Boarding Times (please arrive 30 mins before departure time) for Ferry ride If transport is needed to get to ferry, the Tram departures from St. Andrews State Park Pier store. They are hourly at the top of the hour (see calendar for current times). This tram will bring you to the ferry dock. Departures from Shell Island are hourly at the bottom of the hour. Returns from Shell Island leave from the State Park dock. Know Before You Go : Shell Island has been preserved as a primitive island. Bathroom facilities are not available on the island. Facilities are available at the boarding location and on the boat. The ferry ride is approximately 15 minutes. We pick up and drop off approximately 2.2 miles down the island at the State Park docks. There is no lifeguard on duty at Shell Island. Picking up or removing shells containing live organisms is strictly prohibited as well as disturbing sea bird or sea turtle nesting areas. St. Andrews State Park & Shell Island are located in the Central Time Zone. We do not drop off behind the Jetty. (Only the Pier Store car park)