MAXIMUM of 6 guests (including all children) on each boat per Coast Guard regulations except the larger Family Cruiser is 13 passengers
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.
This Dolphin Tour boat has a maximum of six passengers. That's six more than the 175-person capacity of larger tour boats. Larger groups create too much noise, which can disturb the dolphins, driving them away. The best part is that we will quickly get you in to the water, and not scare away the dolphins.
After you reach your snorkeling spot, your experienced captain will join you in the water with you to help you locate marine life. You will have the option to arrange your own private tour so you can make it as enjoyable as possible.
We often see manatees. Manatees may occasionally be found in the waters near you, but we only practice passive observation.
"We had so much fun today snorkeling with dolphins and playing on Shell Island. This company is highly recommended. It was the highlight of our vacation." - Christy
Online bookings close 12 hours before tours begin. For same day reservations, please call (850).392-7717
You will enter the water before the dolphins arrive. In this manner, the dolphins will get curious and instead of swimming away, they’ll be drawn towards us. The dolphins can be finicky and the more we "pretend" they are not there, the more curious they become.
You'll see the best of St Andrews Bay's wildlife on the second leg. These include birds like pelicans and herons as well as underwater marine life like starfish, blue crabs and blue horses, along with hermit crabs and other sea life. Shell Island offers a unique opportunity to discover shells and sanddollars. You can snorkel the flats of sand grass and visit St. Andrews Bay on the Gulf of Mexico.
Our Dolphin & Island Tours typically last for three hours. The departure time varies depending on season. At the moment, we leave the dock around 9:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
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.
Swim parallel to the dolphins and not towards them or reaching to them (also illegal), we will let the dolphins come to you (best, most ethical).
Our mission is to work with purpose. Panama City Beach dolphin tours are educational experiences that allow you to appreciate and understand wildlife. We are an eco-friendly company and do everything possible to protect wildlife. You will be a blessing to dolphins if you choose an eco-tour company that cares.
We’ll get you as close to dolphins as we possibly can while also guaranteeing your safety and theirs. Ultimately, it’s up to the dolphins how close they want to get and how much they want to interact. We practice what we call “passive observation,” which means — in simple terms — that we let the dolphins come to us. Our dolphins in St. Andrews Bay are extraordinarily playful and interactive, though, and our guests frequently have amazing encounters they’ll remember the rest of their lives.
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.