Frequently Asked
Questions

No. Shell Island Shuttle & Pontoon Boats is located at 5709 North Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408. Across the street from Capt Anderson's Restaurant. Always free parking.

We're located at 5709 North Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408. Our dock is on the Grand Lagoon, just off Thomas Drive. Look for the teal Shell Island Shuttle boats at the dock. Free parking is available on-site.

Yes! We have free parking at our dock at 5709 North Lagoon Drive, directly across the street from Capt Anderson's Restaurant. Always free parking — no fees of any kind to access our location.

From our dock, you can take our shuttle (we drive you there and back), rent a pontoon boat, or rent our slide boat and drive yourself. The shuttle ride takes just a few minutes. If you rent a pontoon or slide boat, Shell Island is a short, easy cruise from our location.

In the off-season, the shuttle departs every hour from 10am, Tuesday to Saturday. The last trip to the island is at 2pm and the last return at 4pm; we're closed Sunday and Monday. In peak season, departures run every 30 minutes from 9am, and hourly on Sundays. The ride takes just a few minutes each way. You can return on any shuttle — there's no fixed return time.

Yes! Your shuttle fare includes both the ride to Shell Island and the return trip. You can stay on the island as long as you'd like during operating hours and catch any return shuttle when you're ready to come back.

We recommend bringing sunscreen, a towel, water, snacks, and a cooler if you'd like. Snorkel gear is available for rent at our dock. There's no shade on Shell Island, so you're more than welcome to bring an umbrella with you. Shell Island has no facilities (no restrooms, no stores), so bring everything you'll need for the day.

If you were born after January 1, 1988, Florida law requires you to have completed a boater safety course and have proof with you before operating a motorized boat. Operators must be at least 21 years of age. We provide a full safety briefing and orientation before every rental, but the boater safety course must be completed before your trip. You can take the course online at MyFWC.com.

Every pontoon rental includes a full tank of gas, free parking at our dock, and all required safety equipment. All you need to bring are your favorite people, food, drinks, and a sense of adventure!

We offer half-day and full-day pontoon rentals. Half-day gives you plenty of time to cruise to Shell Island, anchor up, swim and snorkel, and cruise back. Full-day lets you explore at a leisurely pace and visit multiple spots.

Our slide boat is a double-decker pontoon with a built-in water slide. You cruise it like a regular pontoon, but when you anchor at Shell Island, you can slide right off the upper deck into the water. It's the most popular rental we offer — especially for groups, parties, and families with kids.

We are seasonal and typically open from March through November. Our exact opening and closing dates depend on weather conditions. We may open as early as February if weather permits. Call 850-⁠235-⁠4004 for current status.

Safety is our top priority. We do not operate during rough water conditions, storms, or high winds. If conditions are unsafe, we will close for the day. Always call 850-⁠235-⁠4004 or check our website for daily operating status before heading to the dock.

If we cancel due to weather, you won't be charged. If you've already booked online, we'll work with you to reschedule or provide a full refund. Safety always comes first.

We do not currently offer dolphin tours. Our services include the Shell Island Shuttle, Pontoon Boat Rentals, and Slide Boat Adventures. That said, you may spot dolphins during your trip — they're frequently seen in the waters around Shell Island and the jetties!

Absolutely! We encourage you to bring a cooler with food, drinks, and snacks. Shell Island has no facilities, so pack everything you'll need.

Yes! We specialize in family-friendly water adventures. Our boats are stable and safe, we provide life jackets in all sizes (including infant and child sizes), and our staff will make sure everyone is comfortable before departure.

You can book online through our website. Online booking is available 24/7. Walk-ups are welcome when availability allows, but we recommend booking ahead during summer months as our boats (especially the slide boat) fill up fast.