shell island tours edisto beach

A Journey Through Time: Visiting the Edisto Island Historic Preservation Museum

Discover the Rustic Charm of Driftwood Beach on Edisto Island: A Visitor’s Guide

Reviving Edisto: The Imperative and Methodology of Beach Renourishment

Pedal Paradise: Exploring the Edisto Beach Bike Trail

• The Plantation Course
• thanksgiving 2015
• thanksgiving
• Restaurant Review
• Queen of Edisto
• October Events
• New Years Eve 2016
• New Years Eve
• Miss Edisto
• McConkey's Restaurant Edisto Beach
• Uncategorized

Shell Island in Edisto Beach, SC

Shell seeking is one of the most beloved activities vacationers take part in every summer on Edisto Beach, but there’s one place on the island that is a must-see for any seashell lover.

Shell Island is the nickname given to a sandbar island just across from Jeremy’s Inlet. This area can be seen by walking down the section of the beach in front of the beach campground of the South Carolina State Park. During low tide, it seems possible to walk across the inlet and onto the island, but the currents are very strong and the tide changes quickly making it possible to get stranded on the island.

A better way to get to the island is to call Edisto native Captain Ron Elliott at (843) 869-1937. Capt. Ron will take shell seekers out on a boat and leave them on the island for about two hours. Once on the island, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of shells scattered on the island.

Many of the shells are bleached from years of direct sunlight that shines down and whitens the sand of the island. Several shells are in excellent condition making it possible to bring home some natural souvenirs from an Edisto vacation.

Shells on the island include the butterfly-shaped Angelwings, slender Wentletraps, spiny Apple murexes, scalloped calicos and cockles, Atlantic Jacknives, Slippersnails, Surfcalms, and Wing Oysters, Banded Tulips, Whelks, Channeled Duckclams, Wentletraps, and more.

It’s also possible to find hermit crabs scuttling about over shells and in the sand, but they generally prefer to be left alone.

Other treasures on Shell Island include sharks teeth, horseshoe crab shells, sun-bleached driftwood, sand dollars, starfish, sea glass, and fossils. Loggerhead turtle nests also dot the land, but are not to be disturbed.

Although it is possible to swim in the water off Shell Island, the undertow is slightly stronger than the undertow off of front beach, so swimmers are urged to take safety measures before entering the water. It’s also likely that small sand sharks are in the water (along with dolphin, turtles, jellyfish, and a host of other sea creatures) so always be on the lookout.

No trip to Edisto is complete without a visit to Shell Island at least once to see all the hidden treasures of the area.

GETTING TO CAPTAIN RON’S: Once an appointment has been made to go to Shell Island, visitors can get to Capt. Ron’s by taking Botany Bay Road past the AME church and follow the road until it dead ends. A sign for his eco-tours will be visible from the road.

History of the Pavilion and Pier

Cruising edisto's shady streets, related posts, stories from edisto: shrimp, stories from edisto:familiy reunions, mchaney style, palmetto 200, edisto informational video.

Edisto Watersports & Tackle

There is always something happening on the edisto watersports dock.

• Bike Rentals
• Fishing Charters
• Kayaks & Paddleboards
• River Tours
• Shelling Excursions

Shelling Excursions on Otter Island

• $50 per adult/$30 age 10 and under
• Make reservations early as there are minimum numbers required for a tour.
• This adventure only takes place at low tide.
• Please bring your own water, towels, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.  Don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars.

Just across St. Helena Sound lies Otter Island, a wonderful part of the ACE Basin and a naturalists' and photographers' paradise.  The island is protected by the Department of Natural Resources.  It is part of the St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area. Enjoy 2.5 hours on this deserted island in the heart of the ACE Basin (boat ride is 15 minutes each way for a total of 3 hours).  You are likely to see bottle nosed dolphins on the boat trip over and back.  Teeming with birds, this is   a great place to find sand dollars or whelks. Some folks have even found WWII artifacts!  

