Wakulla County · Nature Coast · Gulf Coast
Is it safe to swim at Shell Point Beach today?
Latest DOH sample is MODERATE
The latest Florida DOH sample at Shell Point Beach measured 40 CFU/100mL, which is in the moderate range. Some swimmers may still be comfortable, but recent rain, runoff, or visible murky water should push you toward caution.
Latest sample on page
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
This is the latest DOH beach-water sample we found for Shell Point Beach.
Bacteria reading
40 CFU/100mL
The EPA beach action value is 70.5 CFU/100mL. Lower is better.
12-month risk context
0% poor results
Use the current sample first, then use the 12-month track record as context.
This page helps you make a better beach decision, not just read a badge. If it has rained heavily since Wednesday, May 13, 2026, lean conservative even if the latest sample looks fine.
Start with the sample date
The number on this page is only as fresh as the last sample. If the date feels old for your trip, be more skeptical.
Use history as a tie-breaker
Two beaches can both look good today, but the one with fewer past spikes is usually the safer bet on an uncertain weather day.
Rain beats the badge
Stormwater runoff can change conditions faster than Florida's routine testing schedule, especially near inlets, canals, and urban drains.
Shell Point Beach beach conditions and water quality today
If you searched for Shell Point Beach water quality or beach conditions today, the latest Florida DOH sample shown on this page is 40 CFU/100mL from Wednesday, May 13, 2026. This site currently classifies that sample as MODERATE.
Latest sample on this page: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
This sample is aligned with the freshest updates currently on this site.
How Shell Point Beach compares nearby today
Shell Point Beach currently ranks #4 of 4 monitored nearby beaches on this page based on current status, 12-month risk, and sample freshness.
If you want the stronger backup right now, compare Carrabelle Beach first.
Compare Shell Point Beach with Carrabelle BeachYour best next step from this page
Compare Carrabelle Beach next
Carrabelle Beach currently looks like the stronger nearby alternative on this page.
Use Wakulla County as your local backup map
Shell Point Beach currently ranks #2 of 2 monitored beaches in Wakulla County by current status, 12-month risk, and sample freshness. Use the county page to compare the rest of the local beaches in one place.
Plan from Tallahassee
If you are deciding from a city trip, the city guide makes it easier to compare distance, current status, and fallback options together.
Use the right page for the decision you're making
These deeper views help when you need more than the same-day badge.
Track record
Open Shell Point Beach history
Use this when today's badge looks okay but you want to confirm that Shell Point Beach is usually one of the steadier options.
Backup plan
Compare Carrabelle Beach and other backups
Use this first if Shell Point Beach gives you pause and you want the strongest nearby alternative ranked by current status, risk history, and distance.
Weather risk
Use the after-rain view for Shell Point Beach
Use this when storms, runoff, canals, or brown water make the normal badge harder to trust.
Warning signs
Check recent spikes before you go
Use this when you want to confirm whether Shell Point Beach has shown any recent non-good readings, not just the current badge.
Historically one of the steadier options
Shell Point Beach has a strong 12-month track record in this dataset. That makes a dry-weather good sample more reassuring, but it still does not override recent rain, runoff, or brown water.
Most recent poor sample shown here: No poor samples are shown in the last 12 months on this page.
Freshest sample anywhere on this site: May 13, 2026
Sample source details
- Source station
- SHELL POINT
- Station ID
- 40888
- Data source
- Florida DOH Healthy Beaches Program via Water Atlas API
Monitoring station names can differ from beach signs or local nicknames. Use this source detail when you want to match the page back to the underlying Florida DOH sample record.
Water Quality History — Last 12 Months
Values in CFU/100mL. Green = Good (≤35.4), Yellow = Moderate (35.5–70.4), Red = Poor (≥70.5)
If it rained recently, treat this page as stale faster
Florida DOH testing is routine, not continuous. Heavy rain can push bacteria higher through runoff before the next posted sample catches it. For Shell Point Beach, wait at least 72 hours after heavy rain and be extra careful around inlets, canals, storm drains, or brown water. Read the rain guide.
About Shell Point Beach
A small Gulf Coast beach in the Big Bend region near Tallahassee, Shell Point offers quiet shores, fishing, and access to the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge.
Where Shell Point Beach sits in Wakulla County
Shell Point Beach currently ranks #2 of 2 monitored beaches in Wakulla County by current status, 12-month risk, and sample freshness.
Compare with Mashes Sands BeachWhere Shell Point Beach sits in Nature Coast
Shell Point Beach currently ranks #6 of 6 monitored beaches in the Nature Coast group by current status, 12-month risk, and sample freshness.
Compare with Carrabelle BeachKeep Exploring This Coastline
Use the county, regional, and city guide pages to compare more beaches before you commit to one stop.
Compare Nearby Beaches Before You Go
If this page gives you pause, compare these nearby beaches first. They are sorted by current status, historical spike rate, and sample recency rather than a random list order.
Read Before You Go
Is It Safe to Swim After Rain?
Wait times, runoff risk, and when to skip the water
Understanding Advisories
What the badges, thresholds, and warnings really mean
Cleanest Beaches in Florida
Compare the strongest historical track records
How Bacteria Testing Works
How sampling works and why “latest” is not the same as live
Disclaimer: Water quality data is sourced from the Florida Department of Health Healthy Beaches Program. Conditions can change rapidly. This website provides informational guidance only — always check with Florida DOH for official beach conditions. Safe to Swim Florida is an independent project and is not affiliated with any government agency.