Although you may have seen dolphins in captivity in a marine park or aquarium, it is much more fascinating to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Even though wild dolphin behavior cannot be predicted, and sightings on all trips are not guaranteed, tour captains have a lot of experience on the waters of St. Andrew Bay almost every day. Our captains know where dolphins can be found, and they do everything possible to ensure guests have a good time. Dolphins can be seen on most tours jumping, playing, looking for food and communicating with each other.
Private tours are ideal for groups that desire a more intimate experience or want to avoid being exposed to other groups. Another benefit of private tours is the flexibility to determine how long you will stay in a given area.
Another thing that makes jet ski tours so cool is the fact that dolphins love to explore the jet ski sway.
Although we have everything you could need onboard, you can still bring any item you wish. A towel, polarized glasses, sweater, or jacket are all good items to bring. It's cooler on the water than it is on the land due to the breeze and the open boat. You can also bring snacks and drinks.
That’s really up to you. The boat tour is often better for those traveling with young kids, or those with more limited mobility, but it really depends on you. If you’re not sure if your group would do better on Waverunners or boats, give us a call, and we’ll help you decide what would be best.
This three-hour Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour will be your ultimate Panama City Beach experience!
Shell Island is a popular spot for visitors to Panama City Beach. This tiny island is undeveloped and offers visitors the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.
For groups who want a more personal experience or wish to keep their group from being too exposed to other groups, private tours are a great option. Private tours also offer the option to choose how long you wish to stay in one area.
You can choose to book a private charter and have the boat your way for 2 - 6 guests or book a guided tour. On public tours, multiple guests can be seated on the same boat. All our tours are limited to six guests. You can have more people on our tours by booking multiple boats.
St. Andrew Bay's dolphins are wild animals. Therefore, it is difficult to predict when they will be most active. The season, weather, tide cycles and availability of prey all influence dolphin behavior. There is generally a good chance that dolphins will be seen when the sun is shining and the water is clear and calm. Feeding activities can usually be seen at an outgoing tide. You are best to find a dolphin tour operator such as Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours, which is available almost every day of the year.
The shallows around Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay are exquisite, and if you’ve brought your snorkeling gear, you will see some amazing sights in the clear water of the Gulf. Bring an underwater camera, and bring home snapshots that your friends will actually sit down to see.
Although it is great to explore Shell Island with an expert, some visitors prefer to go slow. Renting a boat is the best way to do it. You can go out on the open waters and park where you like.
Shell Island Dolphin Tours also can accommodate larger groups. If you have more guests than 6, please call to confirm availability.
If you are looking for an unforgettable Shell Island dolphin tour, we recommend trying out one of the three dolphin experiences from Shell Island Dolphin Tours Tours. Whether you’re traveling solo or you’re traveling with a larger group, we have plenty of options for you.
What is the best time to see dolphins in Florida? The best time to see dolphins in Florida is from May through August. You are most likely to see them between 10 and noon and then again from 2 to 4 p.m. until it gets dark.
Remember that Shell Key currently has no toilets or food and water.
Sand dollars can be found just below the tide line. They are covered with velvety, green, or reddish brown spines when they are alive. This is how sanddollars move along the shore.