Our Carolina Skiffs (21-foot) and 23-foot Carolina Skiffs (23-foot) are comfortable, stable and safe for dolphin and island tours. These boats feature a central console design to maximize space and allow easy movement around the boat. A fully cushioned forward deck allows for observation (and lounging), and comfortable seats for the whole group. Large bimini tops provide shade and ice chest space.
If we swim parallel to dolphins instead of swimming towards them or reaching out to them (which is also illegal), then this will be the best, most ethical way to allow dolphins to come to our aid.
On your private dolphin tour, your privacy will be ensured since your boat will have just your loved ones or group, and the captain. Keep in mind that the Coast Guard has set the maximum number of passengers at 13, kids of all ages included.
You will be visiting Panama City Pass, and exploring the area where St. Andrews Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico during your excursion. Here dolphins can be found and we will show you how to swim in the water to see them up close.
Gabby’s Dolphin Tours PCB: Looking for the ultimate dolphin adventure? Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB has the best in guided and private dolphin tours. As your guide, we will show you the best places to explore in Panama City Beach or Shell Island. We look forwards to meeting you.
During the second leg of your excursion, you’ll come across the best of what St Andrews Bay has to offer in terms of wildlife. These include birds like herons, ospreys, and pelicans, underwater marine life like hermit crabs, sea urchins, sea horses, blue crabs, and starfish, plus all the animal life on Shell Island. Shell Island is an exploring heaven for those interested in shells and sand dollars. Snorkel grass flats and discover St. Andrews Bay along the Gulf of Mexico.
Dolphin And Snorkeling Key WestWe'll help you get as close to dolphins, as possible, while also ensuring their safety. The dolphins can decide how close they want, and how many interactions they want. We practice passive observation. This means, in simple terms, that we allow dolphins to come and visit us. Our dolphins at St. Andrews Bay have an amazing ability to interact with our guests and are very playful.
Our dolphin and island tour boats are comfortable, stable 21-foot and 23-foot Carolina Skiffs. These boat features a center console design to maximize open space and allow for easy movement around the boat, a fully cushioned forward deck for observation (and lounging), comfortable cushioned seats for your whole group, large bimini tops for shade, plenty of ice chest space, and quiet, clean four-stroke engines.
St. Andrews Bay Charters organizes private charters that can accommodate 12 guests. This will allow for a more intimate, interactive experience and safer trip as you won’t be sharing the boat.
This Dolphin Tour boat has a maximum of six passengers. That's six more than the 175-person capacity of larger tour boats. Larger groups create too much noise, which can disturb the dolphins, driving them away. The best part is that we will quickly get you in to the water, and not scare away the dolphins.
Your captain will accompany you into the water and help you find marine life such as seashells. This private tour allows you to customize the way you want your tour to go.
The second leg will be spent spotting the best St Andrews Bay has for wildlife. You'll see birds such as pelicans and herons, along with underwater marine life like starfish, blue crabs and sea horses. Shell Island has sand dollars, shells and other treasures. You can also go snorkeling in grass flats, and explore St. Andrews Bay on the Gulf of Mexico.
Captain Jack was amazing. He was extremely well-informed. He allowed us to choose what was important. We chose dolphin sightings for most of our time."
It's all worth it once you get there because the water is the most beautiful I've ever seen. The water is so clear that it feels like you're swimming in a pool. We had no idea what to expect, so we went with the intention of spending a few hours on the island. Come prepared to spend the entire day!
Dolphins, loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, ghost crabs, beach mice, nine-banded armadillos, alligators that live in the island's lake, marsh rabbits, racoons, and other wildlife can be found on Shell Island.
Wear nothing but a swimsuit. Dolphins have extremely sensitive skin, and because you will be able to touch them during your interaction, we recommend that you refrain from wearing sunscreen, oils, or perfumes.