When you’re making a list of things to do in Panama City Beach for your upcoming vacation, be sure to put Shell Island at the top of that list. Shell Island is among the most popular Panama City Beach attractions. This barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay is a seven-mile stretch of undeveloped land, so it’s easy in this natural surrounding to find wildlife, undisturbed vegetation, and, of course, plenty of beautiful Panama City Beach shells.
If you enjoy shell collecting, bird watching, or nature walks, or if you simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty of land untarnished by the trappings of modern life, then a trip to Shell Island is definitely something you’ll want to add to your list of things to do in PCB.
Let’s take a closer look at this natural wonderland and also at some of the best condos in Panama City Beach, as well as other options where you and your family can enjoy luxurious amenities and comfort during your island stay.
About Panama City Beach
Drawing about 4.5 million visitors each year to its 27 miles of white-sand beaches and blue Gulf waters in what is known as Florida’s Emerald Coast, Panama City Beach is the perfect place for a relaxing beach escape. Panama City Beach is an eclectic mix of historic and modern sites and attractions that offer something for everyone. In addition to its stunning beaches, PCB also boasts various nightlife spots and a long list of attractions, from the Shipwreck Island Waterpark to Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. There are also local and state parks for biking, hiking, fishing, and picnicking; tours and cruises; golfing; fishing charters; and so much more.
About Shell Island
More peninsula than barrier island (in fact, it was once known as Lands End Peninsula), Shell Island is a result of a dredging of Gulf Bay Pass during the 1930s. While once home to Native Americans, Spanish explorers and settlers, pirates, and even a shipwrecked sailor dubbed Teddy the Hermit from 1929-1954, today the land is inhabited only by diverse wildlife. This includes shorebirds, sea turtles, deer, and crabs. In the waters surrounding the island, you’ll see bottlenose dolphins at play. Being a natural and uninhabited island, Shell Island does not have restrooms, concessions, picnic areas, or trash receptacles, so plan accordingly!
Things to Do
Putting you in touch with nature in a way few places can, Shell Island offers several fun things to do for the whole family. Spend a carefree day away from computers, cars, and crowds, and relax amidst the pristine beauty of a rare spot untouched by the modern world.
Shell Hunting
As the name implies, Shell Island is filled with a wide assortment of shells. While you’ll most commonly find conch shells, you are also likely to come across whelk, pin shells, periwinkles, and moon snails. Very lucky shellers might even uncover a sand dollar!
Wildlife Viewing
Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers can spend hours observing life on Shell Island. Birds that can be found on the island include hawks, white pelicans, sandpipers, dunlins, sanderlings, herons, grebes, egrets, and frigatebirds. Marine life that can be spotted while swimming or snorkeling includes ghost crabs, dolphins, starfish, rays, and many types of tropical fish. On land, you’ll meet deer, armadillos, marsh rabbits, beach mice, loggerhead turtles, and maybe even an alligator in the lake on the island.
Boat Tours
There are a few companies offering sightseeing boat tours of Shell Island. These narrated excursions discuss the history of the area, point out dolphins, and might even stop on the island and let you explore on foot. Some are labeled as snorkeling tours, while others are dolphin tours where you can actually swim with these wonderful creatures. These typically are carried out on pontoon boats, holding a few passengers and to small groups. You can also choose to rent your own boat or jet skis and head off to the island. If you’re planning your own excursion, remember to bring coolers, beverages, food, and any equipment, such as snorkels and scuba diving gear, as there are no rental shops, restaurants, or concession stands found on Shell Island.
Plan Your Visit
The team at Dunes of Panama is dedicated to making your vacation perfect, so contact us today or browse our rentals online to find the perfect property for your next beach getaway!
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a great activity the whole family will enjoy when visiting Shell Island. You can choose a 2-hour snorkeling tour, or you can venture to the island on your own and bring your own gear, either your personal items or gear rented from one of the several rental shops in and around PCB. Snorkeling Shell Island puts you up close and personal with dolphins and the varied marine life that surrounds the island. You are sure to come across sea turtles, hermit crabs, sea urchins, manta rays, and needlefish, to name a few species that call Shell Island and the waters around it home.
Directions
Shell Island can only be reached by boat, so there are no driving directions that put you on this natural stretch of land. You can use the Shell Island Shuttle from North Lagoon Avenue in Panama City Beach. This boat shuttle drops passengers off in the calm waters of the cove just behind Shell Island Jetty. Shuttles run every hour. The Shell Island Ferry Service from St. Andrews State Park runs 7 days a week. Taking your rental boat, pontoon, or jet ski is another option for reaching the island.
What to Bring
It’s important to remember that you’ll need to take everything you think you will need for your trip to Shell Island, as there are no convenience stores, rental shops, or food establishments to be found. Bring a cooler with plenty of water and food, a sun hat, sunscreen, and protective clothing. A spare change of clothing is a good idea as well. Bring a beach blanket so you can sit and enjoy the views while you eat and beach towels to dry off after swimming or snorkeling. Be sure to clean up any garbage! If you’re going for birdwatching or wildlife viewing, remember to bring binoculars, a camera, or your phone to view or capture memories of these animals in their natural habitat.
Book Your Panama City Beach Condo Rentals At Dunes Of Panama
At Dunes of Panama, we offer a wide range of condos in PCB that are conveniently situated close to Shell Island excursions and many things to do in Panama City Beach. Outside your condo in Panama City Beach, you can expect to find pools, outdoor BBQ grills, poolside gazebos, picnic tables, and a short walk to the sandy white beaches. There are also lots of activities, from tennis and basketball courts to volleyball, shuffleboard, pickleball courts, swing sets, and a fitness room. For peace of mind, Dunes of Panama is a gated community with on-site security.
