You will be able to see dolphins in the water under the expert guidance of your captain.
Our Dolphin & Island Tours usually last 3 hours. The departure times can vary depending on the season. We leave the dock at 9:30 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.
Private Dolphin And Snorkel Tour ExpressThere 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!
"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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
Dolphins are most active at dawn, between 10 a.m. and noon, and from 2 p.m. to dusk. A good pair of telephoto lenses or binoculars can be extremely useful for spotting dolphins.
Islamorada and Key Largo are popular locations for seeing the animals in the wild. The Florida Keys are a popular breeding ground for dolphins, so you can see them all year.
A: You can get to Shell Island by boat or jet ski. The St. Andrews Shuttle to Shell Island costs $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 2 to 12, and free for infants ages 0 to 1. There are also several locations where you can rent a jet ski or pontoon boat.