Tour/Charter Reservation Cancellation Policy

Customer cancellations made more than 7 days in advance will receive a full refund/waiver of fees. Customer cancellations made within 7 days but at least 48 hours in advance will be charged 50% of fees. Any short-term customer cancellations within 48 hours will be charged full fees.

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Home › Things To Do › Edisto Island Tours

Tours Of Edisto Island & The ACE Basin

Edisto Island is perfectly situated as a base from which to explore the waterways of the lowcountry. From the St Helena Sound to the Edisto River to the smaller creeks that penetrate the interior of Edisto itself, its varied environments offer beautiful scenery and frequent opportunities to watch the dolphins and birds that call the South Carolina coast home.

Local tour companies provide a number of guided tours to introduce you to Edisto’s nature and wildlife, whether you prefer a relaxing boat tour or a more active excursion by kayak.

Edisto Island is not far from the blackwater swamp environments of the lower Edisto River, with several kayak tours exploring this unique southern ecosystem of massive cypress trees and calm, slow-moving water. Other tours visit the old rice fields of the interior coast, or the waters of St Helena Sound.

A boat tour offers more scope for seeing a wider variety of wildlife and scenery. Several boat excursions are available from Edisto, visiting the rivers and estuary that make up the protected ACE Basin; the waterways encircling Edisto; or an unusual little island half way to Beaufort that is home to thousands of monkeys.

See also: – Visiting the Edisto Island Museum – How To Get To Edisto Island – Things to do near Charleston

Kayak Tours

Edisto river.

Edisto River and Penny Creek Tour, 3hrs30 With Kayak Charleston. Tour of Penny Creek and the Edisto River, seeing forested creeks, marshes and an old rice field canal. $65 per person. Call 843-509-3037 for reservations. More details

Blackwater Kayak Tour, 6hrs With Coastal Expeditions. Wildlife tour of a blackwater creek in the ACE Basin. Adults $95, children (12 and under) $75. Can also be booked as a private tour, 6-person minimum. Call 843-884-7684 for reservations or book online. More details

Penny Creek Tour With Nature Adventures. Kayak tour of Penny Creek, a blackwater tributary to the Edisto River. Call 843-568-3222 for inquiries and reservations. More details

Edisto River Tour With Nature Adventures. Blackwater kayak tour of the Edisto River. Call 843-568-3222 for inquiries and reservations. More details

Ashepoo River

Ashepoo River Tour, 2hrs30 With Kayak Charleston. Tour of the ACE Basin’s Horseshoe Creek, seeing either tree-lined creeks or salt marsh and former rice fields. $40 per person. Call 843-509-3037 for reservations. More details

Edisto Island

Kayak Tour, 2hrs With Edisto Watersports & Tackle. Nature-oriented kayak tour of the ACE Basin from Edisto. $40 per person. Call 843-869-0663 for reservations. More details

Edisto Island Daytime Tours

Dolphin Boat Ecotour (12 max) 1hr30 With Botany Bay Ecotours. Public dolphin-watching and ecology tour of St Helena Sound and the creeks near Edisto. Adults $54, children (4-12) $27. Private tours also available, $500 for up to 12 people. Call 843-869-2998 for reservations or book online. More details

Gullah Ecotour (12 max) 1hr15 With Botany Bay Ecotours. Gullah history and culture tour combined with a dolphin eco tour of Edisto, joined by local Gullah woman Sarah Burnell. Adults $54, children (4-12) $27. Private tour $500. Call 843-869-2998 for reservations or book online. More details

Inside Loop (6 max) 1hr30-2hrs With Edisto Saltwater Tours. Wildlife and sightseeing boat tour of Edisto’s interior creeks. $125 for up to 2 people, $175 for up to 4, $235 for up to 6. Call 843-412-7886 for reservations or book online. More details

North Edisto River Tour (6 max) 2hrs With Charleston Fishing Company. Boat tour of Botany Bay, Seabrook, Rockville and other North Edisto River sights, from Steamboat Public Boat Landing. $250 for up to 6 people. Call 843-412-6811 for reservations or book online. More details

