Shell Island



Shell Island (near Panama City Beach, Florida)

A trip over to Shell Island had been on my list of things to do for quite some time.  My family often spends time at Bay Point in Panama City Beach, Florida, and from one particular spit of land, one can see Shell Island across St. Andrews Bay.  Shell Island is a 7 mile long barrier island popular for eco-tourists and those who want to spend time in a quieter beach setting.  A convenient launching point for kayaks is at the terminus of Jan Cooley Drive which runs right through the middle of the Bay Point resort.  There is parking for about 8-10 vehicles at this entry point.  Now crossing the bay is akin to crossing Interstate 75 in Atlanta at rush hour as boats are either leaving the marinas and heading out to the Saint Andrews shipping channel (more commonly as "the pass" or "the cut") or coming back in from the Gulf of Mexico.  Mix in a few wave-runners and the waterway can be crowded.  You have to anticipate the gap in the boats and go after it.  The wake created by the big fishing boats will rock and challenge you if you are paddling a kayak, so it is not a trip for beginners or those who are not strong paddlers.  Additionally, the current in the cut is strong and you need to pick out a point on Shell Island and paddle to the point or you will end up a considerable distance from where you wanted to land.  The reward, however, is well worth it.  The unspoiled beauty is refreshing as you have left the hustle and bustle of a resort area and journeyed a mile to a peaceful and scenic spot which amazingly has been respected by visitors and continues in its pristine state.  It's amazing what a barefoot walk along the beach can do for a cluttered mind. 

The Vitals:
Gas:  Seriously?
Food:  BYOF (Bring your own food)
GPS Coordinates:  30.118418,-85.722041 


Sand dunes and pine trees abound on Shell Island