A Shell Island Adventure: Panama City Beach's Finest Treasure

No trip to Panama City Beach, Florida, is complete until you've taken a day trip to Shell Island. This undeveloped 700-acre barrier island is just a short boat shuttle from the mainland. The island is actually a part of St. Andrews State Park. The sugary sand is so white there you'll think you are seeing snow. Lazing on the beach, snorkeling, nature walks and shell collecting are just some of the ways you can enjoy this pristine wildlife sanctuary.

You can spend an hour or all day here, but there are no facilities other than a snack boat stationed near the shore. So "go" before you go! You may pack a picnic lunch and beverages, but leave your sleeping bags and tents back at your condo! If you miss the last shuttle at 5 p.m., you'll be bedding down on a sandy beach with the local wildlife.

Some of the locals I speak of consist of the world's largest population of bottle nose dolphins, just offshore. Don't be surprised if while you snorkel, fish or sit on your wave runner, that some of these beautiful, docile creatures swim up to you. Do keep your distance and just enjoy their antics. Try to resist petting or feeding them, it's illegal. But take as many photos as you like.

The island itself plays host to a number of wild birds. Pelicans abound here, as well as sand pipers, gulls, and piping and snowy plovers. The warm clear water is teaming with sea urchins and colorful tropical fish. You will certainly want to snorkel here.

The rock jetties provide safety and shelter to a wide variety of animal life. Graceful sea slugs, as well as hermit crabs, can be found in as little as 2 inches of crystal clear water, near the rocks. You may also be fortunate enough to see the loggerhead sea turtles and endangered green sea turtles. If you find a nest, be sure to alert your shuttle captain, in case it hasn't been recorded. The Choctawhatchee beach mice may also pay you a visit.