Hey Folks!
I'm bringing my family back to PCB again in late October. Last year we took a shuttle to Shell Island and had a great time but the shuttle only gave us about 30 minutes to explore. Is there another shuttle option that would give us more time? We would really appreciate any info.
Many thanks!
Ridge.

I would suggest renting a pontoon boat or other boat and spending a day or half day on the island. Full day pontoon boat rentals are about $250 I think. You'll have much more time to explore and relax.

Doesn't the shell island shuttle run every 30 minitues to 1 hour? You don't have to take the very next shuttle out, as there are shuttles that run every 30-60 minutes. I think you just may have misunderstood about the shuttle times.

Thanks for the help. Last year we took the "Ashley Gorman" ( I think ) and it was fun but our main interest was to spend more time on the island. I'll check with the park ASAP. I wasn't sure if they offered any service that late in the season. Sure hope so.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Thanks again. Ridge.

Ridge....Lemme know what you find out about the shuttle. My sister and I are visiting PCB in Nov., 08, and would like to take in Shell Island as well.

Hey Copesetic1, we got an email from the folks at St.Andrews and they will be closed for the season when we get there in late October. We'll continue to look for an inexpensive solution and get back to you.
Have you been to the island before? It is really a beautiful place to search for shells and generally chill out.
Enjoy PCB!

Ridge....nope, haven't been to the Island. In fact, haven't been to PCB before. An inexpensive solution would be greatly appreciated....don't think we wanna foot the bill for a pontoon. Also, on an entirely different subject.....I'm curious, do u know if it's warm enough to swim in the gulf in November?

Copesetic1, we always go in late October and yes, the water is fine. The days are mid 80's and warm enough to burn you if you're not prepared. You will have a great time. This is our fifth trip and we plan on coming back as often as possible. Tripsmarter is a great resource for everything PCB and the members are always a huge help!

Thanks for the kind words!

We've taken waverunner guided tours over to Shell Island. It is beautiful. However they don't let you stay long and probably don't run any tours in November anyway.

The Shell Island Shuttle would have been ideal as they run every 30 minutes but you can stay all day on Shell Island if you like. But it's a shame they are closed up then.

Anyway, hope you have a great time.

Thanks Beachnut. I Think were out of luck on affordable Shell Island options. We may opt for a tour that gives us a half hour or so out there. I wouldn't even consider that but my 3 yr old daughter is convinced that shell hunting is the bomb! And afterall, our vacation is as much about her as it is about us. We're raising another PCB fan. Life is GOOD!

Ok, I am adding to this existing thread, even though it is from a year ago almost, but my husband and I are coming in to PC Beach on the 28th of August. We plan on taking the Shell Island Shuttle out to Shell Island to stay a while one of the days. I noticed on their website that they stated coolers are welcome, but that they have a concession boat on the island also, and on their phone recording they stated they rent beach chairs and umbrellas. We have our own beach chairs and umbrellas we want to bring. Does anyone know if that is allowed? Cannot wait for our vacation. Thanks.

I have never noticed the 'concession' boat out at Shell Island and we go a few times a month at least. Maybe i just don't pay a lot of attention and just keep missing it?

It says that on the St. Andrews State Park website. Here is the information from the St. Andrews State Park website home page below:

There is a concession boat on the island from Memorial Day through Labor Day. We are the only service offering this facility on the island. Coolers are welcome!

We rented a pontoon from Scotty's 2 years ago and only had to pay $160 for the entire day. It was the most enjoyable day of our entire trip. We packed a cooler and set out. Scotty's very easy to work with had the boat ready as soon as we arrived. I would encourage anyone to try it you are able to take your time, and enjoy it with your family. I think Scotty's was already cheaper and add to the fact we found a $12 off coupon. If you search PCB coupons I think you can print them off your computer.