Swim with Panama City’s resident pod of wild bottle-nosed dolphins in their natural home on your trip aboard super-fast boats specially designed for finding and visiting with the dolphins. Unlike the larger tour boats that carry up to 150 people, Blue Dolphin Tours carries only 6 passengers on some boats & 7-15 on other boats (children of all ages included). We can have you in the water with your snorkel gear on quickly and without all the splashing and disruptions that large groups create, often frightening the dolphins away.
Our guides will show the beauty of Shell Island to you as you begin your tour. This 7-mile stretch of undeveloped paradise lies east to west between St. Andrews Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and Shell Island. This is Florida, at its most natural and far from the resorts. Shell Island is the home to endangered species like the loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers, and is famous for the many beautiful shells you will find on its beaches.
For years, Shell Island has been a popular destination for boaters, tourists and other visitors. The county has been home to visitors since it was established in 1800. The island measures approximately 7 miles in length, and the waters are full with life. You'll find seashells amongst sugary white sand. Also, watch the playful antics and pranks of Bottlenose dolphins as you enjoy your Dolphin Tour. On your next family vacation, you must see this amazing attraction at Panama City Beach.
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.
We have been taking guests out on dolphin tours for many years, and we carefully adhere to all guidelines established for our guests’ safety and the dolphins’ well-being. In addition, our stable, comfortable tour boats are fully equipped with all US Coast Guard required safety equipment. Our Shell Island Dolphin Tours are perfectly safe and a lot of fun for guests of all ages. We also do our best to accommodate guests with special access needs, so please let us know.
"St. Andrews Bay is home to more that 2,900 species. There are many things you can find in the clear waters around St. Andrews Bay. It is also one our most important coastal estuaries and it needs our continued protection. Mike Brim (Executive Director St. Andrews Bay Environmental Science Team).
Our photos section and social media offer a glimpse into the wildlife we might see. All of these photos have been taken on actual tours. It is not unusual to spot sharks, turtles or starfish.
Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach that makes up the southern reach of St. Andrews State Park. Accessed via private boat or the official Shell Island Shuttle, the island is a local must-see location for visitors who want the pristine beach experience. Swimming and snorkeling are great.
Shell Island is a local must-see location for Panama City Beach visitors looking for the unspoiled white-sand beach experience. The island offers plenty of beach space and peaceful inshore waters where swimming and snorkeling are great.
It's one of the best places in Panama City Beach. Shallow pools can be found with fish and sea life. Plus the clear water in the Gulf is perfect to get out with the family. So bring your snorkeling gear or rent it from a local tour operator.