available for purchase on Shell Island
  • Beach umbrellas available for purchase on Shell Island
  • Beach chairs available for purchase on Shell Island
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
4.2
(25 Ratings)
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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
Carol_b
Jun 22, 2024
Beach day - Finding little shells. Boat captain & crew were fun & knowledgeable st Andrew’s park was huge. The lagoon was fun to snorkel
Review provided by Viator
Angela_t
Jun 21, 2024
Great escaoe - Great ride beautiful island. No shells...however a great way to escspe the ovetcrowded local beaches
Review provided by Viator
Enelysrodriguez
Jun 16, 2024
100% recommended!! - We loved it and the beach was beautiful, we brought everything to enjoy our day, some people tried to do snorkel unfortunately we had the visit of jellyfish that day!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
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
Tommyw881
Jun 26, 2024
No Shell Island - You would think that an island named Shell Island would have an abundance of shells. We decided to rename the island to one more representative.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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