Panama City is a place where tourists from all states flock to relax on the beaches and take advantage of the area’s many attractions and activities. The perfect panorama of summer is created by turquoise waves crashing against the sparkling white sand beaches that line the coastline of Panama City Beach. This small Florida village turns into a real American beach town from spring to November. Most of the activities are outdoors or water related as this is mainly a summer holiday region and many of them are only available at certain times of the year. There are many attractions in Panama City and Shell Island is one of them. Shell Island offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the beach without distractions, with crystal clear waters fringing its white sandy coastline. The mesmerizing island is a seven-mile (11.2 m) stretch of unspoiled beauty, tucked away between a wonderful bay and stunning St. Andrew’s Bay. Shell Island is the perfect place for a fun-filled beach holiday. Here are some ways to get to Shell Island, as well as some activities that tourists can do.
How to get to the amazing Shell Island
Although it may seem far away, Shell Island is very close. Depending on sea and weather conditions, the Shell Island Shuttle runs this short distance every half hour throughout the summer. The season affects dates and times. An additional option is the PCB Shell Island Express Ferry with a snack bar. Tourists should apply in advance for hours and reservations, especially during the off-season. Another option to get to the island is to rent boats. Several businesses provide this choice if tourists like to set their own schedule and enjoy the privacy with their family and friends. Tourists can also ask for a crew at the rental office to help them on the boat. The last option is to rent a sailboat or ride around the island in a banana boat for an unforgettable excursion.
Explore the island’s unspoiled natural splendor
Visitors to Shell Island often marvel at the whiteness of the sand, the vibrant emerald and blue hues, and the clarity of the surrounding ocean. Many people feel lost in a tropical paradise and can spend a whole day exploring the area without meeting a single person.
- Events: Tourists can fill their day with picnicking, snorkeling, sunbathing and other activities.
Find cute dolphins
On the way to Shell Island, tourists can meet friendly wild bottlenose dolphins. The ocean around the island has one of the highest populations of these mammals in the world. During their journey through the wonderful area and while relaxing on the beach, visitors can see them. They may also spot one of these incredible animals as it plays and swims in the ocean near the gorgeous coastline. There are plenty of dolphin excursions if tourists want to get even closer, such as the Dolphin Sea-fari, during which they go swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat under professional guidance. This guide will also take swimmers to the best areas of the sea, provide them with the appropriate swimming and snorkelling equipment, and instruct them on how to properly interact with the dolphins.
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Expenses: USD 28 per senior (over 55); USD 30 per adult, USD 22 for military personnel and USD 20 per child (over two years old)
Collect unique ammo
There is a good reason why Shell Island has such a name. Visitors can appreciate and collect the many local types of shells that can be found nearby.
- Shell varieties: Moon snails, sea urchins, periwinkles, conch shells, olive shells, and trumpeter shells are among the shells tourists can spot on the island.
The only restriction on carrying shells is that they cannot contain live marine animals such as live snails or crabs. If not, then tourists can safely collect shells as a memento of Shell Island!
Get more adventure: go snorkeling and kayaking
Due to the incredible variety of marine life on Shell Island, snorkeling is a popular sport. Most tour operators provide either guided snorkeling tours or the option to rent snorkel equipment before arriving on the island. Tourists can expect to land next to the Shell Island Marina if they get to the island by shuttle. Because of the calm and shallow water, this place is called the children’s pool. This is a great place for snorkeling.
Another popular tourist attraction on Shell Island is kayaking. Either through the Shell Island Shuttle or through St. Andrews State Park, renting a kayak is the easiest option. Tourists can rent their own kayak through the shuttle service and it will be waiting for them as soon as they get to the island. The seas surrounding Shell Island are mostly shallow and generally calm. This is a great place to learn how to paddle or kayak. Plus, kayaking is a fun activity for the whole family, and they can often find kayaks that can accommodate one or two paddlers.
What to bring to Shell Island
When visiting this dazzling island, tourists are advised to take with them all the equipment they will need for the day. There is nothing man-made on Shell Island. Consequently, there are no toilets, trash cans, picnic tables, snack bars, or shady tents. In order to preserve this breathtaking landscape, it is also necessary to return all the things brought.