Shell Island

[Dia]

where can I get information about Shell Island?

 

[Landlocked]

Here's something I found.

http://www.shellislandtours.com/

 

[DuneLaker]

Shell Island was within the original 1824 border of Walton County. So, it is part of "Old SoWal" as noted by a SoWal historian.

 

[rapunzel]

Now I like this idea. Where do you rent the pontoon boat? How long does it take to get to SI? Jfunn, this could be a plan.

It takes maybe a half hour to get to Shell Island. There are several boat rental places, but i think we used http://www.shellislandtours.com/index.htm.

You guys would have a blast.

 

[DD]

It takes maybe a half hour to get to Shell Island. There are several boat rental places, but i think we used http://www.shellislandtours.com/index.htm.

You guys would have a blast.

We usually rent a pontoon and go to Crab Island, but I'd like to do something different this time. Thanks, Punzy!

 

[Ocean Lover]

We usually rent a pontoon and go to Crab Island, but I'd like to do something different this time. Thanks, Punzy!

I think this would be a little more "low key".

 

[gardening1970]

We've rented a pontoon in years' past and we've also taken our own boat out, putting in at the St. Andrews State Park ramp. Either way, being your own captain permits a more personalized pace and provides for plenty of room for snacks and drinks. And don't be intimidated - boating on the bay is not difficult in good weather. A half-day rental may be long enough, but a full day is only about $80 more. Scotty's has good rates (but no web site). As others have said, be prepared for no potties on the island.

Plan your trip early in your stay and make a reservation if your renting a boat. This year we reserved a pontoon for Friday afternoon. Turned out we had to cancel because of thunderstorms. Wish we had booked for Tuesday or Wednesday instead!

 

[cpete]

Rent the pontoon boat. We had our son probably 3 yrs at the time and mother-in-law in tow. It was a great day! We had a dolphin swim right up beside us on the way out. We also are returning to Watersound this year, we love that place.

 

[Paige]

If you rent a boat be sure and check in early. They over book the boats when busy and if you get there after too late, there will be no boat. Happened to me I was furious to say the least. The rental place acted like they had never heard of us.

we went to another place that had a boat and they said that a lot of rental places overbook.

 

[Matt J]

If you rent a pontoon boat, be careful.

1.) If moving never just shut off the motor suddenly, water stops a boat pretty quickly. If you do this the front of the boat will generally go under, not sink, just go under. Ask jdarg.

2.) Anchor the boat out a little way from the beach and walk to the beach, if you park it on the beach you may have a beached boat when the tide goes out. Seatow charges a small fortune for to pull the boat back in the water. If you choose to wait the rental place will call the coast guard if you're not back within about 20-30 minutes of the agreed upon time.

3.) It's tempting, but it's also illegal, to feed the dolphins. Unfortunately they have been trained to congregate for free food at the mouth of the pass. You can enjoy the show, but do not feed or touch them. If you want to swim with dolphins you need to go over to Gulf World and pay for that, you get a cute picture too.