Botany Bay Island Tour (6 max) 2hrs With Charleston Fishing Company. Beach-combing tour to Botany Bay Island from Steamboat Public Boat Landing. $250 for up to 6 people. Call 843-412-6811 for reservations or book online. More details

Circumnavigate Edisto Island (6 max) 2-3hrs With Edisto Saltwater Tours. Boat tour around the whole of Edisto Island. $200 for up to 2 passengers, $300 for up to 4, $400 for up to 6. Call 843-412-7886 for reservations or book online. More details

Sunset Tours

Sunset Cruise (ages 10+) 1hr15 With Botany Bay Ecotours. Sunset boat tour out of Edisto Island. Public tours $54 per person, private tours $500 per party. Call 843-869-2998 for reservations or book online. More details

Sunset Cruise (6 max), 1hr15 With Edisto Saltwater Tours. Sunset boat cruise of the South Edisto estuary. $40 per person or $225 for up to 6 people. Call 843-412-7886 for reservations or book online. More details

Edisto River & The ACE Basin

South Edisto River (6 max) 3hrs With Edisto Saltwater Tours. Wildlife-watching boat tour of the South Edisto River from St Helena Sound to Willtown Bluff. $200 for up to 2 passengers, $300 for up to 4, $400 for up to 6. Call 843-412-7886 for reservations or book online. More details

ACE Basin River Tour (12 max) 3hrs With Botany Bay Ecotours. Private tour of the ACE Basin. $320 for 1-2, $400 for 3-5, $475 for 6-9, $550 for 10-12. Call 843-869-2998 for reservations or book online. More details

ACE Basin, Dolphin, and Sunset River Tour, 2hrs With Edisto Watersports & Tackle. Scenic cruise of the St Helena Sound region, with wildlife watching in the river and marsh creeks, returning at sunset. Adults $45, children (10 and under) $25. Call 843-869-0663 for reservations. More details

Ashepoo River (6 max) 3hrs With Edisto Saltwater Tours. Boat tour of the Ashepoo River’s saltwater and blackwater environments. $200 for up to 2 passengers, $300 for up to 4, $400 for up to 6. Call 843-412-7886 for reservations or book online. More details

Morgan Island & St Helena Sound

Morgan Island (6 max) 3hrs With Edisto Saltwater Tours. Wildlife-watching boat tour to Morgan Island, where you might see some of the several thousand monkeys that inhabit the island. $200 for up to 2 passengers, $300 for up to 4, $400 for up to 6. Call 843-412-7886 for reservations or book online. More details

Morgan Island Tour (12 max) With Botany Bay Ecotours. Private tour of the ACE Basin, also seeing Morgan Island where you may spot monkeys. $320 for 1-2, $400 for 3-5, $475 for 6-9, $550 for 10-12. Call 843-869-2998 for reservations or book online. More details

Shelling Excursion on Otter Island, 3hrs With Edisto Watersports & Tackle. Boat ride to Otter Island, in St Helena Sound, with 2.5 hours on the island to see the wildlife and look for shells. Adults $40, children (10 and under) $20. Call 843-869-0663 for reservations. More details

Pine Island Safari With Botany Bay Ecotours. Private boat tour from Edisto to Pine Island to see its beaches and wildlife. $220 for 1-2, $345 for 3-5, $420 for 6-9, $636 for 10-12. Call 843-869-2998 for reservations or book online. More details

Fossil Tours

Edisto Beach Adventure (12 max) 3hrs With Charleston Fossil Adventures. Fossil hunting at Edisto Beach State Park. Adults $65.99, children (5-15) $49.99, young children (0-4) free. Family group discounts available. State Park admission is not included. Call 843-534-9099 for reservations or book online. More details

© Melanie K Jones 2024

Edisto Shrimp Boat Charters

Special edisto island excursion trips abound..

Let the beauty and biodiversity of Edisto Beach and coastal South Carolina come alive! Join Cap’n Clif for Edisto Island excursion tours and sightseeing, guided by Miss Ellen’s state-of-the-art navigational electronics. Or, ask Cap’n Clif to take you for his favorite activity:  gator gazin’.

