07/21/2026
Crab Island vs Shell Island
All the time we are asked, “What is the difference between Crab Island in Destin and Shell Island in Panama City?”
I snapped this picture of Crab Island going across the bridge yesterday. Next is a picture from Shell Island.
Shell Island is a pristine 7-mile undeveloped barrier island located off the coast of Panama City Beach, Florida. Known for its powdery white sand, abundant marine life (including bottlenose dolphins), and excellent shelling, it is only accessible by boat.
Crab Island is a world-famous, waist-deep sandbar just north of the Destin Bridge where the Choctawhatchee Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico.
To us, there is no comparison. You can anchor on the bay side of Shell Island and walk across to the gulf side. This is the gulf side, if socializing is what you are looking to do, don’t worry there are always plenty of boaters to socialize with on the bay side!