Your captain can show you how to best enter the water, and get close up and personal with the dolphins. It is forbidden to swim or reach out towards dolphins. We use the most ethical approach to interaction with them by swimming parallel to them, as well as allowing them freely to approach us.
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).
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.
All snorkeling is waiting for you on the boat AT NO EXTRA CHARGE. For your refreshments, the onboard cooler will have Capri Suns and/or complimentary bottled water. You are also welcome to bring your own beverages, snacks and BYOB.
Species we frequently see include a variety of starfish, sand dollars, bay scallops, whelks, conchs up to 21” long, seahorses, urchins, and hermit crabs and other crab species. These animals can be brought to the surface, handled carefully, and photographed. We bring large containers so that even non-snorkelers can observe them up close before they’re released back into the bay. Shells found without living creatures can be taken home.
Captain Jack was a marvellous man. He was extremely knowledgeable. We were able to decide what was most important, and dolphin sightings were the preferred option for the majority.
With the professional guidance of your captain, you’ll be able to enter the water and watch the dolphins at very close range.
With a maximum of 13 guests per boat, you have a very good chance of swimming with dolphins on this tour. Or, personalize a private trip for memories your family will never forget. As Flippers Dolphin Tours we’ve been rated one of Yelp’s top things to do on Panama City Beach for over 10 years. Our captains are local experts on our Bottlenose Dolphins.
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.
Want to book a private tour for your group? Our private charter options allow customers to add additional time to their private dolphin tour (starting at 2 or 3 hours) to add additional activities (ex: additional snorkeling location, more island time, etc.). Boats can accommodate 13 passengers per boat. Your designated captain will instruct you on how to get in the water and see the dolphins in their natural habitat. Next, experience a guided snorkel tour to observe other sea life around Shell Island!
Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB Want to experience the dolphin adventure of your dreams? Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB provides the best in private charters and guided dolphin tours. With us, you can explore the waters around Panama City Beach and Shell Island. We look forward to seeing you!
The captains are local and friendly with decades of experience. They have extensive knowledge of the manatees, dolphins and other marine life in the area. They are happy and able to customize any trip for you, and they love showing off the natural beauty this place has to offer.
Looking for a unique, fun-filled experience for your Florida vacation? Contact Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB for more information about our Shell Island snorkeling and dolphin tours. We look forward to seeing you soon!
We depart the docks at Off the Hook Bar & Grill on the Thomas Drive bridge. 1101 Bayview Avenue Panama City FL 32401.
We guarantee it will be an unforgettable experience. The Dolphin Swim Adventure costs $170 for adults and $140 for children, plus tax. Please click the booking calendar or buttons to see all the rates to see the exact rate for the dates you are visiting Panama City Beach.
Shell Island in Panama City Beach is a great place to see wild dolphin pods. Shell Island, located across the water from Saint Andrew's Park, is 7 miles of incredible beach bliss. This natural wonder is one of the best places in Panama City Beach to see and swim with dolphins.
Dolphins are most likely to be seen when the sun is shining and the water is calm and clear. Feeding activities are typically observed on an incoming tide. Choose a dolphin tour operator that is on the water nearly every day of the year, such as Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours.