Cancellations received within 24 hours of the tour time/date will not be honored. You will be charged for the entire tour.
Boat tours can be enjoyed by all ages. Lagoon Pontoons boat tours are great for relaxing and swimming with the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.
St. Andrews Bay Charters' private charters allow for 12 passengers (maximum 6 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.
For a maximum of 12, we can accommodate 6 boats. We can accommodate a maximum of 6 persons per boat. For a maximum of 12, we can arrange with local partners.
Rent a pontoonboat for the day and be your own captain! We have pontoon boats for rent for visitors who wish to be their captain. Our Map will be sent to you with the directions to our favourite snorkeling spots, sandbars and common dolphin areas.
The second leg will be spent spotting the best St Andrews Bay has for wildlife. These include pelicans, herons, ospreys, starfish, and underwater marine life like blue crabs (sea horses), hermit crabs, hermit crabs, and sea urchins. Shell Island is the perfect place to explore if you are interested in shells or sand dollars. Discover St. Andrews Bay, along the Gulf of Mexico by snorkeling.
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.
The maximum number of guests on a boat is 6 so there's a good chance you will swim with dolphins. A private trip can be arranged for unforgettable memories. Flippers Dolphin Tours have been rated the best Panama City Beach activities by Yelp for over 10 consecutive years. Our captains can help you learn more about Bottlenose Dolphins.
We'll bring you as close as possible and ensure your safety as well as their safety. The dolphins decide how close they want and how much interaction they want. "Passive observation" is a practice that allows dolphins to approach us. Our guests often have unforgettable encounters with dolphins at St. Andrews Bay. They are playful and interactive and will always remember them.
Unwind and relax while your USCG captain/tour guide takes the group to see some stunning sunsets and views only available on the water. Enjoy your favorite beverage and snacks while you relax.
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.
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).
Our Pricing & Information section provides complete information regarding pricing, policies as well as what you can expect.
Species we frequently see include a variety of starfish, sand dollars, bay scallops, whelks, conchs up to 21” long, seahorses, urchins, and hermit crabs and other crab species. These animals can be brought to the surface, handled carefully, and photographed. We bring large containers so that even non-snorkelers can observe them up close before they’re released back into the bay. Shells found without living creatures can be taken home.
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.