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.
Your captain will meet you at the snorkeling spot and take you into the water. He will show you how to identify seashells and other marine life. You can choose how you want to spend your tour time, so it will be exactly what you envisioned.
You can motor in our boats built for cruising while watching beautiful dolphins in their natural environment and swimming with them.
Reserve the whole boat on a private tour for only your group. This is your tour. This tour can be tailored to your preferences. A private charter can only accommodate six people.
Your captain will accompany you on your journey to the snorkeling site. They will help you identify and find seashells. You will have the option to arrange your own private tour so you can make it as enjoyable as possible.
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.
Relax and enjoy as your USCG Captain/tour guide takes to the water to show you some amazing sunsets and views. While you are enjoying the evening, bring your favorite beverage and/or snacks.
Enjoy a trip on super-fast boats designed to allow you to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins in Panama City. Blue Dolphin Tours has a smaller number of passengers than the larger tour boats which can hold up to 150 people. With your snorkel gear on, we can get you in the water quickly without causing any disruptions or splashing that large groups often cause. This is important because it doesn't scare away the dolphins. Your knowledgeable captain will guide you in how to interact best with dolphins. This includes swimming parallel to the dolphins and not swimming towards them or reaching for them. Swim with Dolphins- We'll get you in the water before they arrive. The dolphins will be more likely to swim towards us than away, this way. Explore wildlife, including birds of Prey, pelicans and underwater creatures. Shells and sanddollars can be found at Shell Island. You can snorkel the flats of sand grass and visit St. Andrews Bay as well as the Gulf of Mexico.
"Captain Jack placed us just at the right moment to view the dolphins swim under our feet. It made for a unique experience."
We will reserve the boat for your group or family, and the captain, during our private dolphin tour. Coast Guard regulations stipulate that 6 passengers are allowed, including children and infants.
Relax and unwind as your USCG captain/tour leader takes you out to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, views and other sights that are only possible on the water. You are welcome to bring any beverage, snacks or food you wish while you enjoy the evening.
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 6 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 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.
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.
Dolphins are most active at dawn, between 10 a.m. and noon, and from 2 p.m. to dusk. A good pair of telephoto lenses or binoculars can be extremely useful for spotting dolphins.
Islamorada and Key Largo are popular locations for seeing the animals in the wild. The Florida Keys are a popular breeding ground for dolphins, so you can see them all year.
A: You can get to Shell Island by boat or jet ski. The St. Andrews Shuttle to Shell Island costs $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 2 to 12, and free for infants ages 0 to 1. There are also several locations where you can rent a jet ski or pontoon boat.