Your trip aboard the super-fast boats, specially designed to find and visit with dolphins, will take you along Panama City's native pod of wild bottlenosed dolphins. Blue Dolphin Tours can only carry 6 passengers on some boats and 7-15 people on other boats (children of any age are also welcome). We can quickly get you on the water wearing your snorkel gear without the disruptions and splashing that large groups often cause, which often scares dolphins away.
Visitors, boaters and others have enjoyed Shell Island's beauty for many years. Since the 1800s, the county has been inhabited. The island is approximately 7 miles in length and the waters are alive with life. As you embark on your Dolphin Tour, you will see many seashells amongst the sugary white sandy sand. This unique attraction is a must-see on any family vacation to Panama City Beach.
You have the option to step off the boat and explore Shell Island. You can explore Shell Island by walking on the beach, collecting seashells and snorkeling. Shell Island is only accessible by boat. Shell Island is home to a diverse ecosystem that includes some of the most stunning, unspoiled beaches in the world.
"St. Andrews bay, home to over 2,900 species, is America's most diverse estuary. In the calm waters of St. Andrews Bay, almost any species can be found at any time. It is also one coastal estuary that is most vulnerable and requires our protection. Mike Brim is the Executive Director of St. Andrews Bay Environmental Science Team.
St. Andrew Bay houses one of most populous populations of bottlenoses. They are the iconic gray dolphins many people associate with television, movies, or marine parks. The dolphins in St. Andrew Bay are wild but are used to human presence. It is not uncommon for boaters to see dolphins playing, feeding, or swimming around the Bay.
See our photos section or our social media to find out more about the wildlife we see. Each one of these images was taken during actual tours. It is not uncommon for you to see starfish, turtles and sharks.
Limit six people per Shell Island Dolphin Tour. Our guests are able to enjoy St. Andrew Bay from comfort, get to know the tour captain, and even see the dolphins. 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.
It's one of the best places in Panama City Beach. Shallow pools can be found with fish and sea life. Plus the clear water in the Gulf is perfect to get out with the family. So bring your snorkeling gear or rent it from a local tour operator.
Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach that makes up the southern reach of St. Andrews State Park. Accessed via private boat or the official Shell Island Shuttle, the island is a local must-see location for visitors who want the pristine beach experience. Swimming and snorkeling are great.
Shell Island is a local must-see location for Panama City Beach visitors looking for the unspoiled white-sand beach experience. The island offers plenty of beach space and peaceful inshore waters where swimming and snorkeling are great.