The dolphins will not arrive until you enter the water. This will make the dolphins curious and they will swim towards you instead of away. Dolphins can be very finicky, so the more we pretend they aren't there, the more curious and curious they will become.
"We had so much fun today snorkeling with dolphins and playing on Shell Island. This company is highly recommended. It was the highlight of our vacation." - Christy
Please visit our Pricing & Information Page for more information on pricing, policies, expectations, and what you can bring.
"We had so much great fun today swimming, snorkeling, playing on Shell Island and all the other activities! This company is highly recommended. This was our highlight vacation. - Christy
We will reserve the boat for your group or family, and the captain, during our private dolphin tour. Coast Guard regulations stipulate that 13 passengers are allowed, including children and infants.
You'll find a wide variety of birds out of the water. These include raptors such as bald eagles or ospreys, shorebirds such as great blue herons or egrets, and seabirds such magnificent frigatebirds. Sometimes, we also see deer on the Island.
We often see manatees. Manatees may occasionally be found in the waters near you, but we only practice passive observation.
We often see sand dollars and bay scallops as well as conchs up 21 inches long, starfish, starfish, seahorses and urchins. These animals can be brought to surface and photographed. Large containers are brought so that everyone can see them close up before they are released into the bay. You can take home any shells that are not made of living creatures.
Your trip aboard the super-fast boats, specially designed to find and visit with dolphins, will take you along Panama City's native pod of wild bottle-nosed Dolphins. Blue Dolphin Tours can only carry 13 people on some boats, and 7-15 passengers on other boats (children of any age included). Our snorkel gear can be put on quickly so you don't have to splash around and scare off the dolphins. Learn from Your Knowledgeable Captain. Your captain will show you the best way to interact with the dolphins. Swim with Dolphins. We'll take you into the water before the dolphins arrive. So the dolphins are more likely than not to swim away to us, to swim with us. 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.
We will swim parallel to the dolphins, rather than swimming towards them or reaching for them (which is also illegal), and we will let them come to us (best, most ethical way).
Your captain will direct you in the right direction so that you can see the dolphins close up.
You can be your own guide by renting a pontoon boat! Rentable pontoon boats are also available for those visitors who prefer to take control of their own boat. We will send you a Map that shows where we recommend snorkeling, sandbars or common areas for dolphin sightings.
You will snorkel to your satisfaction aboard our boat and YOU WON’T PAY AN EXTRA CENT! For your refreshments, the onboard cooler will have Capri Suns and/or complimentary bottled water. You are also welcome to bring your own beverages, snacks and BYOB.
Would you like to reserve a private tour? Our private charter options let customers add additional time to their dolphin tour (which starts at 2 or 3 hour) and add activities (ex. additional snorkeling area, more island time etc.). 13 people can each boat. Your captain will help you get in the water to view dolphins in their natural habitat. You can then take a guided snorkel tour around Shell Island to observe other sealife.
Snorkeling is a fun and easy activity for people of all ages. One of the best things about Shell Island is that the calm shallow water behind the jetty is ideal for first-time snorkelers.
When is the Best Time to Visit Florida to See Dolphins? The best time to see dolphins is from late May to early August. You're most likely to see them between 10 a.m. and noon, and then again between 2 p.m. and dark.
If you and your family enjoy fishing, eating seafood, golfing, a vibrant nightlife, and shopping, Destin is the place to be. However, if you want a more relaxed family vacation with excellent waterfront lodging and a variety of children's activities, Panama City Beach is the place to be.