Our dolphin Boat Tours offer a more intimate experience with dolphins. They last 2 hours and allow you to swim with them, explore Shell Island, and snorkel for sand dollar. Your own private tour. Our captains have the knowledge and experience to find the best places to see Dolphins.
Out of the water, you’ll see a huge variety of birds, ranging from raptors like bald eagles and ospreys, to shorebirds like great blue herons and egrets, to seabirds like magnificent frigatebirds and terns. We also sometimes see deer on the island.
You will be visiting Panama City Pass, and exploring the area where St. Andrews Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico during your excursion. You will see many dolphins here, and we will show you how to interact with them in water.
2 hour tours $59/person2 hour private tours $299/boat (maximum 6 guests)3 & four hour PRIVATE tour also available
The captains are local and friendly with decades of experience. They have extensive knowledge of the manatees, dolphins and other marine life in the area. They are happy and able to customize any trip for you, and they love showing off the natural beauty this place has to offer.
St. Andrews Bay Charters offers private charters for up to 12 people (maximum 6 guests per boat) on Panama City dolphin tours or Shell Island trips. This allows for a more intimate and interactive experience, as well as a safer trip because you won't share the boat with anyone else.
MAXIMUM of 6 guests (including all children) on each boat per Coast Guard regulations except the larger Family Cruiser is 13 passengers
Additionally, we often see manatees. If conditions allow, you may enter the water near manatees, but we practice passive observation and never approach them.
Unwind and relax while your USCG captain/tour guide takes the group to see some stunning sunsets and views only available on the water. Enjoy your favorite beverage and snacks while you relax.
You will arrive at your snorkeling destination where your captain will get in the water with you and show you how to find seashells and other sea life. By choosing this private tour, you will be able to choose how to pass your tour time so that it can be as exactly as you had envisioned it.
Cancellations within 24 Hours of the tour's start time are not eligible to receive a refund.
This Dolphin Tour boat, unlike larger vessels that can hold up to 175 people, can only carry six passengers. Larger groups are known to make a lot too much noise and disturb the dolphins. This can drive them away. The best part about our service is that you will be able to get in the water quickly and without scaring the dolphins.
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.
The boats are real dive boats, so children will enjoy seeing dolphins and snorkeling in the water like SCUBA divers.
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.