Manatees are also often seen in the water. You may be allowed to swim near manatees if the conditions are right, but we always observe them passively and avoid getting close.
You can find complete information about pricing policies, what to expect, and what to bring on our Pricing & Information pages.
What a great way to spend a day! Took my 22 year old son and his friends out for 1/2 day. Pontoon boat was fantastic as was the day. Rob was great and everyone had the best time!
The boat has all the equipment you need to snorkel at no additional cost. Capri Suns will be available on the boat, as well as complimentary bottled water. Bring your own beverages, snacks, or BYOB.
You will find some of the most beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots on Florida's coasts! Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe offer adventure options.
A more intimate Dolphin experience, just a small group, our dolphin Boat Tours are 2 hours in length and offer you the opportunity to swim with dolphins, explore Shell Island and snorkel for sand dollars. Get your own private tour. Our captains are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to finding the best spots to see Dolphins.
Would you like to reserve a private tour? Our private charter options let customers add additional time to their dolphin tour (which starts at 2 or 3 hour) and add activities (ex. additional snorkeling area, more island time etc.). 13 people can each boat. Your captain will help you get in the water to view dolphins in their natural habitat. You can then take a guided snorkel tour around Shell Island to observe other sealife.
Our mission is to work with a purpose: By providing Panama City Beach dolphin tours as educational experiences, which allows a greater understanding and appreciation of wildlife. We are an eco-friendly tour and take steps to make sure we do not disturb or harm any wildlife. The dolphins will thank you for choosing an eco-tour outfitter who cares, we will too.
The boats are real dive boats, so children will enjoy seeing dolphins and snorkeling in the water like SCUBA divers.
Your privacy will be assured on your private dolphin tour. You and your group will only be allowed to board the boat with your captain. The Coast Guard has limited the number of passengers to 13, with children of all ages.
You'll see the best of St Andrews Bay in terms of wildlife on the second leg. These include pelicans, birds like herons and ospreys, as well as marine life such a hermit crab, blue crabs or sea horses. Shell Island is the best place to look for shells and sanddollars. You can also snorkel in grass flats and explore St. Andrews Bay, along the Gulf of Mexico.
Species we frequently see include a variety of starfish, sand dollars, bay scallops, whelks, conchs up to 21” long, seahorses, urchins, and hermit crabs and other crab species. These animals can be brought to the surface, handled carefully, and photographed. We bring large containers so that even non-snorkelers can observe them up close before they’re released back into the bay. Shells found without living creatures can be taken home.
Your excursion will take in Panama City Pass and the area that St. Andrews Bay (and the Gulf of Mexico) meet. This is where dolphins are found. You will learn how to get in the sea and see them up-close.
The maximum number of guests on a boat is 13 so there's a good chance you will swim with dolphins. A private trip can be arranged for unforgettable memories. Flippers Dolphin Tours have been rated the best Panama City Beach activities by Yelp for over 10 consecutive years. Our captains can help you learn more about Bottlenose Dolphins.
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.