Travel from St. Andrews State Park to Shell Island for beach time, shelling, and exploring. Park admission is separate from the ferry ticket.
Duration: Ferry transfer with flexible island time; confirm return departures.
Shell Island which is the 700-acre barrier island protecting the waters of St. Andrews Bay in Panama City. Its seaward shoreline is comprised of beautiful sandy beaches that are perfect for shelling, sunbathing, and exploring.
What to expect Boarding Times (please arrive 30 mins before departure time) for Ferry ride If transportation is needed to get to ferry, the Tram departures from St. Andrews State Park Pier store. They are hourly at the top of the hour (see calendar for current times). This tram will bring you to the ferry dock.
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)
Operator inclusion notes
Not included
Important information
Meeting instructions Parking/ticketing is located at the Pier Store (follow signs from the entrance gate). Here, you will board a tram that will take you to the ferry dock. The tram leaves the Pier Store 30 minutes before the scheduled ferry departure time on your reservation.
Check-in notes (please arrive 30 mins before departure time) Park admission fees are as follows: $4 Per Single-Occupant Vehicle; $8 Per Multiple-Occupant Vehicle (Limit 2-8 people per vehicle); $2 For Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers in vehicle, or passengers in vehicle with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Cancellation policy For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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