"This was a highlight in our Florida trip. We felt safe, had fun, and learned a lot. Captain Jack was very friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating.
Our 21-foot and 23 foot Carolina Skiffs are stable, comfortable and stable. The boat has a central console design that maximizes open space and allows for easy movement. It also features a forward deck with a cushioned cushion for observation and lounging. There are large bimini tops to shade you and plenty of ice chest space.
"We had soo much fun today playing on Shell Island, swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling and having fun! I would recommend this company. This was the highlight on our vacation." - Christy
You and your group will go in the water together before the dolphins do. You and your group will then be able to get into the water before the dolphins do. Instead of swimming away, they will become curious about you. Because dolphins are wild animals and will be curious about you, you should not try to stimulate their curiosity. This can be explained by people who show no caring and only become interested in someone they're dating. This is how Mom met your dad.
You will be visiting Panama City Pass, and exploring the area where St. Andrews Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico during your excursion. Here dolphins can be found and we will show you how to swim in the water to see them up close.
Book a private tour to reserve the entire boat exclusively for your party. This is your own personal tour. Customize the tour to your liking. Thirteen guests maximum per private charter.
There are many birds that can be seen out of water. They include raptors like bald Eagles and Ospreys as well as shorebirds like great Blue Herons and Egrets. Seabirds include magnificent frigatebirds (terns) and terns. There are also deer sometimes found on the island.
Your captain will provide many options to help you make the most of your dolphin tour. One option is to snorkel on the grass flats or jetties of Shell Island. Perhaps you'd like to take a walk along the beach, where you can see starfish and crabs, fish, and birds of all sorts during this amazing eco-tour!
You'll snorkel to the satisfaction of your heart aboard our boat. Capri Suns, bottled water and complimentary refreshments will be available in the cooler. You can bring your own beverages and snacks.
Your group will swim in the water faster than the dolphins. If you do this, dolphins will start to be curious about you and your group, and instead of swimming off, they will gravitate towards you. It is important to remember that dolphins can be wild animals so it is not easy to inspire curiosity in them. This can be related to people who appear to only care about someone they are with when they have shown the least amount of caring. This is likely how your mom came to know your dad.
Your captain will show you the best way to enter the water and see the dolphins up close. It is against the law to reach out to dolphins or swim towards them. The best way to interact with dolphins is to swim parallel with them, and then let them come towards you.
During the second leg of your excursion, you’ll come across the best of what St Andrews Bay has to offer in terms of wildlife. These include birds like herons, ospreys, and pelicans, underwater marine life like hermit crabs, sea urchins, sea horses, blue crabs, and starfish, plus all the animal life on Shell Island. Shell Island is an exploring heaven for those interested in shells and sand dollars. Snorkel grass flats and discover St. Andrews Bay along the Gulf of Mexico.
You and your group will get into the water before the dolphins get there. In this manner, the dolphins will get curious and instead of swimming away, they’ll be drawn towards us. Considering the dolphins are wild animals, the best way to arouse their curiosity is to act uninterested in them. You can relate this to people who only seem to get interested in someone they are dating when that person shows the least indication of caring. Mom can explain this phenomena to you easily, because this is likely how she met your dad.
Be your own guide and rent a pontoon boat for the day! For visitors who would like to captain their own vessel, we have pontoon boats available for rent. You will receive our Map with directions of our favorite snorkeling locations, sandbars, common dolphin areas, and more.
It's all worth it once you get there because the water is the most beautiful I've ever seen. The water is so clear that it feels like you're swimming in a pool. We had no idea what to expect, so we went with the intention of spending a few hours on the island. Come prepared to spend the entire day!
Dolphins, loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, ghost crabs, beach mice, nine-banded armadillos, alligators that live in the island's lake, marsh rabbits, racoons, and other wildlife can be found on Shell Island.
Wear nothing but a swimsuit. Dolphins have extremely sensitive skin, and because you will be able to touch them during your interaction, we recommend that you refrain from wearing sunscreen, oils, or perfumes.