Comments for Friends of Shell Key

Comment on Shell Key Camping Permits by Sonia

Sonia — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:42:08 +0000

Will the ferry take you to the camping site? I’m planning to book the ferry and camp for 2nights with the kids. I am just trying to understand the logistics of drop-off and pick-up from the island, using the ferry as the transportation to get to the island and camp. Or is camping permitted to those who own or arrive in their own boats? I was thinking booking day one in the morning and retur to the fery on day 3 in the afternoon with the camping gear. Oh, also, how many compartments or bags can we bring on the ferry?

Comment on Where to Launch a Kayak to Shell Key by Jack Coletti

Jack Coletti — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:23:11 +0000

In reply to Kelly. Seems like renting a kayak would be the cheapest option. They have kayak rentals at Fort DeSoto Park and also on the Bay way.

Comment on Where to Launch a Kayak to Shell Key by Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:09:35 +0000

What is the cheapest boat rental for two adults and two children to get to shell key?

Comment on Questions & Comments by Jack Coletti

Jack Coletti — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:04:04 +0000

In reply to Benito Rodriguez. Yes, if you sleep on your boat, there is no permit needed.

Comment on Questions & Comments by Benito Rodriguez

Benito Rodriguez — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:34:27 +0000

Can i just spend the night in the boat near the area do i stiy need a permit

Comment on A brief history of Shell Key … by Pat LaMonica

Pat LaMonica — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:04:02 +0000

Born and raised in St. Pete (born 1950) One of my first memories was going on the shuttle with my grandmother out to Shell Key (we called it Shell Island then). She was an avid sheller and we’d spend hours walking the beach. If memory serves there was simply a rickety dock and a flagpole. If you had an emergency, you were supposed to run something (a towel?) up the flagpole and they would ‘come to your rescue’. Never had to try that one out. It was a lovely place, empty, pristine and so quiet. We always thought Pass-a-grille was quiet (remember this was the 50s!) but Shell Island was a paradise in a paradise.

Comment on Shell Key Camping Permits by Karen

Karen — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:41:16 +0000

In reply to Monica Eisenman. You will definitely not be alone kn shell key especially on weekends. There is a shell key shuttle that will take you and your gear over and back for $50 round trip.

Comment on Shell Key Camping Permits by April

April — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:24:04 +0000

Hi Jack! Coming down to Florida for a short trip and was thinking about camping on Shell Island with my husband and her 17 year-old son. I realize that you have to have a boat of some sort to get to Shell Island and that you need a permit camp there. We do have a couple of hard side kayaks, but I’m not sure we can travel with them. Do you think inflatable kayaks would be appropriate for this situation? We have several of those and could easily carry them with us on our long trip.

Comment on Questions & Comments by Paul

Paul — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:18:26 +0000

Is it permitted to overnight anchor for camping in the area I’ve circled in red? If not I’d the a recommended safe area to anchor?
https://imgur.com/a/PvQQiJY

Comment on Where to Launch a Kayak to Shell Key by Mike

Mike — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:24:23 +0000

In reply to Jack Coletti. Hey jack planning on visiting shell key for the first time and wondering which side you would recommend to first time visitors ? North or south side? Which has better areas for being on the beach, clearer waters ? Thank you !