All our snorkeling trips include full snorkeling gear! There are many snorkeling spots that we frequent. Every day, we change our snorkeling spots. Conditions at local snorkeling sites change constantly. We will take you to the snorkeling spots that are clearest and most calm on your Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour. We snorkel often in seagrass beds, artificial reefs, and sandbars. We'll go to great lengths to get you to the best spots.
What should we take? Although we have most of the items you'll need, you can also bring your own. If the temperature is less than 80 degrees, we recommend you bring a towel and polarized sunglasses. The breeze makes it cooler on open-air boats. You can also bring snacks and beverages. The consumption of alcohol is permitted!
Book a private boat tour and you will have the boat to yourself for between 2-6 guests. Or, book a tour that is open to all. We can accommodate up to 6 guests on public tours if we have multiple passengers. All of our tours allow for 6 guests. Multiple boats can be used to accommodate larger groups.
St. Andrew Bay houses one of most populous populations of bottlenoses. They are the iconic gray dolphins many people associate with television, movies, or marine parks. Although the dolphins in St. Andrew Bay are wild, they are comfortable around humans. It is not uncommon for boaters to see dolphins swimming, feeding and playing on the Bay.
These tours include in-water interactions. The knowledgeable guides will take the group to a dolphin hotspot where they can allow you to swim with the dolphins.
We often start our Dolphin and Snorkeling tour by looking out for wildlife. We are usually able to find our Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. Our Tour guides and Captains are both locals and have extensive knowledge about dolphin behavior and the Panama City Beach area.
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.
Shell Island is located in the Gulf of Mexico. Split charters can be used to snorkel or encounter dolphins.
This is the version that our website addresses to English-speaking citizens of the United States. If you reside in another country or region please select the Tripadvisor appropriate version for that region or country from the drop down menu. Learn more
While you might have seen captive dolphins at a marine reserve, it is still far more fun to observe these majestic animals in their natural environment. Our captains are experienced in the waterways of St. Andrew Bay and can predict wild dolphin behavior, but they cannot guarantee sightings. They are familiar with the best places to find dolphins and will make sure that guests have a blast. Dolphins are often seen playing, jumping, searching for food and communicating with one other on all tours.
A three-hour Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour makes Panama City Beach the best place to be!
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.
This rate includes safety equipment, fuel, a swimming ladder, and more. All you’ve got to do is bring your cooler, some sunblock, and your loved ones!
"St. Andrews bay has over 2,900 species and is America's most diverse estuary. You can find nearly anything in the waters of St. Andrews Bay on any given day. It is also one the most fragile estuaries on the coast and needs to be protected. Mike Brim, Executive Director St. Andrews Bay Environmental Science Team.
Shell Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins.
Panama City Beach, Go Where the Dolphins Are Shell Island is 7 Miles of amazing beach bliss across the water from Saint Andrew's Park. This natural wonder is a great place to swim with dolphins in Panama City Beach.
There is no limit. You can't take anything that lives on the island. Each person receives a large bag for collecting shells.