If conditions permit, guests may go into the water to see dolphins if possible. Safety is our number one priority. Your captain will teach you how safely to snorkel around marine mammals.
For a maximum of 12, we can accommodate 6 boats. We can accommodate a maximum of 6 persons per boat. For a maximum of 12, we can arrange with local partners.
We see many species, including starfish, sand dollar, bay scallops. Whelks. Conchs up to 212" long. Seahorses, Urchins. 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 are released into the bay. The shells of non-living creatures can be taken home.
You'll find a wide variety of birds out of the water. These include raptors such as bald eagles or ospreys, shorebirds such as great blue herons, egrets, and seabirds such magnificent frigatebirds, and terns. Sometimes, we also see deer on the Island.
“We had so much fun today swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling, and playing on Shell Island! I would highly recommend Panama City Beach Snorkeling & Dolphin Tours LLC . This was the highlight of our vacation.” – Christy
We'll get you in the sea before the dolphins arrive. The dolphins will be more likely to swim towards us than away, this way. Panama City Beach Snorkeling & Dolphin Tours LLC can only carry 6 people (children included). With our snorkel gear on, we can quickly get you into the water without causing any splashing or disruptions. We also don't have to worry about the dolphins being scared away by large groups. There are 5 boats that can be used for larger groups. Maximum 6 people per boat. For up to 15 persons, we also offer a Large Family Dolphin.
"Captain Jack placed us just at the right moment to view the dolphins swim under our feet. It made for a unique experience."
Our Carolina Skiffs (21-foot) and 23-foot Carolina Skiffs (23-foot) are stable and comfortable. These boats have a central console design to maximise open space and allow for easy mobility around the boat. They also feature a forward deck that is fully cushioned for observation (and lounging), plus comfortable seats for everyone in your group.
We will get you in the water before they arrive. This will make it more likely that the dolphins swim to us, rather than to us. Panama City Beach Snorkeling & Dolphin Tours LLC is smaller than larger boats, which can carry as many as 150 people. You can get in the water quickly with your snorkel gear on without having to splash or disrupt the environment that large groups often create. This is often what scares the dolphins away. For larger groups of up to 30 people, we have five identical boats. We limit the number to six per boat. A large family dolphin is also available for 15 people.
Dolphins can be described as a loose collection of different aquatic mammals that are found around the globe. The bottlenose dolphin, which is the most commonly seen dolphin in Florida, is the most prevalent. Panama City Beach Snorkeling & Dolphin Tours LLC created the iconic grey dolphin. Americans have enjoyed seeing dolphins tricks for fish at numerous marine attractions all over the country for years. However, wild dolphins are now protected by more safeguards.
Our Pricing & Information section provides complete information regarding pricing, policies as well as what to expect.
We will depart into Historic Grand Lagoon for a 25-minute relaxing cruise out to our snorkel area, Shell Island! Along the way, be on the lookout for dolphins and other sea animals in their natural habitat. When we arrive, we will anchor in the Gulf of Mexico or along Shell Island where you can snorkel for seashells and catch a glimpse of the underwater world, learn about local sea-life, or just relax and float while you take in the sun. You can also wade through the shallow water onto Shell Island to hunt for shells. After we have spent some time at Shell Island, we will end the trip with a ride out to the Gulf of Mexico to search for dolphins and sight-see along the way.
Maximum group size for our boats is 6, with a maximum capacity of 12. We can accommodate larger parties, however, with the help of our local partners.
The water is home to a variety of birds. There are raptors like bald and ospreys. There are also shorebirds like great blu egrets and great blue herons. You can also see seabirds like magnificent frigatebirds. Sometimes we see deer.
The Gulf of Mexico is home to many species of sharks. The most common sharks found along our coast are the Bull Shark and Thresher Shark.
Pier Park, Panama City Beach is the best spot to stay. Long Beach. Lower Grand Lagoon. Laguna Beach. Panama City.
Dolphins don't swim with people, "kiss", or tow people in the water because it is fun. They do this because they have to. These are not natural behaviors and all captive dolphins are trained to perform them correctly. If they don't, they won't eat.