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 surrounded by the As mentioned, there are many things to do on Shell Island. Split charters are a great way to make the most out of your time and snorkel with dolphins.
These tours are great for anyone who wants to see the island from both sides.
Pontoons make it easy to drive. St. Andrew's Bay's water quality is exceptional, so you don't need to worry about being a first-time captain.
Our Adventures At Sea guides will then tour around the waters of Shell Island to show you the home of one of the largest schools of bottlenose dolphins in the world. We know all their favorite places to hide—and the places where they love to show off.
New Pontoon Boat Rentals: Accommodations for up to 10 people or maximum weight (1600 lbs). Safety equipment provided.
Your trip on super-fast boats is designed to help you find and visit the dolphins. Shell Island Dolphin Tours can only carry 6 passengers on some boats and 7-15 people on other boats (children of any age included). Shell Island Dolphin Tours can quickly get you on the water wearing your snorkel gear without the disruptions and splashing that large groups often cause. Your captain will show you the best way to interact with dolphins. Swim with Dolphins. We'll take you into the water before the dolphins arrive. So the dolphins will come to you rather than swim away. Find wildlife like birds of prey, pelicans underwater creatures and herons. Shells and Sand Dollars are found on Shell Island. Enjoy snorkeling in the flats of seagrass and exploring St. Andrews Bay, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
It is the ultimate Panama City Beach must-do!
Our photos section and social media offer a glimpse into the wildlife we might see. Every image on our website and social media was taken while on our tour. We attempt to update our social channels often with new pictures and frequently take pictures so you can keep up to date and see what we are currently seeing. Our Instagram and Facebook pages will show you what we have seen over the last few days or weeks. They can be found at the bottom. It is not unusual to see turtles, sharks or dolphins.
If you decide to go this route, be sure to ask our team to point out dolphin hotspot areas on the map so that you know where to encounter
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.
What should you bring? The majority of what you need is available on board. However, you can bring any item you like. If the temperature drops below 80 degrees we recommend bringing a towel, sunglasses with polarization, and a sweater or jacket. A breeze keeps it cooler on an open boat. You are also allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks! No alcohol allowed
Shell Island is located in the Gulf of Mexico. Split charters can be used to snorkel or encounter dolphins.
St. Andrew Bay's dolphins can be seen at any time of the day. They are wild animals and it is hard to predict when they will be best. Dolphin behavior is affected by many factors, including the weather, tides cycles, availability of prey, water temperatures and temperature. Dolphins are most likely to be seen in calm, clear waters when the sun is out. Feeding activities usually take place on an outgoing tide. Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours is a great option. They are on the water almost every day of year.
Although the beach is lovely, all the red tide dead bodies are still there. The beach is not as clean as the properties of hotels. The air is strong and ominous.
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.
Shell Island Jetty Ride The Official Shell Island Shuttle This scenic, fun ride to Shell Island only takes a few minutes. Passengers are dropped off at the quiet cove behind Shell Island Jetty. It is a great spot for children, and only a short walk away from the Gulf of Mexico Beachfront.