This 7.5 mile long, half mile wide barrier island separates the St. Andrews Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. 11 reviews of Shell Island Shuttle "Beautiful place. SPRING 2020 Schedule begins 4/1 – Every Day Depart fro m Marina 10:30, 12:30 & 2:30 Return from Shell Island 12:00, 2:00 & 5:00 SUMMER 2020 Schedule begins approximately 6/1 EVERY DAY: Depart from Marina – HOURLY 10:30 till 3:30 Return from Shell Island – HOURLY 11:00 till 5:00 All you need is your “camper” ferry ticket, a camping permit from Shell Key, and all your camping gear to have an epic night under the stars! Island Ferry offers the finest Shell Key kayaking tours in St Pete! Hiking inland on the island offers the opportunity to explore Florida is rare coastal flora, birds, and wildlife communities in their natural state. Plan the perfect beach day on West Ship Island, where you can do as much or little as you please. 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. It’s a great way to see deer and other park wildlife. See Full Calendar. Book now and save time on the day! © 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. Shell Island Shuttle, the island is a must-see for tourists who want a pristine beach experience. In the early 1990’s, the sandbar just south of Pass-a-Grille Beach known as Shell Island joined with it’s neighboring island to the south to form one contiguous island. We are the only tour operator that takes guests to the center of Shell Island, where the locals go. You can bring coolers, chairs, beach toys, and everything you need to spend a full day on the island. 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. Looking for things to do in Panama City Beach? Photo by Tom Blagden. Fort De Soto has been rated the number one beach in the entire United States. It is fascinating that the tides are so strong here than it can create and then bury a half-mile-long island. The Park is situated along miles of sugar-sand coastline that is consistently rated as America’s best beach. This is a barrier island. The Shell Island Shuttle is the safest, quickest, and easiest way to reach Shell Island. Let the Shell Island Express Ferry take your family from the Grand Lagoon (don't forget to check out the nesting ospreys on the way) through St. Andrews Bay over to Shell Island. Shell Island Day Trips. Shell Island) as a Wildlife Preserve and today, Shell Key is a pristine white sand strip of Florida paradise. Snorkel along the jetties. Eco-tour with low impact on unspoiled Shell Key, a small barrier island just south of Pass-A-Grille and St. Petersburg Beach via a 10 minute boat ride aboard a Corinthian, 49 passenger, Coast Guard inspected vessel. Take our Shuttle to Shell Island, rent water sports gear & pontoon boats, or meet bottlenose dolphins on a Dolphin Tour. Bring water, sunscreen & food. Beach bike rentals are available at the St. Andrews State Park Campground Camp Store. We are the only official ferry service to and from Egmont Key and Shell Key. Experienced paddlers may want to make the crossing to Shell Island or even paddle out the pass for some sea kayaking. 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 … $25 (+tax) for adults, kids 12 and under 1/2 price, kids 2 and under go free. And while you and your family are in the water, the Island Ferry crew stands watch on lifeguard duty. Things To Do on Shell Island. So we keep everyone safe! The official Shell Island Shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 9 to 5 seven days a week in summer and every 60 minutes in winter. Renting your own pontoon boat is a great way to enjoy a Shell Island beach day. We dock up in legendary Spanish Shanty Cove. Hop aboard one of the largest express ferries and cruise from the Grand Lagoon to the legendary Spanish Shanty Cove on Shell Island. Expect to see tropical fish, crabs, rays, and if you are lucky, a sea turtle or some of the resident bottle nose dolphins. The island is beautiful and well maintained. Expect to pay $20 for adults and $12 for children (round trip). Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach that makes up the southern reach of St. Andrews … If you don’t have your own gear, snorkel equipment is available for rent at the Jetty Store, or get it as part of a complete package along with Shuttle tickets on a Shell Island Snorkel Tour. Looking for things to do in Panama City Beach? Shell Island Shuttle tickets are available at the St. Andrews State Park Pier Store during the summer high season. As the official Island Shuttle service of St. Andrews State Park, the Shell Island Shuttle has been ferrying guests between the St. Andrews State … The Preserve is an important sanctuary for nesting, wintering, and migrating birds, as well as a popular fishing and boating area. Sunset Cruises are also available by reservation. In 2000, Pinellas County acquired a lease from the State of Florida to establish Shell Key (a.k.a. Explore Shell Island on your own time with your family and friends with one of our, well maintained, Shell Island Pontoon Boat Rentals. 0) Pay attention to landmarks as you head toward Shell Island for your return visit. Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach that makes up the southern reach of St. Andrews State Park. Book now and save time on the day! Watch live the ferry crossing Peconic River between Shelter Island and the village of North Haven. Anderson's Marina in Panama City Beach, Florida. Spend time gathering seashells, spotting dolphins, snorkeling in the clear water and relaxing on this remote, undeveloped stretch of natural beach. Swimming and snorkeling are great. 