The dolphins are wild animals in their natural habitat, they are not in tanks or netted areas. It is highly recommended that you wear polarized sunglasses to cut the glare on the water to be able to better see the beautiful wild dolphins. It is pretty rare for us to not see the dolphins.


We love our dolphins and want them all to prosper for future generations. We wish they were as excited as we to see them. Unfortunately, they would be fed by people on boats which is illegal, and ultimately, dangerous, for the dolphins.

Shell Island Cruises Key West Florida

Shell Island Cruises Key West Florida


Enjoy 3 hours of sunbathing fun with your Panama City Beach adventure sail catamaran. An hour-long sailing cruise will take you across St. Andrews Bay to Shell Island's best spots, depending on weather conditions and visibility for dolphin viewing and sea life. The "Island Time", an inflatable sailing cruise boat, will anchor in about 5 feet water. From there, you can snorkel around Shell Island. Or search for seashells. Our popular water slide is also available for use.

Shell Island Cruises Lake Of The Ozarks


And of course, seeing Shell Island is only part of the tour! As we cross out to the island. Keep a sharp eye out for dolphins, because we often see wild schools of dolphins in the area. You could also make a Shell Island rest stop part of a charter fishing trip.

Shell Island Cruises Lake Of The Ozarks

Shell Island Cruises Yulee Fl


The St. Andrews State Park Campground Camp Store offers beach bike rentals. You can ride around the park loops and along the park roads, as well as the 2-mile paved bike path that runs through the park. This is a great place to spot deer and other wildlife in the park. Two short, easy trails allow for close inspection of the coastal scrub habitats and native pine forest.

What is the rainiest month in Panama City Florida


Book your vacation to a shell island now. Best excursion to panama beach Florida. So you have been on banana boat rides and parasailing trips. You've rented jetskis and sat in sun loungers while watching the waves crash onto the shore. You have seen it all.

Shell Island Cruises Lake Of The Ozarks

Shell Island Cruises Qgc Curtis


After about an hour at Shell Island, we’ll take a leisurely sailing cruise out to the Gulf of Mexico to look for wild dolphins! (Please read dolphin disclaimer below). We always hope the conditions will line up just right and it’s pretty rare not to see dolphins, but the itinerary is based on the weather and conditions for your safety and enjoyment. The cruise back to the dock is a fun sailing party at Panama City Beach with upbeat music, games and dancing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The waters around Shell Island are home to a large group of bottlenose dolphins. You can encounter these amazing marine mammals at home in their natural habitat on one of our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours.

Once you get there it is all worth it, as it is the most beautiful water I've ever seen. It is like you are swimming in a pool. It is so crystal clear. We didn't know what to expect so we went planning to spend a few hours on the island. Come expecting to spend all day!

Shell Island has a fascinating amount of local wildlife including dolphins, loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, ghost crabs, beach mice, nine-banded armadillos, alligators that live in the lake on the island, marsh rabbits, racoons and more.

Agree with above, go around 11 a.m., to get the best of daytime sun, because April has some fairly cool days. over a year ago. I'd plan for late morning/early afternoon. There's no shade so if it is really warm you don't want to be there at the absolute hottest part of the day.