A wide range of birds can be found out on the water. This includes raptors such bald eagles, ospreys and shorebirds such great blue herons, egrets and seabirds such stunning frigatebirds and even terns. You may also see deer at the island.
You and your group will get into the water before the dolphins get there. In this manner, the dolphins will get curious and instead of swimming away, they’ll be drawn towards us. Considering the dolphins are wild animals, the best way to arouse their curiosity is to act uninterested in them. You can relate this to people who only seem to get interested in someone they are dating when that person shows the least indication of caring. Mom can explain this phenomena to you easily, because this is likely how she met your dad.
You will go in the water before the dolphins arrive. You will attract the dolphins towards you, and they'll become curious. Dolphins can be finicky so we need to pretend that they aren’t there.
The dolphin and island tours to Shell Island allow you to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Here you can explore the beach, find shells, swim, wade and snorkel in the protected waters. You will also see a wide range of marine life.
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.
Our Dolphin & Island Tours last approximately 3 hours. Seasonally, departure times may vary. We currently leave the dock at 9:00 am and 12:30 pm.
“We had so much fun today swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling, and playing on Shell Island! I would highly recommend this company. This was the highlight of our vacation.” – Christy
We also visit Shell Island on our dolphin and island tour. This is where you can swim, fish, dive, search for shells and, if the conditions are right, snorkel in the clear, protected waters to see a variety of marine life.
We also often see manatees. Manatees can be seen if conditions permit. However, we prefer passive observation so that they are not tempted to approach us.
Additionally, we often see manatees. If conditions allow, you may enter the water near manatees, but we practice passive observation and never approach them.
There are many species we see, including starfish, sanddollars bay scallops, whelks conchs upto 21" long, seahorses urchins and hermit crabs. These animals can be brought up to the surface, handled gently, and photographed. We bring large containers so that snorkelers, as well as non-snorkelers, can get close to the animals before they're released into the bay. The shells of non-living creatures can be taken home.
If conditions allow, guests are welcome to get in the water when dolphins are nearby. Safety is always our first priority, and your captain will instruct you how to safely snorkel around marine mammals.
Your group and you will be in the water before the dolphins. The dolphins will be more interested in you and your group than swimming away. The best way to get dolphins' attention is to not show any interest in them. This is a common occurrence among people who seem to only be interested in someone they love when they show the least amount of care. This is how your mom met your dad, and you can easily explain it to yourself.
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.
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.