After many years of watching dolphins in their natural habitats, our guides are skilled at locating them and safely instructing our guests how to enter the water to see them. You will be accompanied by your captain to snorkel alongside starfish, pufferfishes, welch cones, sanddollars and other sea creatures.
Swim with Panama City’s resident pod of wild bottle-nosed dolphins in their natural home on your trip aboard super-fast boats specially designed for finding and visiting with the dolphins. Unlike the larger tour boats that carry up to 150 people, Blue Dolphin Tours carries only 13 passengers on some boats & 7-15 on other boats (children of all ages included). We can have you in the water with your snorkel gear on quickly and without all the splashing and disruptions that large groups create, often frightening the dolphins away.Learn from Your Knowledgeable Captain - Your private captain will instruct you on the best means of interacting with the dolphins, such as swimming parallel with the dolphins rather than swimming toward them or reaching out for them.Swim with Dolphins - We'll put you in the water before the dolphins arrive. That way, the dolphins are more likely to come to us than swim away.Discover wildlife including birds of prey, pelicans, underwater creatures and herons. Explore the Shell Island area for sand dollars and shells. Snorkel grass flats and explore St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
You'll snorkel to the satisfaction of your heart aboard our boat. Capri Suns, bottled water and complimentary refreshments will be available in the cooler. You can bring your own beverages and snacks.
You will be able to see dolphins in the water under the expert guidance of your captain.
Boat Tours are fun for all ages. Lagoon Pontoons Boat Tours are the best option for those who want to just relax and enjoy the breathtaking views.
All snorkeling gear is provided onboard at no additional charge. Capri Suns, bottled water and complimentary refreshments will be available in the cooler. You are encouraged to bring your own beverages, snacks, and BYOB.
Also, manatees are often seen. Manatees are sometimes seen in the water, although you can enter the water if it is safe. We practice passive observation and do not approach them.
Online bookings close 12 hours before tours begin. For same day reservations, please call (850).392-7717
2 hour tours $59 per individual2 hour Private tours $299 each boat (maximum 13 passengers)3 & 4-hour PRIVATE tours also available
Your captain will show you the best way to enter the water and see the dolphins up close. It is against the law to reach out to dolphins or swim towards them. The best way to interact with dolphins is to swim parallel with them, and then let them come towards you.
It was a great time. Captain was amazing. The captain even showed us a jelly fish that doesn’t sting. We stopped at a shell island with lots of shells. We had a great time and we will be back.
On your trip with Blue Dolphin Tours, you will be able to swim with Panama City’s resident pods of wild bottlenosed dolphins. These boats are super fast and specifically designed for meeting with the dolphins. Blue Dolphin Tours does not carry more than 150 people. Instead, we can take six passengers on some boats and seven to fifteen on other boats. This includes children of all ages. Your snorkel gear and you can be in the water within minutes. We don't need to cause any disturbances or splashing, which can sometimes scare the dolphins. Your Captain is Your Guide - Your captain will help you learn how to interact well with dolphins. Swim with Dolphins. - You'll be able to swim in the ocean before the dolphins arrive. Dolphins are more likely not to swim away from us if we do this. See wildlife such as birds, pelicans, aquatic creatures and herons. Shells, sand dollars, and other treasures can be found on Shell Island. Snorkel the flats of grass and discover St. Andrews Bay.
We'll bring you as close as possible and ensure your safety as well as their safety. The dolphins decide how close they want and how much interaction they want. "Passive observation" is a practice that allows dolphins to approach us. Our guests often have unforgettable encounters with dolphins at St. Andrews Bay. They are playful and interactive and will always remember them.
Gabby's Dolphin ToursPCB has highly-trained and experienced captains who are skilled in spotting, observing and interpreting dolphin behavior and movements. We keep the boat safe and show you how to get into the water to have a closer look at the dolphins.
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.