St. Andrews Bay Charters organizes private charters that can accommodate 12 guests. This will allow for a more intimate, interactive experience and safer trip as you won’t be sharing the boat.
Enjoy a trip on super-fast boats designed to allow you to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins in Panama City. Blue Dolphin Tours has a smaller number of passengers than the larger tour boats which can hold up to 150 people. With your snorkel gear on, we can get you in the water quickly without causing any disruptions or splashing that large groups often cause. This is important because it doesn't scare away the dolphins. Your knowledgeable captain will guide you in how to interact best with dolphins. This includes swimming parallel to the dolphins and not swimming towards them or reaching for them. Swim with Dolphins- We'll get you in the water before they arrive. The dolphins will be more likely to swim towards us than away, this way. Explore wildlife, including birds of Prey, pelicans and underwater creatures. Shells and sanddollars can be found at Shell Island. You can snorkel the flats of sand grass and visit St. Andrews Bay as well as the Gulf of Mexico.
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.
2 hour tours $59 per head2 hour private tours $299 per vessel (maximum 13 people)3 and 4 hour PRIVATE tours also available
Also, manatees are often seen. Manatees are sometimes seen in the water, although you can enter the water if it is safe. We practice passive observation and do not approach them.
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!
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.
Snorkeling is a fun and easy activity for people of all ages. One of the best things about Shell Island is that the calm shallow water behind the jetty is ideal for first-time snorkelers.
When is the Best Time to Visit Florida to See Dolphins? The best time to see dolphins is from late May to early August. You're most likely to see them between 10 a.m. and noon, and then again between 2 p.m. and dark.
If you and your family enjoy fishing, eating seafood, golfing, a vibrant nightlife, and shopping, Destin is the place to be. However, if you want a more relaxed family vacation with excellent waterfront lodging and a variety of children's activities, Panama City Beach is the place to be.