Your group will jump into the water first before the dolphins. This will make the dolphins curious and they will swim towards you instead of away. Since dolphins are wild animals, it is best to be uninterested in them. This can be attributed to those who are only interested in someone when they show little care. This is probably how mom met your dad.
Panama City dolphin tours and Shell Island trips with St. Andrews Bay Charters are small, private charters, for a maximum of 12 guests (no more than 13 per boat). This not only allows for a much more intimate and interactive experience but also a safer trip since you won’t be sharing the boat with anyone outside your party.
You will arrive at your snorkeling destination where your captain will get in the water with you and show you how to find seashells and other sea life. By choosing this private tour, you will be able to choose how to pass your tour time so that it can be as exactly as you had envisioned it.
On your excursion you'll visit Panama City Pass as well as the area where St. Andrews Bay merges with the Gulf of Mexico. There are many dolphins in this area. We'll show you how to interact.
We leave from the docks at Off the Hook Bar & Grill at the foot of the foot of the Thomas Drive bridge, 1101 Bayview Avenue Panama City, FL 32401.
"Captain Jack made sure we were exactly where we needed to be in order to see the dolphins swimming underneath our feet. It was quite an experience."
Our boat will allow you to snorkel to your heart's content and you won't have to pay an extra cent! The onboard cooler will provide complimentary Capri Suns or bottled water for your refreshments. You can also bring your own drinks, snacks, and BYOB.
There are many birds that can be seen out of water. They include raptors like bald Eagles and Ospreys as well as shorebirds like great Blue Herons and Egrets. Seabirds include magnificent frigatebirds (terns) and terns. There are also deer sometimes found on the island.
Before the dolphins arrive, you will be in the water. The dolphins will be attracted to you because they are curious. Dolphins are finicky creatures and will be more curious if we pretend they're not there.
2 hour tours $59/person2 hour private tours $299/boat (maximum 13 guests)3 & four hour PRIVATE tour also available
The maximum number of guests on a boat is 13 so there's a good chance you will swim with dolphins. A private trip can be arranged for unforgettable memories. Flippers Dolphin Tours have been rated the best Panama City Beach activities by Yelp for over 10 consecutive years. Our captains can help you learn more about Bottlenose Dolphins.
Want to book a private tour for your group? Our private charter options allow customers to add additional time to their private dolphin tour (starting at 2 or 3 hours) to add additional activities (ex: additional snorkeling location, more island time, etc.). Boats can accommodate 13 passengers per boat. Your designated captain will instruct you on how to get in the water and see the dolphins in their natural habitat. Next, experience a guided snorkel tour to observe other sea life around Shell Island!
Online bookings close 12 hours before tours begin. For same day reservations please call (850) 392-7717
"We had soo much fun today playing on Shell Island, swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling and having fun! I would recommend this company. This was the highlight on our vacation." - Christy
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.