Duration: 20 minutes
This trip is one of a kind... If you want to travel to an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water, and shelling galore, our ferry to Shell Key from the Fort De Soto boat ramp is a great choice for you and your family! Our ferry boat operates daily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter. This 20 minute trip offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles and even manatees! We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Shell Key!
Shell Key is also home to a large nature preserve, where nearly half of the island is blocked to allow the native seabirds a section of undisturbed beach. Come out and enjoy a beautiful day of fun in the sun!
For camping enthusiasts, we offer an overnight experience on Shell Key! All you need is your "camper" ferry ticket, a camping permit from Pinellas County, and all your camping gear to have an epic night under the stars! This is an unbelievably unique opportunity to camp out on a secluded island.
Does not include:
Additional Information:
Itinerary
Board our ferry at Fort De Soto boat ramp, at the historic Fort De Soto, a military outpost constructed during the Spanish American Ware. It is listed in the "National Register of Historic Places" and Pinellas County's largest park. The 20-minute ferry will then travel to Shell Key, an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water and shelling galore. The trip between is a great chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles and even manatees!
Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Includes:
- Restroom on board
Does not include:
- Gratuities
- Parking Fees
Additional Information:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Options:
| Shell Key Island Camping | |
| Available Now until 6/29/2025 View Detailed Schedule | |
| Overnight camping at Shell Key: Experience primitive, overnight camping at Shell Key Preserve. Your ticket includes your ferry ride to and from the island. |
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