Panama City Beach Boat Rental - Shell Island Pontoon Boats (2023)

FAQs

Can you take a pontoon boat to Shell Island? ›

HAVE FUN ON THE WATER WITH PONTOON BOATS. Cruise to Shell Island and explore St. Andrews Bay aboard your own pontoon boat from St.

How much does it cost to go to Shell Island? There is no cost for the island and there is nothing to spend money for on the island.... no restrooms, no facilities. It technically costs nothing to enter or to walk around Shell island, however, the cost is the transportation to get there.

Traveling by Boat

Even though Shell Island might feel like a personal paradise, you don't need any special permission to visit. If you own a personal boat or choose to rent one during your time in the area, you can boat to Shell Island and anchor close to shore.

Andrews State Park and to the east, Tyndall Air Force Base. Shell Island is known for the ability to anchor your boat just off the shore and swim on in to the Island or just enjoy the mesmerizing relaxation of the gently rolling waves from the comfort of your own pontoon boat.

That's why pontoons and smaller recreational boats are great for the intercoastal, bays, rivers, and so on. They are not made to go 30-40 miles offshore. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you can always see the shore and boat in waves no larger than 3-4'.

Thanks to modern design and technology, as well as advancements in both materials and construction, the answer to the original question — can you take your pontoon boat into open waters — is a resounding yes.

Yes, Shell Island is very worth visiting. 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. Many people are surprised at its pristine beauty.

Are there restrooms on Shell Island? Shell Island is a nature preserve with no restrooms or any other visitor facilities such as trash receptacles, picnic tables, or shade pavilions. There is no trash removal service.

RIDE THE OFFICIAL SHELL ISLAND FERRY

It will take about 15 minutes to reach our dock at the island.

Sand dollars, moon snails, conch shells, pin shells, periwinkles, whelk and olive shells are just a few of the indigenous seashells found here. And, as long as there are no creatures living in them, there is no limit to how many of these one-of-a-kind souvenirs you can take home with you.

How much is the boat to Shell Island? ›

Two of us took the boat to Shell Island and I believe the cost was between $40 and $50 for both of us.

A: You can travel by boat or jet ski to Shell Island. You can travel on the St. Andrews Shuttle to Shell Island for $24.95 for ages 13 and older, $17.95 for children ages 2-12, and infants 0 to 1 years old are free.

Toilets and Showers-There is a main toilet block in the centre of the Island. We also have various toilets available onsite. During busy times we do suggest using the main toilet block.

The waters around Shell Island are home to a large group of bottlenose dolphins. You can encounter these amazing marine mammals at home in their natural habitat on one of our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours.

It's crucial that you bring your own food in a cooler or container that you can easily carry home. Food: For a day trip, we suggest a picnic cooler with plenty of water and food for the day. Consider using insulated, cloth coolers for easy transport and cooler gel packs instead of traditional ice.

DO NOT stand or sit outside of the pontoon railings: This is the MOST dangerous thing you can do on a pontoon. This also accounts for the most severe injuries and fatalities on a pontoon boat (other than drownings).

It is almost impossible to flip a pontoon boat, whether a bitoon or a tritoon. Their unique design makes them almost incapable of flipping over, with reports of such incidents happening being very rare.

Bottom line: feel free to use your pontoon on salt water if conditions are good. A protected saltwater bay, inlet, or mangrove swamp is often a more suitable pontoon boating environment than the open ocean. Keep an eye on the weather, keep your weather radio set for alerts, and avoid rough conditions.

Yes, personal boats can make the trip between Florida and the Bahamas. Remember that the journey is over the open ocean; boats 40' and larger boats generally offer more storage for supplies you should have aboard and provide a smoother ride through the chop than smaller boats.

Standard sized pontoon boats for the leisure market do not have toilets built in but many will have the space under the Bimini to erect a changing curtain behind which a porta-potty can be placed. Bigger pontoon boats such as Party Huts and Party Cruisers will have built in heads where portable toilets can be added.

Are pontoon boats safe in rough water? ›

Pontoons and especially tritoons are excellent in rough water. With their considerable and stable buoyancy from twin and triple pontoons with sharp nose cones, they are able to skip right over waves up to 2' to 2.5' with ease.

Discover the untouched nature at Shell Island, an uninhabited barrier island with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water where adventures await.

One popular spot is the “children's pool” – this is how locals refer to the calm, sheltered waters behind the Shell Island Jetty. Another good spot is the protected swim area on the southern end of St. Andrews State Park.

Yes, there are trails on Shell Island where you can walk at the end of our dolphin tours. Be mindful of bird nesting areas by staying on the trails.

Daily Visitors Admission Charges 2023

We open for day visits at 8am until 8pm (tide dependant), so you will have plenty of time to explore, enjoy and relax. When the Camp site goes full, day visits close due to health and safety.

How to Find the Best Shells on Panama City Beach. One of the best places in Panama City Beach to go shelling is the aptly named Shell Island. You can get there by taking the shuttle from Saint Andrew State Park that runs every half-hour. You can also opt to take a private charter to the island.

Pack like you're spending the day at the beach and come prepared with sunscreen, towels, bathing suits, sun-protective gear, food, and drinks. Shell Key is a pristine island without any shops or restrooms, so make sure to bring everything you need.

There are no concessions on Shell Island, and the sand, sun and water tend to make everyone extra hungry and thirsty.

The shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 9 a.m to 5 p.m, 7 days a week during the summer season and every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week during the spring and fall. All Shuttle schedules are weather and water conditions permitting.

We promise it will be an experience you never forget. The Dolphin Swim Adventure rate are $209 Adult / $179 Child per person plus tax. To see the exact rate for the dates you are coming to Panama City Beach, please click the booking calendar or buttons to see all the rates.