Looking for unique places to eat at Edisto Beach? How about a cooking excursion? Enjoy Lowcountry boils, shrimp boils, crab boils, and more aboard the Miss Ellen.  Enjoy lunch at a local port during your charter.  Drag the channel.

Whether getting a jump on the morning sightseeing by water, fishing or shrimping to fill your freezer, enjoying a seafood feast, or relaxing on a sunset cruise, there are so many things to do and see while aboard the Miss Ellen at Edisto Beach. Catch red fish, spot tail, trout, sharks and more.

If you don’t see what you’re looking for on our site, call us at 843-729-2687 to arrange your own Edisto Beach sightseeing tour or charter-boat excursion. At Edisto Shrimp Boat Charters, it’s all about you . We want your experience while at Edisto Beach to be a lasting one.

Rates for these excursions will be based on the type trip, the length of the trip and the number of people.

Let us be your inshore fishing guide. We also offer charter boat tours at Edisto Marine including:

• Charter fishing trips offshore and inshore
• Guided trout, red fish and spot tail fishing trips
• Guided shrimping trips
• Sunset Cruises
• Sightseeing trips and island tours by water
• On-board cooking excursions
• Gator gazin’ tours
• Custom charters and tours

We accept cash and checks.

Beachcombing

Quick details.

• Duration: 1 Hour
• Capacity: max 10 per group, 4 groups per tour
• Private tours available

Experience Edisto Beach near Botany Bay as a living zone between the ocean and the dunes. You will learn about shells, fossils and the animals living below the sand. This walk is one of the most fascinating things to do at Edisto Beach.

Learn to find fossilized shark’s teeth, identify frequently found mollusks and see Edisto Beach in a new light!

Edisto Beach

OUR OTHER TOURS

sunset cruise

Unreel and unwind while your captain takes you on a sunset cruise from Edisto Beach that is the perfect ending to any day at B otany Bay, South Carolina.

Private and Public options available.

dolphin boat ecotour

Experience one of the best  dolphin tours in South Carolina watching for  our only resident marine mammal and learn about their amazing life.

Edisto's African american journey

Follow the waterway routes traveled by people who were active participants in gaining their freedom and learn about their amazing journeys.

Private tour only.

Marvelous Meals By Marvetta

If you enjoy fresh, local food and want to be a part of a traditional Sea Island meal, let Marvelous Meals by Marvetta come to your kitchen and demonstrate how to create delicious meals in the Gullah tradition.

Private ace basin ecotour

Explore the unspoiled beauty and wonder of the world renowned ACE Basin estuary.

private sunset cruise

Unreel and unwind while your captain takes you on a cruise that is the perfect ending to a day on Edisto.

private dolphin boat ecotour

Enjoy an adventure looking for our only resident marine mammal and learn about their amazing life.

beachcombing

• Slip D 2, Edisto Marina, 3702 Dock Site Rd, Edisto Beach, SC 29438
• Send Us A Text (843)869-2998

Edisto Beach State Park

Laid back family fun!

If you are in search of a great oceanfront campground, look no further than Edisto Beach State Park. The park is rich in Native American history, wildlife, hiking and biking opportunities, as well as two campgrounds, cabins and 1.5 miles of pristine shell-covered beachfront.

The park is made up of 1,255 acres of maritime forest along the beautiful SC coastline. There you will find the environmental learning center, ranger station, and welcome station.

Edisto Beach, along with its neighboring Botany Bay, is famous for its seashells. While Botany Bay does not allow the collection of shells, Edisto Beach State Park does.

The Edisto Beach State Park also has 4 miles of ADA accessible trails for hiking and biking. These trails take you through maritime forest, historic monuments, and a Native American shell mound. These trails are also great for bird watching. Many shore and wading birds can be seen here.

 The park is a nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles. You can also spot white-tailed deer, raccoons, alligators, bobcats, and opossums.

Furnished cabins sit nestled in the woods, and campsites can be found along the Edisto Island oceanfront or in the shaded maritime forest. There are 120 campsites that accommodate RVs or tents. There are seven cabins located on the salt marsh.

