If we swim parallel to dolphins instead of swimming towards them or reaching out to them (which is also illegal), then this will be the best, most ethical way to allow dolphins to come to our aid.
Your captain will direct you on how to enter the water so that you can see the dolphins at close quarters. It is prohibited to approach or swim towards the dolphins. We interact with dolphins in the most ethical manner possible by swimming parallel to their bodies and inviting them to come towards us.
This was the highlight of our Florida vacation. We felt secure, enjoyed our trip, and also learned a lot. Captain Jack was kind, knowledgeable, and accommodating."
Relax and enjoy as your USCG Captain/tour guide takes to the water to show you some amazing sunsets and views. While you are enjoying the evening, bring your favorite beverage and/or snacks.
You will enter the water before the dolphins arrive. In this manner, the dolphins will get curious and instead of swimming away, they’ll be drawn towards us. The dolphins can be finicky and the more we "pretend" they are not there, the more curious they become.
Captain Jack was amazing. He was extremely well-informed. He allowed us to choose what was important. We chose dolphin sightings for most of our time."
Our dolphin and island tours take you to Shell Island, where you can also observe dolphins. We can walk along the shore, look for shells, swim and snorkel in the protected waters.
Your captain will guide you in the most efficient way to get into the water and view the dolphins close up. You are not permitted to touch or swim towards dolphins. They can only interact ethically by swimming parallel to them and allowing them to come toward us.
About Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB Looking to have the dolphin adventure of a lifetime? Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB offers the best in guided dolphin tours, private charters, and more! Explore the waters of Panama City Beach and Shell Island with us as your guide. We’re looking forward to meeting you!
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.
Our 2-hour Dolphin Boat Tours allow for a more personal dolphin experience. This tour is limited to a small group and allows you to swim with dolphins, snorkel for sand dollars, and explore Shell Island. Book your own private tour. Our captains have years of experience and are experts in finding the best spots to view Dolphins.
For your private 2 hour dolphin tour, we will reserve the vessel for your family or group. Coast Guard regulations allow 13 people, which includes children.
We will get you as close as possible to dolphins while still ensuring your safety and their safety. It's up the dolphins to decide how close and how often they interact with us. Passive observation is what we do. It simply means that we allow the dolphins to come to us. The dolphins of St. Andrews Bay are extremely playful and interactive. Guests often have incredible encounters that they will never forget.
In the course of your excursion, you will visit Panama City Pass and explore the area where St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico converge. Here, there are lots of dolphins, and what’s more, we’ll guide you on how to interact with them in the water.
It's all worth it once you get there because the water is the most beautiful I've ever seen. The water is so clear that it feels like you're swimming in a pool. We had no idea what to expect, so we went with the intention of spending a few hours on the island. Come prepared to spend the entire day!
Dolphins, loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, ghost crabs, beach mice, nine-banded armadillos, alligators that live in the island's lake, marsh rabbits, racoons, and other wildlife can be found on Shell Island.
Wear nothing but a swimsuit. Dolphins have extremely sensitive skin, and because you will be able to touch them during your interaction, we recommend that you refrain from wearing sunscreen, oils, or perfumes.