What beach in Florida has the most seashells? ›

Sanibel Island

Of all the Florida beaches, Sanibel Island may have the most widespread reputation for shelling. That's both a pro and a con. The reputation is well-earned, and there are always plenty of shells to be found on Sanibel Island.

You know what to look for and how to look for it. Where you specifically want to go are the two best beaches on Sanibel Island for sand dollar hunting, and that is Bowman's Beach and Tarpon Bay Beach. The best places on the beaches are of course the shallows, specifically at low tide, and after a storm.

When collecting seashells, it is important to make sure the shells are empty. If the shell still has an animal inside, put it back into the environment. The animal inside will die in the shell and start decomposing on your way home. Collected items should have little to no smell.

Note: No restrooms available. Preserve is accessible only by boat.

Access to the 'island' by vehicle is via a causeway across the estuary of the river Artro when the tide is out, since the 'island' is privately owned, a fee is payable.

This 3-1/2 HR narrated adventure touring St. Andrews Bay and Shell Island complete with pulling our crab trap, looking for dolphins, feeding the birds while getting a brief history of our area and eco-system, and cap it all off as we do on EVERY cruise on the Capt.

Shops. All our shops are open 7 days a week from 8am - 8pm during the main holidays.

The beach is still private. New owner's have continued to keep public from using their property. Go to the public beach instead.

Camp Fires

Campfires are not permitted on Shell Island, except on the beaches or raised off the ground in Fire Buckets. Smoke annoyance to other campers will not be tolerated. Barbecues are permitted.

Dolphins are most active in the morning and evening. They tend to be less active at night, especially if it's cloudy or rainy out. Dolphins prefer to hunt and play when the tide is low (when there's less water). They'll be less active if there's more water around them.

What is the best time to see dolphins in Panama City Beach? ›

Best Weather to See Dolphins

Dolphins are in Panama City Beach year-round, though many are migratory. They are most often seen from May to October when the water is warmer. You will have the best visibility on clear days and are most likely to enjoy your tour during warm and sunny weather.

The name came from the abundance of shells located in and around the island so you might find yourself immersed with beautiful and alluring prized shell.

Besides shell searching, swimming, and lounging on the beach, there are tons of family-friendly tours offered by local Panama City Beach attractions and activities to help get the most out of a stay at Shell Island.

Shell Island

The center portion of the island, called "Spanish Ante," is privately owned & dog friendly! Keep in mind, there are no restrooms or public amenities on the island, so come prepared with plenty of sunscreen, snacks, doggie bags, & fresh water!

12 passenger pontoon boats are great for a harbor cruise or a trip to Crab Island. With fuel, safety equipment, and instruction included in most rentals, it's an efficient way to explore the water and get you to the Crab Island sandbar safely. Pontoons are one of the most popular Crab Island boat rentals in Destin!

The island is visible from the mainland and many people take their private boats there. Even though people frequently boat there, there is no ferry between the mainland and the island. If you want to travel to Sanibel Island by boat, you'll have to charter one or have a good friend who can enlist you as their crew.

A popular way to experience Florida's Emerald Coast is a trip to Crab Island. You have options to get there, and the first option is pontoon boat rental and the second is by jet ski tour.

No, you cannot drive your car to Crab Island. You can't swim or walk there, either. The only safe way to get to Crab Island is by boat. You can either rent a boat, charter a boat, or do an excursion, like the Crab Island Shuttle Boat or Crab Island Adventure Tour.

Prices starting from $250 for a Half Day, and $350 for a Full Day. Click the Book Now button to check for availability and prices with no obligation to book!

Boats do anchor and just enjoy Crab Island in its natural state. The Peak season for Crab Island is during the summertime (May, June, July, August).

What time of day is best to go to Crab Island? ›

Crab Island is open 24 hours, but the best time to go is during the day. The activities and food vendors will be open and that's also when most people will be there. Furthermore, if you're hoping to go when the water looks the best, go during high tide. Especially the first couple hours after high tide.

Boaters, sailors, and cruisers who frequent the waterways around Fort Myers Beach, FL, including the Caloosahatchee River and the Okeechobee Waterway, are very familiar with what's come to be known as the “miserable mile.” The miserable mile is a stretch of channel with a strictly enforced “no wake” zone that is ...

The cost to rent a boat in Sanibel Island ranges from $36 to $800+ per hour. Boat rentals in Sanibel Island can be captained or bareboat for a half or full day.

The current Sanibel Causeway toll is $6.00 for automobiles and motorcycles traveling from Punta Rassa to the island. This toll is enforced through use of an electronic license plate recognition system on Bridge A, the first bridge.

The Crab Island Shuttle Boat, Destin's most popular Crab Island excursion, offers the cheapest way to get to Crab Island, Destin's most popular boating destination.

Crab Island does not have restrooms. If you need to go to the bathroom, most people will releive themselves in the water or they ask a fellow boater for access to the restroom. If you have transportation, you can go back to the Harbor and use the restroom at one of the local restaurants.

Alcohol is allowed. There has been some news lately that causes people to believe that alcohol has been banned at Crab Island. What has been banned is the SALE of alcohol at Crab Island. If you want to bring alcoholic beverages with you, you can.

Bring your floaties and a small cooler with food and drinks and enjoy the short shuttle boat ride from the Destin Harbor and 2-2.5 full hours (depending on the trip reserved) anchored at Crab Island, where you can float or walk around the sandbar or enjoy attractions such as the mobile food boat vendors and the ...

Crab Island Pictures & Video

Crab Island in Destin guarantees fun for all-ages. Wade in the shallow water while searching for shells and marine life, or anchor at the dropoff and whip out the paddleboards!