09/10/2026
PART 2 of our local gems series is here, and this one is an absolute must-see: 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝!
If you ask any Bay County local where to spend a perfect day on the water, Shell Island is almost always at the top of the list. It is a 7-mile stretch of untouched, sugar-white sand and emerald water sitting right between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay.
What makes it so special? It is completely undeveloped. There are no high-rise buildings, no boardwalk shops, no restaurants, and no paved roads just pure, unspoiled Florida nature.
A few fun facts and details about this favorite spot:
•𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘚𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘛𝘰 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦: Shell Island gives you the best of both worlds. You can anchor on the calm, shallow Bay side which is perfect for wading, floating, and spotting sea life in the seagrass. And you can easily walk right across the island to the wild, open ocean waves on the Gulf side.
•𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺: Before it was a local getaway, Native American tribes frequented the island for its rich shellfish, and Spanish explorers later used its sheltered coves. Over the years, nature and hurricanes have kept human development away, preserving it as a state preserve.
•𝘉𝘰𝘢𝘵-𝘈𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺: Part of the adventure is just getting there! Since there are no bridges, you have to arrive by water. Locals love taking their own boats or renting pontoons for the day, but you can also catch the Shell Island Shuttle or take a dolphin tour right from St. Andrews State Park or Grand Lagoon.
•𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯: Keep your eyes open on the ride over because it’s one of the best spots around to see wild bottlenose dolphins swimming right alongside your boat. On the island, you can hunt for starfish and sand dollars, hike through the rolling sand dunes, or snorkel in the crystal-clear grass flats.
•𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘪𝘱: Because it’s completely raw and natural, there are no restrooms, trash cans, or concession stands. Pack a cooler with plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and be sure to take out whatever you bring in.
Whether you're cruising out for a family day trip, anchoring with friends, or just escaping the crowds, Shell Island is a wonderful paradise right in our backyard.