You can’t visit Panama City Beach without exploring the beauty of Shell IslandDolphins are such majestic creatures, and interacting with them in their natural habitat is an experience like no other.
Let's have a look at some top Shell Island dolphin tour options for visitors looking to experience dolphins in the wild.
Our photos section and social media offer a glimpse into the wildlife we might see. Every image on our website and social media was taken while on our tour. We attempt to update our social channels often with new pictures and frequently take pictures so you can keep up to date and see what we are currently seeing. Our Instagram and Facebook pages will show you what we have seen over the last few days or weeks. They can be found at the bottom. It is not unusual to see turtles, sharks or dolphins.
You can see dolphins all year at Panama City Beach. Our dolphin tours allow you to experience wild dolphins in the natural habitat of their home. We will literally go the extra mile for you! We depart from a marina which is located close to where dolphins live. This gives you the best chance to spot them.
You are looking for a private dolphin trip that offers a little more? Dolphin Seafari offers dolphin tours that include walking and snorkeling.
If you decide to go this route, be sure to ask our team to point out dolphin hotspot areas on the map so that you know where to encounter
Shell Island Dolphin Tour
Since long, guests have enjoyed dolphin tours with us. We adhere to all safety and welfare guidelines. Additionally, all safety equipment required for US Coast Guard compliance is available on board our safe, comfortable boat tour boats. Our Panama City Beach Dolphin tours offer a safe, fun and enjoyable experience for guests of all ages. We make every effort to accommodate guests with disabilities, so please let our staff know.
Your trip on super-fast boats is designed to help you find and visit the dolphins. Shell Island Dolphin Tours can only carry 6 passengers on some boats and 7-15 people on other boats (children of any age included). Shell Island Dolphin Tours can quickly get you on the water wearing your snorkel gear without the disruptions and splashing that large groups often cause. Your captain will show you the best way to interact with dolphins. Swim with Dolphins. We'll take you into the water before the dolphins arrive. So the dolphins will come to you rather than swim away. Find wildlife like birds of prey, pelicans underwater creatures and herons. Shells and Sand Dollars are found on Shell Island. Enjoy snorkeling in the flats of seagrass and exploring St. Andrews Bay, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
A dolphin tour can also be a great sightseeing opportunity. All tour boats depart Adventure at Sea in Lower Grand Lagoon. They cruise south and cross the pass between St. Andrew Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and Shell Island. While you can take in the beautiful view, spot seabirds and possibly a turtle, keep your eyes open for dolphins.
New Pontoon Boat Rentals: Accommodations for up to 10 people or maximum weight (1600 lbs). Safety equipment provided.
Relax and enjoy as your USCG Captain/tour guide takes to the water to show you some amazing sunsets. Enjoy your favorite drink and snacks as you enjoy the evening.
St. Andrew Bay dolphins live in wild environments. This makes it difficult to know when is the best time for them to be seen. The weather conditions, tide cycles, tides and availability, among other factors, can affect dolphin behavior. There are good chances of seeing dolphins when the sun is out, and the waters are calm and clear. Feeding activities will usually be observed on an outgoing wave. Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours is the best dolphin tour operator. It is usually available on the water most days of the year.
If the conditions are safe, you might get the chance to swim or snorkel with dolphins. This means we might be able get in the water right next to the dolphins. You will not be able to touch the dolphins in any way. They are wild dolphins with a mind of their very own. They will sometimes swim close to you at times. Dolphins are not fed or harassed by us. Swimming with dolphins is not something we guarantee. We feel that promising "swimming" with dolphins would be unethical. We appreciate the wild dolphins as they are. All our boat tours comply with and support the Marine Mammal Protection Act. If dolphins swim in unsafe areas for us to swim, we won't allow them to enter the water. This decision is up to captain.
It's hard to find something better than one-on one interaction with one the most intelligent animals in the ocean. Dolphin Seafari offers private tours that allow individuals or small groups to enjoy the dolphins at Shell Island.
It's not uncommon to see dolphins frolicking along the Shell Island coast during the summer months. Because they are present throughout the year, bottlenose dolphins (common dolphins) and harbour porpoise can be seen most often.
About twenty minutes. The ride to the island takes about twenty minutes. There are great opportunities to spot manatees, turtles, and dolphins along the way. On the ferry boat, we often see seabirds on our journey to Shell Key.
Shell Island Jetty Ride The Official Shell Island Shuttle This scenic, fun ride to Shell Island only takes a few minutes. Passengers are dropped off at the quiet cove behind Shell Island Jetty. It is a great spot for children, and just a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico Beachfront.