Last Updated on March 20, 2024

Always On The Shore contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase, we make a small commission at no cost to you.

For more information, please read the disclaimer page

Shell Island, Florida is a 7-mile-long stretch of land with pristine beaches and beautiful white sand, just off the coast of Panama City Beach.

In this post, we look at things to do at Shell Island and tips for visiting this Florida gem!

This undeveloped barrier island sits right on the Gulf Coast and allows visitors to have the great experience of enjoying a Florida beach without the large crowds.

It’s a fairly small island, spanning just ¾ of a mile at its widest point. 

On one end of the island is St. Andrews State Park, and on the other is the Tyndall Air Force Base.

Being only accessible by boat makes this Florida beach much less visited than other popular locations and allows it to remain quite serene.

 

 

This beautiful location on the Gulf of Mexico is undeveloped and allows visitors and locals to enjoy the natural beauty without being interrupted by huge crowds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From snorkeling tours to boat rides to hiking, there are lots of fun things to do at Shell Island

 

 

 

 

Board a catamaran for this nice sunset cruise around the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy some of the most beautiful views from the water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Andrews State Park is a 1,200-acre park with sand dunes and coastal scrub forests to explore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A variety of wildlife call Shell Island, Florida home including shorebirds, ghost crabs, loggerhead turtles, a large pod of resident bottlenose dolphins, and more.

 

 

 

If you’re looking for a beautiful pristine beach in Florida where you can relax, spot wildlife, and spend time away from the huge crowds, consider a visit to Shell Island.

 

 

If you’re looking for a beautiful pristine beach in Florida where you can relax, spot wildlife, and spend time away from the huge crowds, consider a visit to Shell Island.

 

 

Booking a last-minute trip to Shell Island?  

If so, we have you covered.  Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!

Top Tours Near Shell Island

Snorkel and Dolphin Cruise (Shell Island Tour With Dolphin Catamaran Cruise)

Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise (2-Hour Sunset Sail)

Scream Machine Thrill Ride (One-of-a-kind thrill ride perfect for adventure lovers!)

Catamaran Snorkel & Dolphin Watching Tour (Snorkeling & Dolphin Tour In Panama City Beach)

Top Hotels Near Shell Island

Marriotts’s Legends Edge At Bay Point (Best Panoramic And Lagoon Views)

Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Top-Rated Beachfront Hotel)

The Boat House (Private Motel On Marco Island)

Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites (Best Rated Victorian-Style Inn)

 Looking To Get Around In Panama City Beach

Check out rental car rates here! 🚗