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. © 1994-2020 Shell Island Shuttle, all rights reserved. Do rent an umbrella and chairs, prices are very reasonable! NO SPLIT PAYMENTS, Reserve Cruises, Rentals, and Ferry Rides, 3hr Shelling Cruise From Hubbard’s Marina. Tampa Bay Ferry is family owned and operated since 1928. A few tips for people new to pontoons like us. Fort De Soto Park includes 1,136 acres of five interconnected islands.. Pictured here, sunrise at Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island. Step onto the ferry and into the wild. Safe, stable, spacious, and easy to operate, a pontoon boat is ideal for a family or a group of friends looking for adventure on the water and the perfect way to visit Shell Island. DISTRICT 6 includes the ocean waters of the state from northerly boundary of the state to the west end of north jetty at entrance to Humboldt Bay; excluding all streams, sloughs and lagoons. Winter Schedule: Saturdays 10 … You'll see dolphins, manatees, rays, horseshoe crab, and a variety of shore birds. 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. St. Andrews State Park Beach Chair Rentals. You can take a break from snorkeling and shelling, and sit on our shaded boats with a cold drink. 1) Don't anchor too close to shore. The ride to the island is about twenty minutes and offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and even manatees! Once on the island, Shell Key offers great shelling and swimming. Very pretty & natural. Located in the historic Ferry Building on San Francisco’s waterfront, Hog Island Oyster Bar offers the finest selection of oysters, craft cocktails, and an ever-changing seasonal seafood menu. This is just a brief overview of some of the many recreational opportunities available at one of the most popular attractions in Panama City Beach: St. Andrews State Park/Shell Island. For more detailed information and plenty of pictures, explore our website. Your professional guide will give you an interesting narration on the background and the biology of the 1,800 acre Shell Key preserve. Check-In Location4607 State Park LnPanama City Beach, FL 32408Get DirectionsPhone (850) 233-0504. Habitats range from sand bottom, to shallow grass flats, to the rocky faces of the jetties. We are the only official ferry service to and from Egmont Key and Shell Key. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Travel Web Design by Wodu. Learn More. The Shell Island Shuttle is the safest, quickest, and easiest way to reach Shell Island. Park at the store, take the free bus down to the Marina, and board the Shuttle. You can cruise the clear blue waters of St. Andrew Bay and play on the sugar-white sands of Shell Island with your own private pleasure craft. 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. 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. The Park also features two short and easy hiking trails that give walkers a close look at native pine forest and coastal scrub habitats. Bay side is calm with clear water mostly shallow. St. Andrews State Park covers 1200 acres and offers boating, camping, swimming and watersports, fishing, hiking, and bird/wildlife watching. Closed until 11:00 AM (Show more) This is an unbelievably unique opportunity to camp out on a secluded island. The waters around St. Andrews State Park are nice for both beginning and experienced kayakers. Ship Island Excursions’s staff is so friendly, the boat ride to the island is easy and safe and the full experience exceeded our expectations. 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. Or join us on the Shell Island Web Cam and preview the beauty of the park while you plan your trip. SHELL ISLAND EXPRESS FERRY . In the early 1990’s, the sandbar just south of Pass-a-Grille Beach known as Shell Island joined with it’s neighboring island to the south to form one contiguous island. Come out and enjoy a beautiful day of fun in the sun! Contact a Department office (FGC 11001 - 11003). 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 … 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. Enjoy birding, hiking, beach combing, and naturalist-guided tours within Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Check flight prices and hotel availability for your visit. We also often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Shell Key aboard the green ferry boat. Don't go there. 2) Trim (lift) your motor when close to shore. Our ferry boat operates daily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter. The Shuttle is also your connection to snorkel gear rentals and Shell Island Snorkel Tours, kayak rental and Shuttle ticket packages, Panama City Beach dolphin tours, and more. If you go, go prepared, and please take out everything you brought in. We had a good lunch on the island - prices again very reasonable and food was really good! At the far south end of the long stretch of resort hotels and condominiums lining the white sands of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park offers a surprisingly pristine slice of Florida coastline to beach lovers and outdoor adventurers. Great for small kids to play in lagoons with clear water. The Bulls Island Ferry runs year-round, taking passengers to Bulls Island from Garris Landing in Awendaw. We are the only official ferry service to and from Egmont Key and Shell Key. Be aware that there are entrances to the Gulf on both sides of you. Parking passes for the meters may be purchased when checking in for the … Buy Tickets. Tampa Bay Ferry is family owned and operated since 1928. The Shuttle is also your connection to snorkel gear rentals and Shell Island Snorkel Tours, kayak rental and Shuttle ticket packages, Panama City Beach dolphin tours, and more. Looking for things to do in Panama City Beach Florida? 