Day trip: shelling, wildlife and swimming at St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island
Yes. From Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach you can do a day trip that combines shelling and swimming on Shell Island and wildlife viewing and snorkeling at St. Andrews State Park—most visitors take a seasonal shuttle/boat to Shell Island and drive or taxi about 15–20 minutes to the state park. Plan for sunscreen, shade, and a short boat ride; return in late afternoon for pools, dinner, or a room with an ocean view.
In this guide
How to get there from Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach
St. Andrews State Park is about 6 miles from Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach; driving or a short taxi/ride-share is the most direct option. The park sits at State Road 392 (Thomas Drive) on Panama City Beach’s eastern end.
Shell Island is an undeveloped barrier island off the park that you reach by boat. Seasonal shuttle and private boat operators run trips from the St. Andrews/park area; schedules vary by season and weather, so check operators’ current timetables before you go.
- Drive/taxi: fastest door-to-park option (allow 15–25 minutes in normal traffic).
- Ride-share/taxi: convenient if you don’t have a car.
- BookResorts agents (24/7) can help arrange excursions and transfers: +1 (888) 605-1350.
| Leg | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Resort → St. Andrews State Park | About 15–25 minutes by car |
| St. Andrews Park → Shell Island boat shuttle | Boat ride time varies; operator schedules are seasonal |
What to pack for a shelling and wildlife day
Keep your kit light and sun-safe. Shelling on Shell Island and exploring St. Andrews are outdoor activities with little shade, so multiple sun-protection items matter more than heavy gear.
You won’t find many services on Shell Island—bring water and snacks, plus anything you need to stay comfortable between boat runs.
- Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), hat, sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle and extra water
- Light towel or sand mat, waterproof bag for wet items
- Snorkel mask (if you plan to snorkel near the jetties at St. Andrews)
- Small mesh bag or container for shells (follow local collection rules)
- Binoculars or camera for birds and dolphins
- Water shoes if you prefer protecting your feet on sandbars
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Reef-safe sunscreen | Protects skin and the marine environment |
| Mesh shell bag | Rinses sand and keeps shells ventilated |
| Waterproof phone pouch | Keeps photos safe during boat transfers |
Shelling and beach time on Shell Island
Shell Island is a long, undeveloped sandbar popular for shelling and swimming; trips are usually run by seasonal shuttle companies from the St. Andrews/park area. The island has no facilities, so plan to bring everything you need for the day.
Popular activities include walking the shoreline for shells, wading in shallow water, and wildlife spotting along the dunes. Because the island is exposed, winds and currents change shelling conditions—mornings often give calmer water and fresh material after tides move.
- No restrooms or concessions—pack snacks and water.
- Follow local guidelines on shell collecting; avoid disturbing live animals or marked nesting areas.
- Boat operators offer drop-off/pick-up services; confirm return times before landing.
| On-island facilities | Notes |
|---|---|
| Restrooms | None—use facilities before departure |
| Food/drink | None—bring your own |
| Shade | Minimal—bring a beach umbrella or pop-up shade |
Wildlife viewing and snorkeling at St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is known for sea turtles, dolphins, shorebirds, and snorkeling opportunities around the park’s jetties and shallow reefs. Bring binoculars for bird and dolphin watching and a mask if you plan to snorkel.
The park has staffed areas, trails, and rocky jetties where snorkeling is common; water clarity and conditions vary by season and weather, so ask park staff or your boat operator about safe snorkeling spots on the day you go.
- Look for dolphins from the shoreline or on boat tours.
- Sea turtle nesting season and sightings occur—avoid marked nesting areas and follow park signage.
- Snorkel near rock jetties for the best chance to see fish and marine life; currents can be strong—use caution.
| Activity | Where at the park |
|---|---|
| Dolphin watching | From shoreline, jetties, or boat tours |
| Snorkeling | Around rock jetties and shallow reefs |
| Birdwatching | Dunes and marsh edges |
Timing, tides and practical tips
Tides affect both shelling and snorkeling: low tide often exposes more shelling areas and sandbars, while high tide can improve snorkeling access to reef structure. Check a local tide chart the day before you go.
Seasonality matters—summer brings warm water and full excursion schedules, while shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can mean fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. Shell Island shuttles commonly run seasonally; confirm availability outside peak months.
- Bring cash or card for shuttle tickets—operators’ policies vary.
- Wear a life jacket on small boats; operators typically provide them.
- If you go alone with kids, keep them within arm’s reach on sandbars and at boat landings.
| Best-season tradeoffs | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Summer | Warmer water, busier beaches, full excursion schedules |
| Spring/Fall | Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, possible shuttle service changes |
Return to the resort: showers, pools and dinner options
After a day at Shell Island or St. Andrews, Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach offers outdoor pools, a lazy river, and Aqualand for rinsing off and relaxing; pool access is included with your stay and available from 8:00 AM to midnight. The hotel also has private beach access if you want a final swim closer to your room.
For dinner, the property lists The View Restaurant + Coffee Bar, Trattoria at The View, Chip's Grille, Bamboo Grill (seasonal), and Tiki Pizza. If you prefer a private evening, consider ordering in-room dining while you unwind in a room like Standard Room, Oceanfront or One Bedroom Suite Oceanfront Top Floor for an ocean-view finish to the day.
- Pool towels are provided by giving your room number; towels cannot be taken to the beach.
- Aquarius Spa accepts reservations for treatments—call the spa directly at 1-850-588-1243 if you want a massage after your trip.
- Kids 12 and under eat free from the Kids Menu at select on-site restaurants when dining with a paying adult.
| On-site dining | When open (hotel info) |
|---|---|
| The View Restaurant + Coffee Bar | Breakfast and dinner hours listed on property site |
| Tiki Pizza | Typically 11:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| Bamboo Grill | Seasonal poolside service (Mar–Oct) |
