Private dolphin tours last 2 hours. The captain will reserve the boat exclusively for your family/group. Coast Guard regulations limit the number of passengers to 13, which includes infants and small children.
Captain Jack was extraordinary. He was extremely informed. He helped us choose the most important thing and we chose dolphin sightings for the majority.
You can cruise in one of our boats designed for cruising, while you watch beautiful dolphins in the wild and swim with them.
We will swim parallel to the dolphins, rather than swimming towards them or reaching for them (which is also illegal), and we will let them come to us (best, most ethical way).
You can ride in our boats for cruising, and enjoy the beauty of dolphins swimming in their natural surroundings.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of tour start/end time will not be eligible for a refund and you will be charged full price.
Cancellations received within 24 hours of the tour time/date are not eligible for a refund.
We will get you as close as possible to dolphins while still ensuring your safety and their safety. It's up the dolphins to decide how close and how often they interact with us. Passive observation is what we do. It simply means that we allow the dolphins to come to us. The dolphins of St. Andrews Bay are extremely playful and interactive. Guests often have incredible encounters that they will never forget.
We often see manatees. Manatees may occasionally be found in the waters near you, but we only practice passive observation.
St. Andrews Bay Charters' private charters allow for 12 passengers (maximum 13 per boat) to enjoy Panama City dolphin tours and Shell Island excursions. This gives you a more personal and intimate experience. You won't have to share your boat with anyone.
We also visit Shell Island on our dolphin and island tour. This is where you can swim, fish, dive, search for shells and, if the conditions are right, snorkel in the clear, protected waters to see a variety of marine life.
Book a private tour to reserve the entire boat exclusively for your party. This is your own personal tour. Customize the tour to your liking. Thirteen guests maximum per private charter.
This is a wonderful way to spend a single day. My 22-year-old son and his friends went for half a day. The pontoon boat was amazing, as was the entire day. Rob was great, and everyone had the most amazing time.
Gabby’s Dolphin Tours PCB captains are well-trained and highly experienced in spotting, watching, and interpreting dolphin movements and behavior. We position the boat at a safe distance from the dolphins, and we will instruct you how to get in the water to allow them to see and interact with you.
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.