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.
Our friendly, local captains have decades of experience on these waters and a wealth of knowledge about the area’s dolphins, manatees, and other marine life. They are always happy to customize your trip and love showing you the natural beauty of this unique place.
A variety of starfishes, sanddollars, bay scallops. whelks. Conchs up to 21". Seahorses. Urchins. Hermit crabs. These animals are easy to bring to the surface. They can also be photographed. We use large containers to allow snorkelers and non-snorkelers to see the animals up close before they are released into a bay. You can also take any shells you find that have not been inhabited by living creatures home.
We had a wonderful experience. The captain was an amazing captain. Even showed us a jellyfish type that doesn’t sting. We stopped at a beach with lots of shells. All had a great experience and will certainly return.
The second leg of your St Andrews Bay wildlife excursion will take you to the best. You'll see birds such as herons and ospreys and pelicans. There is also underwater marine life such as hermit crabs and sea horses. Shell Island is a paradise for anyone who loves shells and sanddollars. Explore the Gulf of Mexico's St. Andrews Bay by snorkeling grass flats.
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.
For complete information about pricing, policies, what to expect and what to bring, please visit our Pricing & Information page.
Book a private tour to reserve the entire boat exclusively for your party. This is your own personal tour. Customize the tour to your liking. Thirteen guests maximum per private charter.
You have the best chance to swim with dolphins as there are only 13 people on each boat. For unforgettable memories, you can personalize a private tour for your family. Flippers Dolphin Tours is a Panama City Beach favorite. We have been rated #1 on Yelp for more than 10 years. Our captains have local knowledge about Bottlenose Dolphins.
You'll see the best of St Andrews Bay in terms of wildlife on the second leg. These include pelicans, birds like herons and ospreys, as well as marine life such a hermit crab, blue crabs or sea horses. Shell Island is the best place to look for shells and sanddollars. You can also snorkel in grass flats and explore St. Andrews Bay, along the Gulf of Mexico.
This Dolphin Tour boat, unlike larger vessels that can hold up to 175 people, can only carry six passengers. Larger groups are known to make a lot too much noise and disturb the dolphins. This can drive them away. The best part about our service is that you will be able to get in the water quickly and without scaring the dolphins.
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.
Over many years of observing the dolphins’ natural behaviors, our guides are experts at locating bottlenose dolphins and safely instructing our guests on how to enter the water and observe them in their natural habitat. Plus, your captain will snorkel alongside you to show you starfish, pufferfish, welch conchs, sand dollars, and various other types of sea creatures.
On your private dolphin tour, your privacy will be ensured since your boat will have just your loved ones or group, and the captain. Keep in mind that the Coast Guard has set the maximum number of passengers at 13, kids of all ages included.
We guarantee it will be an unforgettable experience. The Dolphin Swim Adventure costs $170 for adults and $140 for children, plus tax. Please click the booking calendar or buttons to see all the rates to see the exact rate for the dates you are visiting Panama City Beach.
Shell Island in Panama City Beach is a great place to see wild dolphin pods. Shell Island, located across the water from Saint Andrew's Park, is 7 miles of incredible beach bliss. This natural wonder is one of the best places in Panama City Beach to see and swim with dolphins.
Dolphins are most likely to be seen when the sun is shining and the water is calm and clear. Feeding activities are typically observed on an incoming tide. Choose a dolphin tour operator that is on the water nearly every day of the year, such as Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours.