St. Andrews Bay Charters offers private charters for up to 12 people (maximum 6 guests per boat) on Panama City dolphin tours or Shell Island trips. This allows for a more intimate and interactive experience, as well as a safer trip because you won't share the boat with anyone else.
There are many species we see, including starfish, sanddollars bay scallops, whelks conchs upto 21" long, seahorses urchins and hermit crabs. These animals can be brought up to the surface, handled gently, and photographed. We bring large containers so that snorkelers, as well as non-snorkelers, can get close to the animals before they're released into the bay. The shells of non-living creatures can be taken home.
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."
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. Six guests maximum per private charter.
You will enter the water before the dolphins arrive. In this manner, the dolphins will get curious and instead of swimming away, they’ll be drawn towards us. The dolphins can be finicky and the more we "pretend" they are not there, the more curious they become.
You'll see the best of St Andrews Bay's wildlife on the second leg. These include birds like pelicans and herons as well as underwater marine life like starfish, blue crabs and blue horses, along with hermit crabs and other sea life. Shell Island offers a unique opportunity to discover shells and sanddollars. You can snorkel the flats of sand grass and visit St. Andrews Bay on the Gulf of Mexico.
Our mission is simple: To provide Panama City Beach dolphin tour as an educational experience, which will allow a greater appreciation and understanding of wildlife. We are an ecofriendly tour, and we take all necessary steps to ensure no wildlife is disturbed or harmed. Your choice to be an eco-tour guide will make dolphins happy. We will, too.
Additionally, we often see manatees. If conditions allow, you may enter the water near manatees, but we practice passive observation and never approach them.
With a maximum of 6 guests per boat, you have a very good chance of swimming with dolphins on this tour. Or, personalize a private trip for memories your family will never forget. As Flippers Dolphin Tours we’ve been rated one of Yelp’s top things to do on Panama City Beach for over 10 years. Our captains are local experts on our Bottlenose Dolphins.
"This was a highlight in our Florida trip. We felt safe, had fun, and learned a lot. Captain Jack was very friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating.
You can snorkel all you want on your boat at no extra cost. The onboard cooler will provide complimentary Capri Suns or bottled water for your refreshments. You can also bring your own drinks, snacks, and BYOB.
You can motor in our boats built for cruising while watching beautiful dolphins in their natural environment and swimming with them.
Compared to other bigger tour boats that have a capacity of up to 175 tour goers, this Dolphin Tour boat carries a maximum of six passengers, including kids of all ages. Now, larger groups always create lots of noise, which disturbs the dolphins and drives them away. The best thing is that we will expertly get you in the water fast, and most importantly, without scaring the dolphins away.
Your privacy will be assured on your private dolphin tour. You and your group will only be allowed to board the boat with your captain. The Coast Guard has limited the number of passengers to 6, with children of all ages.
Snorkeling is a fun and easy activity for people of all ages. One of the best things about Shell Island is that the calm shallow water behind the jetty is ideal for first-time snorkelers.
When is the Best Time to Visit Florida to See Dolphins? The best time to see dolphins is from late May to early August. You're most likely to see them between 10 a.m. and noon, and then again between 2 p.m. and dark.
If you and your family enjoy fishing, eating seafood, golfing, a vibrant nightlife, and shopping, Destin is the place to be. However, if you want a more relaxed family vacation with excellent waterfront lodging and a variety of children's activities, Panama City Beach is the place to be.