Shell Island Shuttle — Local services in Upper Grand Lagoon

Beautiful, tranquil beach area away from the hustle and bustle of PCB. The trip over on the ferry is about fifteen minutes and the view is gorgeous as you approach the island. Reminds me a lot of traveling in the Caribbean! The cost is about $20 bucks a person for an adult and then I generally tip the crew another five. They work for tips and it is pretty customary in the service industry to tip for services (this in response to someone who had posted about not feeling the need to post for service since she had paid for a ticket). Many times I have been out and we've seen dolphins in the bay. Captain Squid stops the ferry close enough for us to closely observe them and grab a few pictures...and we didn't even have to pay for the dolphin excursion! :-) Those who are on vacation and complaining about having to wait ten or fifteen minutes for the ferry to arrive...you are on vacation...relax! While waiting for the ferry to return to the island and you had to wait without shade? You've been on that island all day without shade and you are complaining about another ten minutes? Some people are never happy about anything! :-(

The area near the landing inside the jetty is ideal for snorkeling since the water is much calmer than on the gulf side. I have seen numerous schools of fish, puffers and some sand dollars. It is gorgeous down there and shallow enough you don't need your fins to enjoy it!!

I haven't found a lot of shells while walking on the beach out there, but I have never ventured that far down the island either. I generally take my beach chair, umbrella, sunblock, snacks and water out to the gulf side and hang out or my snorkel equipment and spend the morning or afternoon snorkeling. Either way it is an awesome day! The great part is you can go for a couple of hours or spend the whole day!

Just remember there is NO shade, no restrooms and no snack bar, so if you need it, bring it with you. I believe there is some sort of set up in the landing area that I've seen open at times for beverages, but it seems to be seasonal and I am not sure what they do sell because I bring my own. It is on a boat in the water so you have to wade out to it.

Just a note. If you are planning to walk to the gulf side from the landing area, it is "a hike" through the sand, so bring the minimal requirements. Large coolers and heavy chairs get pretty cumbersome if you are trying to drag them that distance on a hot day. I consider the reward at the end of the path worth it, but there have been several times I was ready to turn around and head back to the ferry! LOL If you are looking to just hang out on the beach and drink beer, you can certainly do it a lot more cheaply and with less work by staying in PCB. If you want to have a special treat while on vacation and get away from the crowds, enjoy some amazing snorkeling and have a little piece of paradise to yourself, I would strongly suggest...

I booked for two online and received an email to check in at the front where it says check in so that is indeed what we did. When we arrived the young girl at the check in desk had a long line and was telling people if they purchased for the shuttle already to go ahead and go to the shuttle so that was indeed what we did as we had tickets with QR codes. Well the shuttle was full so we had to wait for the next which was fine since they come every 30 minutes during the summer. Well we’re towards the back of the line and didn’t see that others were given blue tickets to board. Once we got to the new shuttle to board we noticed the blue tickets but didn’t think it was a big deal again since we had QR tickets and luckily it wasn’t an issue because Haley and the captain radioed to the front to let them know we made it. Once we’re on the shuttle and pulled off from the deck Haley gives us some info about the island and was just really great attitude and fun. She asked if we had questions and since we had additionally purchased snorkeling I had inquired where we pick the stuff up and she mentioned it was at the front where we checked in. She did offer to have someone bring the gear on the next shuttle but that would have meant sticking around the side the shuttle unloads to wait for it so we opted out. The beach and shuttle was a great experience and I would suggest walking to the beach side as it’s beautiful and so many cool shells. The pickup went smoothly as we went on the next to last trip since the last shuttle leaves at 5PM we wanted to beat the crowd. I did appreciate that the company was quick and efficient about refunding the money for the snorkeling. I received a voicemail which I didn’t check until the end of the trip about the refund from the company with a comment about reading the email to see that it stated to pick up the snorkeling gear at the front which I would assume to do so anyway but we did as we were told by the employee of this establishment. Also I did read the email and made sure to reread after the comment from the voicemail and it does only state to check in up front which we did. I would just say to make sure there is better communication between employees. It was our first time to do this and as a company that I would think deals primarily with tourist they would understand most people aren’t familiar with their procedures and we did the proper instructions per email and what the employee told us to do so it was a little frustrating but again all around I appreciated their attempt to...

Keith was very knowledgeable and fun! He made sure everyone was aware of the instructions to find shells and times the shuttle would pick up. Carla didn’t speak at all but she was driving the boat.

My husband, my son, and myself went to shell island because my son loves shells! However, we were unable to find the big shells that people talk about because my son is only waist high & Keith told us we would need to get in the ocean about waist high. Just info to know if you are taking children.

Also understand the staff doesn’t control the weather of the marine life. Another reason we didn’t go far into the ocean was due to the high amount of jellyfish. Keith made everyone aware there was a yellow and purple flag and what they meant.

It is extremely hot. There is ZERO shade. Bring an umbrella and chairs if you want to stay awhile with a little shade.

It is a long walk. Keith also made us aware of how long it would take us to walk to the end of shell island from the boat and back. With a 4 year old stopping to get shells, it took us about 15-20 minutes to and from the boat. Also, there are shells everywhere! Once you step foot on the sand closer to the ocean at the end of the island, the shells are everywhere. Where sandals if you have sensitive feet because you will step on shells.

My overall review is that I wouldn’t do it again even though Keith was marvelous and my son came back with probably 50 small shells. It just wasn’t worth the money or at all with a small child and I have no desire to find shells in the ocean for myself.

Things you may want to bring (& will have to carry for a 20 minute walk both ways): Umbrella for shade Chairs or blanket for sitting Towels to dry off with WATER!! Wear a hat Sunglasses - sand is white and bright Wear a long sleeve swimsuit for children or coverup for adults if you want to avoid burning Sunscreen Small bag for...