While visiting the environmental learning center you can learn about the ACE Basin and more, featuring interactive displays including a touch tank. The ACE Basin is an estuary that is made from the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers. This is the largest undeveloped estuary along the Atlantic Coast.

Mornings at Edisto State Park can be spent hunting for turtle tracks. You can also cast a line and enjoy some of the island’s best fishing in Scott Creek Inlet.  If you’re a boater, launch into Big Bay Creek and enjoy a day of fishing or exploring the waters of the ACE Basin.

The park also includes picnic shelters and a park store.

The park offers a mile and a half of beach where surf fishing is allowed. Other locations include  Steamboat Landing , Old bridge replaced by the McKinley Washington Bridge , and along the banks of Scott’s Creek along the Spanish Mount trail. There is also a small dock in the cabin area for cabin guests only. 

For more information on the park and other fun things to do in the Edisto Beach area visit southcarolinalowcountry.com/edisto-beach/ . For day trip ideas visit southcarolinalowcountry.com/edisto-beach/day-trips .

See what our visitors love about the SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY

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The Lowcountry & Resort Islands Region of South Carolina includes the four, southern-most counties in the state, Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Colleton, which are bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Savannah River and the state of Georgia.

The South Carolina Lowcountry Guidebook is filled with many things to see and do in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina. Please fill out the information and we will send you a FREE GUIDE BOOK.

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Low Country Boat Tour

Each of Our Tours offers a relaxing, enjoyable, and educational re-introduction to the History, Mystery, & Legends of lives and times past. You will discover hidden treasures, forgotten pleasures, and even a ghost story or two. MM Tips Review

Since 1995, Lowcountry Tours has taken thousands of passengers on Winyah Bay and up and down our many rivers.  We are the largest tour boat operator in Georgetown with a 56 foot pontoon boat that allows comfortable seating for 49 passengers.

Our boat is safety inspected each year by the United States Coast Guard. Our captains are Coast Guard certified and all crew members are trained in First Aid and CPR. Both captains and crew  have multiple years of nautical experience and constantly monitor the weather for pop up storms and threatening weather. Safety is a primary concern for all passengers. 

Our Crew has over 35 years of experience on Winyah Bay.

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8 Best shelling beaches in South Carolina (Hidden Gems) 2024

Hello there and welcome to stateexplora.com ! This article explores the best shelling beaches in South Carolina.

If you’re looking for a beach vacation with fun activities, South Carolina is the perfect destination! With an abundance of natural beauty and an array of shorelines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in South Carolina. But one activity that stands out is shelling on the beaches of South Carolina.

Here, you can find some of the best shelling beaches in the country! Whether you’re looking for pristine shells or just want to relax on a beach and take in the views, South Carolina has it all.

Here are the best beaches in South Carolina for collecting shells and making lasting memories.

Best shelling beaches in South Carolina

1. hunting island state park.

This beautiful, secluded beach is a true sheller’s paradise. With miles of pristine sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place to find rare and unique shells. From periwinkles to scallops, all kinds of shellfish call this beach home.

The park also offers plenty of activities for families and beachcombers alike. Take a stroll along the pier or take in stunning views from one of its many lighthouses.

Whether you want to search for shells during low tide or just relax under an umbrella with a good book, there’s something here for everyone. The park also has great amenities such as picnic areas and restrooms making it easy to explore all day long.

2. Folly Beach

Folly Beach in South Carolina is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience some of the best shelling beaches in the country. Whether you’re an experienced shell collector or just appreciate the beauty of nature, Folly Beach has something special to offer. From its endless oceanfront views and white sandy shores, you can find a wide array of shells and other sea items that will make any beachgoer happy!

Aside from the stunning natural surroundings at Folly Beach , there are plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy. The pier is especially popular with those who like to fish or just relax and take in the views. You can also explore nearby tidal creeks, which provide an excellent spot for marine life viewing or searching for live shells on sunny days.

