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.
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.
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.
At Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB, our captains are highly trained and experienced in spotting, observing, and interpreting dolphin’s behavior and movements. We place the boat at a safe distance and instruct you when to get in the water to get a closer look and mingle with them.
Are you looking for fun seafari activities near Panama City Beach, Florida? Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB provides the best guided snorkeling, dolphin excursions, pontoon boats rentals and much more!
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
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.