Shell Island is home to many bottlenose dolphins. These amazing marine mammals can be seen in their natural habitat during one of our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours.
You will have more time for snorkeling, as the excursion lasts three hours.
Shell Island Dolphin Tours can also accommodate larger groups. Please call ahead if you are more than six people to verify availability.
The number of passengers on our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours is limited to six. Our guests can explore St. Andrew Bay comfortably, have a good conversation with their tour captain and see the dolphins up close. Your captain will bring the tour boat as close as possible to the dolphins, while being respectful and cautious to avoid causing them stress.
These guided tours offer a unique opportunity to visit Shell Island from both land and water.
While you might have seen captive dolphins at a marine reserve, it is still far more fun to observe these majestic animals in their natural environment. Our captains are experienced in the waterways of St. Andrew Bay and can predict wild dolphin behavior, but they cannot guarantee sightings. They are familiar with the best places to find dolphins and will make sure that guests have a blast. Dolphins are often seen playing, jumping, searching for food and communicating with one other on all tours.
Do you want a more active dolphin tour of Shell Island? Jet skis can be a fun way for dolphins to get close to their natural habitat.
Shell Island is a popular spot for visitors to Panama City Beach. This tiny island is undeveloped and offers visitors the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.
Relax and unwind as your USCG captain/tour leader takes you out to enjoy breathtaking sunsets and views that only can be seen from the water. While you are enjoying the evening, bring your favorite beverage and/or snacks.
You can book a private tour to have the boat for you and up to 6 people, or you can book a public tour. Public tours allow up to six guests to share the boat with multiple people. Our tours can accommodate up to 6 people. To accommodate larger groups, we can take multiple boats.
Note that not all tour companies and rental jet skis have the same minimum age requirements as other companies. Therefore, this option may not be suitable for families with children.
This rate includes safety equipment, fuel, a swimming ladder, and more. All you’ve got to do is bring your cooler, some sunblock, and your loved ones!
If the conditions allow, you may be able to swim with and snorkel alongside dolphins. We may be able to swim in the same area as the dolphins. However, you won't be able touch them. These dolphins are wild and can have their own thoughts. Sometimes they can swim within 3 feet of your body, other times they may swim away from you. We don't feed dolphins or harass them. Swimming with dolphins is not guaranteed. We don't believe it ethical to promise'swimming' with dolphins. We are happy to be able to interact with wild dolphins. All of our boat tours follow the Marine Mammal Protection Act guidelines. We will not allow dolphins to swim in areas that are unsafe for us to swim. The captain can decide.
You can choose to book a private charter and have the boat your way for 2 - 6 guests or book a guided tour. On public tours, multiple guests can be seated on the same boat. All our tours are limited to six guests. You can have more people on our tours by booking multiple boats.
This is what Panama City beachgoers encountered on their local stretch. One sun-seeking American alligator took a leisurely walk along the shoreline. The alligator also enjoyed frolicking in the surf at St. Andrews State Park.
The undeveloped barrier island is a top local attraction that measures almost 7 miles in length. Shell Island is the perfect place to find a quiet, isolated beach with no other people. It is easy to get to Shell Island.
Snorkeling in the Jetties A popular spot is the "children’s pool", which is how locals refer the calm, protected waters behind Shell Island Jetty. The protected swimming area at the southern end St. Andrews State Park is another good spot.