3. Edisto Beach

This popular spot is known for having plenty of seashells and other treasures to enjoy. From scallops to sand dollars, the possibilities are endless! Edisto Beach is located in Colleton County and is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of South Carolina. With crystal-clear water and beautiful white sands, it’s an ideal location for any shell collector.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or find some unique treasures, Edisto Beach has something for everyone. Plus, with its convenient location near Charleston and Savannah, it’s easy to plan a weekend getaway that includes shelling at this stunning destination.

4. Kiawah Island

The stunning and pristine shores of Kiawah Island, South Carolina, are known far and wide as one of the best shelling beaches in the world! Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking to add some unique treasures to your collection or a beginner wanting an introduction to this exciting hobby, you’ll find plenty of shells waiting for you on Kiawah Island.

From mega-size whelks to tiny augers, these waters are rich with magnificent shell specimens! From the gentle waves lapping against the shoreline to searching through tide pools for hidden gems, there is something for everyone here.

Plus, if you need help identifying your shells or want tips from experienced collectors on where to look for more varieties, Kiawah Island has knowledgeable locals who can provide insight into what this beach has to offer.

Related Article // 8 Best shelling beaches in California (Hidden Treasures)

5. Isle of Palms

This stunning barrier island is one of the best beaches in the state for shelling . With miles and miles of pristine shoreline, it’s an ideal spot to hunt for sand dollars, starfish, scallops, and other treasures.

The warm white sandy beaches are perfect for a fun day out with friends and family. Whether you’re searching for shells or just savoring the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, there’s something to please everyone at Isle of Palms.

There are plenty of secluded spots where visitors can explore without interruption from other beachgoers—excellent news if you’re hoping to find a special shell that catches your eye!

6. Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful destination for those looking to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of South Carolina’s coastal beauty. But if you’re an avid shell collector, there can be no better place to go shelling than the beaches of Hilton Head.

There are numerous beaches on the island that offer fantastic shelling opportunities, with each one offering something unique and special. From finding ancient shark teeth embedded in shells to collecting stunningly crafted coquinas, these spots are some of the best shelling beaches in South Carolina!

First up is Coligny Beach Park – located right at the heart of Hilton Head Island – it offers visitors shallow waters with plenty of sand dollars and whelks on display during low tide.

7. Fripp Island

Fripp Island is known for its unique shelling opportunities; it has some of the best shelling beaches in South Carolina. The island’s sandy shoreline provides plenty of room to search for shells, while low tide allows access to deeper areas where more interesting shells may be hidden.

You can also explore the tidal pools around the island during low tide, which are rife with crabs and other marine creatures waiting to be discovered.

Related Article // 8 Best shelling beaches in Georgia (Hidden Gems)

8. Garden City Beach

If you’re looking for the perfect place to explore the beauty and wonders of nature, then head to Garden City Beach in South Carolina! Whether you are an avid shell collector or just an admirer of the ocean’s treasures, this beach offers a stunning variety of shells from around the world.

With its crystal-clear waves and miles of white sand beaches, it is no wonder why Garden City Beach is one of the best shelling beaches in South Carolina.

You will never run out of things to discover when exploring this seashell haven! From colorful conch shells, spiral cowries, and scallops, to delicate cockles and augers- there are tons of treasures waiting to be found on Garden City Beach.

In conclusion, South Carolina beaches provide some of the best shelling experiences in the country. With a wide selection of beaches to choose from, you can’t go wrong when it comes to selecting the perfect beach for your next shelling adventure.

From Edisto Beach to Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina’s coastline is full of hidden gems that are sure to make for an unforgettable summer getaway. So, what are you waiting for?

Also Read // Best shelling beaches in East Coast USA

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Shell Island 

With sparkling clear water bordering its sugar-white sandy shore, Shell Island is a rare opportunity to experience a beach as nature intended, without any distractions. Accessible but preserved, Shell Island is seven miles of undeveloped paradise nestled between the gulf and St. Andrew Bay and inhabited by diverse wildlife. Shell Island has all the makings of a perfect activity-filled beach vacation.  

