Although you may have seen dolphins in captivity in a marine park or aquarium, it is much more fascinating to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Even though wild dolphin behavior cannot be predicted, and sightings on all trips are not guaranteed, tour captains have a lot of experience on the waters of St. Andrew Bay almost every day. Our captains know where dolphins can be found, and they do everything possible to ensure guests have a good time. Dolphins can be seen on most tours jumping, playing, looking for food and communicating with each other.
You should be aware that most tour and jet ski rental companies require minimum age for their riders. This means this option may not suit families with young children.
Limit six guests per Panama City Beach Dolphin Tour. This allows our guests to enjoy St. Andrew Bay and interact with the tour captain. You are able to take pictures and video and ask any questions as the captain brings you as close to the dolphins as possible. He is respectful and will not cause harm to them.
The best way to start a Dolphin and Snorkeling trip is to look for wildlife. We find our local Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. Our local Captains and Tour Guides are dolphin experts in Panama City Beach.
If the weather is safe and clear, you may have the opportunity to swim and snorkel among dolphins. This means that we might get to go into the water near the dolphins. It does not necessarily mean that they will allow you to touch them. They are wild dolphins, and have their own mind. Sometimes they will come within 3 feet of you. Other times they will swim away and you won't be able to see them while in the water. We do not feed, harass or harass dolphins. We don't guarantee that you will swim with dolphins. We believe that promising swimming with dolphins is not ethical. We welcome wild dolphins into our lives on their terms. All boat tours are conducted in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act. We won't swim with dolphins that are swimming in dangerous areas. This is entirely up to the captain.
Florida requires that all jet ski rental companies have a valid driver’s license. Drivers born after 1988 must pass a test to obtain a temporary boating safety licence.
Let's look at the top Shell Island dolphin tours available for tourists who want to view dolphins in their natural habitat.
These tours focus on in-water interactions. You will be accompanied by knowledgeable guides to the dolphin hot spot, where you can swim with local dolphins.
We invite you to join us for a fun boat trip and a chance see bottlenose Dolphins, one of the most charismatic and fascinating creatures in nature. Call (850). 754-2967 to book your spot on one our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours.
The dolphins of Panama City Beach are all year long! For your dolphin tour, we go the extra mile (or 10, depending on how far you want to travel) in order to help you realize your wild dolphin dream! We leave from a marina very close to dolphins, so you will have the best chance possible to see them.
St. Andrew Bay hosts one of world's largest resident populations (the iconic gray dolphins) of bottlenose dolphins. This is the area most people are most familiar with from movies, television and marine parks. Although the dolphins of St. Andrew Bay may be wild animals, they are used the human presence. Boaters are often found among a group that is swimming, feeding, or playing with dolphins.
What should we take? Although we have most of the items you'll need, you can also bring your own. If the temperature is less than 80 degrees, we recommend you bring a towel and polarized sunglasses. The breeze makes it cooler on open-air boats. You can also bring snacks and beverages. The consumption of alcohol is permitted!
Florida law forbids dolphins from swimming or touching them. This is to ensure their well-being. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission has officers on the water to enforce these rules. You may have the opportunity to see dolphins from your boat, which will give you a great view and excellent photo opportunities. You can have wild dolphin encounters with dolphins by taking one of our Shell Island Snorkel Tours. Dolphins often swim close to snorkelers.
Shell Island is a popular destination for tourists visiting Panama City Beach. The island is small and undeveloped making it a great spot to see Florida's natural beauty.
Shell Island is a nature preserve without any restrooms or other visitor facilities, such as trash bins, picnic tables or shade pavilions. There is no trash collection service. Island visitors are expected to take all their trash with them when they leave the Island.
Panama City Beach is the ideal place to swim with dolphins. Panama City has a lot to offer, including wild dolphins and marine parks that have dolphins that are as excited to meet you as you are!
$279.99 per person/ Participants must measure 48 inches to be eligible for the Royal Swim program. A paying adult must accompany children between 48 and 54 inches (1 adult per child).