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. This is a perfect secluded getaway spot without having to travel far. There is plenty of interesting shoreline to explore as well as good swimming and snorkeling spots. The Shuttle is the quickest, safest way to get out to Shell Island. Ship Island is a protected National Park. Begin and end your adventure at historic Fort De Soto, a military outpost constructed during the Spanish American War, listed in the “National Register of Historic Places”. St. Andrews State Park and beautiful Shell Island are must-see attractions. 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 … Take our Shuttle over to Shell Island, rent a pontoon boat, or even take a dolphin tour. In Shell Island Shuttle, swimming and snorkeling are great. 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. Begin and end your Shell Key adventure at historic Fort De Soto, a military outpost constructed during the Spanish American War, listed in the “National Register of Historic Places”, and Pinellas County’s largest park. Shell Island is a local hot spot for snorkeling in Panama City Beach, Florida. Richardson ultimately lost his vast holdings, and the bulk of Rancho del Sausalito was sold in 1868 to the Sausalito Land and Ferry Company. Gulf side is awesome. For camping enthusiasts, we offer an overnight experience on Shell Key! The ferry to Bird Shoal & Rachel Carson Reserve runs every 30 minutes, and reservations are not required. Tampa Bay Ferry is family owned and operated since 1928. Among the many things to do in Panama City Beach Florida, there is one standout that should not be missed. The Shell Island Shuttle is the easiest, safest, and fastest way to get to Shell Island. One and done - Shelly Island has washed away Shelly Island, an instant shoal created by the vigorous tides at Cape Hatteras Point, popped up in 2017 and is gone now (in 2018) - one year and over. Once on the island, Egmont Key offers great shelling, swimming, and opportunities for adventures. Pick-up Times (from Shell Key): 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM Friday – Monday Only. If you want, a kayak can be ready and waiting when you get to the island. There is even a large fort on the island named Fort Dade you can access and explore. Take our Shuttle over to Shell Island, rent a pontoon boat, or even take a dolphin tour. Take shuttle here or boat. For $3, they will give you parking pass you can use all day (6) Your cost includes shell collection bags, snorkel and umbrella rental. This trip is one of a kind… If you want to travel to an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water, and shelling galore, our ferry to Shell Key from the Fort De Soto boat ramp is a great choice for you and your family! Make reservations for the Shell Island Express Ferry out of Capt. Shell Key Preserve is a 1,828-acre preserve located in the mouth of Tampa Bay, which includes a 195-acre barrier island known as Shell Key. Ride around the campground loops and park roads as well as on the 2-mile paved bike trail that wanders through the park. Get directions, maps, and traffic for Shell Island, FL. Hiking inland on the island offers the opportunity to explore rare Florida coastal plant, bird, and wildlife communities in their natural condition. Bulls Island. Shell Island, FL Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. You can get to the island by taking a local ferry service like Shell Island Shuttle which shuttles beach goers from St. Andrews State Park to Shell Island. Getting to Shell Island is part of the adventure, and there are several fun options to choose from. Explore the fort that is still equipped with 12-inch rifled mortars and two British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapid-fire guns. (4) you are required to wear a mask and they are socially distancing groups on boat and plenty of island to social distance (5) no need to put money in parking meter. Our Shell Island Dolphin Tours are one of the most memorable experiences you will have while visiting Panama City Beach. Reservations are required for some of the other trips & tours, so just call (252) 728-4129 to schedule. Legal. 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. Getting to Shell island is simple. You can also rent a boat for the day or take a guided tour like a jet ski tour we did with Adventures at Sea. Accessed via private boat or the official Shell Island Shuttle, the island is a local must-see location for visitors who want the pristine beach experience. Leave the stress of the mainland behind and board our ferry that’s heading toward tranquil stretches of shore and pristine Gulf waters! Snorkeling is good around the St. Andrews State Park jetty, and excellent out on Shell Island. We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Egmont Key Island aboard the Tampa Bay Ferry, our big green boat. 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