In the course of your excursion, you will visit Panama City Pass and explore the area where St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico converge. This is where we locate dolphins and will show you how to get in the water and see them up close.
"Captain Jack made sure we were exactly where we needed to be in order to see the dolphins swimming underneath our feet. It was quite an experience."
Gabby's Dolphin ToursPCB is run by highly qualified and experienced captains. They are trained in spotting, monitoring, and interpret the movements and behaviors of dolphins. We set the boat up at a safe distance so you are able to observe the dolphins from a close range.
Swim with Panama City’s resident pod of wild bottle-nosed dolphins in their natural home on your trip aboard super-fast boats specially designed for finding and visiting with the dolphins. Unlike the larger tour boats that carry up to 150 people, Blue Dolphin Tours carries only 13 passengers on some boats & 7-15 on other boats (children of all ages included). We can have you in the water with your snorkel gear on quickly and without all the splashing and disruptions that large groups create, often frightening the dolphins away.Learn from Your Knowledgeable Captain - Your private captain will instruct you on the best means of interacting with the dolphins, such as swimming parallel with the dolphins rather than swimming toward them or reaching out for them.Swim with Dolphins - We'll put you in the water before the dolphins arrive. That way, the dolphins are more likely to come to us than swim away.Discover wildlife including birds of prey, pelicans, underwater creatures and herons. Explore the Shell Island area for sand dollars and shells. Snorkel grass flats and explore St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Online bookings close 12 hours before tours begin. For same-day bookings, please call (850.392-7717).
Please visit our Pricing & Information Page for more information on pricing, policies, expectations, and what you can bring.
Private Dolphin And Snorkeling Tours CairnsLooking for a fun seafari near Panama City Beach? Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB offers the best in guided snorkeling tours, dolphin excursions, pontoon boat rentals, and more!
Also, manatees are often seen. Manatees are sometimes seen in the water, although you can enter the water if it is safe. We practice passive observation and do not approach them.
You can book a private tour and reserve the whole boat for you. This is your personal tour. You can customize the tour to suit your needs. Private charters can accommodate up to six guests.
On your trip with Blue Dolphin Tours, you will be able to swim with Panama City’s resident pods of wild bottlenosed dolphins. These boats are super fast and specifically designed for meeting with the dolphins. Blue Dolphin Tours does not carry more than 150 people. Instead, we can take six passengers on some boats and seven to fifteen on other boats. This includes children of all ages. Your snorkel gear and you can be in the water within minutes. We don't need to cause any disturbances or splashing, which can sometimes scare the dolphins. Your Captain is Your Guide - Your captain will help you learn how to interact well with dolphins. Swim with Dolphins. - You'll be able to swim in the ocean before the dolphins arrive. Dolphins are more likely not to swim away from us if we do this. See wildlife such as birds, pelicans, aquatic creatures and herons. Shells, sand dollars, and other treasures can be found on Shell Island. Snorkel the flats of grass and discover St. Andrews Bay.
Our Carolina Skiffs (21-foot) and 23-foot Carolina Skiffs (23-foot) are comfortable, stable and safe for dolphin and island tours. These boats feature a central console design to maximize space and allow easy movement around the boat. A fully cushioned forward deck allows for observation (and lounging), and comfortable seats for the whole group. Large bimini tops provide shade and ice chest space.
St. Andrews Bay Charters organizes private charters that can accommodate 12 guests. This will allow for a more intimate, interactive experience and safer trip as you won’t be sharing the boat.
There can be no more than 13 people (including children) per boat, as per Coast Guard regulations. The Family Cruiser has a maximum of 13 passengers.
Book a private tour with your group. Private charters allow you to extend your private dolphin tour by adding additional time (starting at 2 to 3 hours). This allows you to add more snorkeling locations, island time, and so on. Thirteen passengers can be accommodated on a boat. The captain will show you how to get into the water and observe the dolphins in their natural habitat. Next, take a guided snorkel trip to see other marine life around Shell Island.
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.