Connect with Wildlife

Shell Island has been inhabited at one time or another by Native Americans, Spanish settlers, and even pirates. Today, Shell Island is home to beloved Florida wildlife, such as deer, ghost crabs, and sea turtles. Birdwatchers, in particular, will love the shorebirds nesting in the dunes and coastal scrub forest. And around the island lives a pod of bottlenose dolphins waiting to greet you.

Go Boating, Snorkeling & More

Experience the ultimate beach day at Shell Island. Families can enjoy everything from sunbathing and beachcombing (the island is home to countless indigenous shells) to kayaking , swimming, and snorkeling . 

With plenty of beach services and rentals in Panama City Beach, bring rental beach chairs and umbrellas to enjoy your day trip that much more. The Shell Island Shuttle offers transportation to and from the popular destination and allows coolers and other beach equipment onboard. Through the shuttle service, depending on the season, you can rent various watercraft, including pontoons, kayaks, and paddleboards, as well as bikes. 

Another way to enjoy and explore the island is on a dolphin tour . Local companies like Flippers Dolphin Tours and Osprey Charters offer personalized tours via boat or jet ski in search of the friendly aquatic creatures living around Shell Island.  

Getting There

Shell Island may feel remote but is easy to access. During the peak summer months, the Shell Island Shuttle runs the short distance from Adventures at Sea every half-hour depending on weather and water conditions. Dates and times vary depending on the season. Another option is the PCB Shell Island Express Ferry, which offers snack bar concessions. Be sure to call ahead for times and reservations, particularly in the off-season.

If you'd like to determine your schedule and enjoy privacy with your family and friends, there are plenty of rental companies offering a selection of boat rentals (with or without a captain and crew). For a unique outing, consider charting a sailboat from Aquatic Adventures or traveling by banana boat around the island with Adventures at Sea. 

Go Prepared

When visiting, please keep in mind that Shell Island is undeveloped. Consequently, there are no concession stands, restrooms, picnic pavilions, or trash cans available on-site. So, go prepared and take everything with you when you leave to prevent littering and water pollution in this scenic oasis. 

When searching for things to do in Panama City Beach, put Shell Island at the top of your list, and explore a world, beautiful and untouched, with your family and friends. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to go to Shell Island?

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. There are also several places to rent a jet ski a pontoon boat .

What is unique about Shell Island?

Shell Island is seven miles of undeveloped scenery between the Gulf and St. Andrew Bay. At one point, Shell Island was inhabited by Native Americans, Spanish Settlers, and even pirates. Wildlife like deer, sea turtles, ghost crabs, and around the Island, shorebirds will nest. Also, your favorite bottlenose dolphins will be around the island swimming to greet you.

Can you swim at Shell Island?

Shell Island offers swimming on its Gulf side and Bay side. The undeveloped Island has water all around it for ultimate fun and a lot of room for relaxing comfort. Snorkeling is also a fun activity to explore the turquoise waters. 

When is Shell Island open?

Because Shell Island is an undeveloped island, there are no official hours. Jet ski and boat rental tours range from 8am-5pm. 

Are there restrooms on Shell Island?

Due to Shell Island being an undeveloped area, there are no restrooms available. 

THE 10 BEST Edisto Island Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in edisto island.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Botany Bay Ecotours

2. Edisto Watersports and Tackle

3. Herring Gull Charters

4. Fontaine Charters

5. Edisto Saltwater Tours

6. Plot Twist Charters LLC

7. Edisto Shrimp Boat Charters

8. Botany Bay Kayak Adventures

9. Ugly Ducklin Charters

10. Single Shot Guide Services

11. Lowcountry Fisherman Charters

What travelers are saying.

• Blue Dolphin Snorkeling Tours
• 50HP PONTOON RENTALS
• Premium Pontoon Rentals
• Boston Whaler Rentals
• 115HP PONTOON RENTALS

• Book a Tour

Swim with Panama City’s resident pod of wild bottle-nosed dolphins in their natural home on your trip aboard super-fast boats specially designed for finding and visiting with the dolphins.

Relax and unwind while your private USCG captain/tour guide takes you to watch some breathtaking sunsets and views that can only be seen on the water. Bring your favorite beverage & or snacks if you like while you enjoy the evening on a brand new boat.