If you’re looking for things to do at St. Andrews State Park this summer, look no further! This beautiful park has so much to offer and is perfect for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Here are our top recommendations:

Shell Island Ferry

Shell Island Ferry runs every hour from 10am to 2pm. The ferry takes about 15 minutes to get to the island and can hold up to 40 people at a time, so it’s best if you arrive early in order for everyone on your party to fit onto one boat. The ferry only travels between Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park.

Shell Island is a local must-see location for Panama City Beach visitors looking for the unspoiled white-sand beach experience. The island offers plenty of beach space and peaceful inshore waters where swimming and snorkeling are popular. Colorful tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles are common in the waters around the island. On land, hiking the interior of Shell Island is an opportunity to explore rare coastal plants, birds, and wildlife communities. 

Learn more.

Sunset Dolphin Cruise

One of the best ways to enjoy St. Andrews State Park is by taking a Sunset Dolphin Cruise. The boat departs from the dock at the park, and it lasts about an hour. The cruise takes you out into open water where you can watch dolphins swim and play in their natural habitat while enjoying a stunning sunset over Panama City Beach.

Reservations are recommended if you want a spot on this popular, summer activity!

More information on our Sunset Dolphin Cruise here. 

Kayak Rentals

Kayaks are perfect for exploring the inland shoreline of the park and pristine beaches, and watching for wildlife onshore as you paddle quietly by.

All of the kayaks at St. Andrews State Park are sit-on-top designs that are more stable for first-time kayakers. Life jackets and paddles are included in your rental.

Reserve here.

Paddleboard Rentals

Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUP is one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports worldwide. At St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, paddleboards are a very popular beach activity because the Park waterfront is an ideal place to get an introduction to this fun, safe, and easy water sport.

Our boards are designed for beginners or casual paddlers and are easy to use. They’re stable, so you won’t tip over as easily as a traditional surfboard, and they’re fun for all ages and fitness levels.

Learn more here. 

Boat Rentals

At St. Andrews State Park, you can cruise to Shell Island and explore the beauty of Panama City Beach aboard your own pontoon boat from St. Andrews Adventures Rentals. We offer full day or half day pontoon rentals for your enjoyment. We are the closest boat rental facility to Shell Island and we give you direct access to St. Andrews Bay. This means the fun starts when you leave the dock, and you can be exploring the waters off Shell Island within minutes.

Check out our pontoon rentals.

St. Andrews State Park is a great place to visit during the summer. The park has many things to do, and there are many ways to get there. Once you’re on the island, it’s easy and fun to explore, whether on a boat tour, kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat.