Daily cruises depart based on participants. Low demand means that Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays are often closed in the Fall and Winter. However, all days will be listed on the booking calendar. Check the calendar to see any changes in departure times.
We will be departing Historic Grand Lagoon to take a relaxing, 25-minute trip out to Shell Island, where we'll snorkel. You should be looking out for dolphins or other sea animals as they are in their natural habitats. Our boat will dock in the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Island is the next stop. There you can snorkel, find seashells, learn about the marine life around the area, or simply relax and take in the sunshine. You can also explore the shallows of Shell Island and hunt for shells. After some time spent at Shell Island we will continue our trip to the Gulf of Mexico, where we will search for dolphins. We'll also be stopping to sight-see along this route.
We often see manatees. If you have the opportunity, you can go into the water with manatees. We practice passive observation, and we never approach them.
We will travel to Historic Grand Lagoon and take a 25-minute relaxing cruise to Shell Island, our snorkeling area. Look out for dolphins and other sea creatures as you cruise along the coast. We will anchor at the Gulf of Mexico or Shell Island. From there, you can either snorkel for seashells or learn about local marine-life. Or just relax and soak up the sun. Shell Island also has shallow water that you can use to search for shells. After visiting Shell Island for a while, we will take a ride into the Gulf of Mexico. Here we will look for dolphins and see the sights along the way.
Our guides have been observing dolphins for many years and are now experts at locating and safely instructing visitors on how to enter water to see them in their natural habitat. Additionally, your captain will go snorkeling with you to show starfish, pufferfishes welch conschs, sanddollars, and many other types of sea animals.
Maximum group size is 6 people per boat. Maximum number of 12 guests. We can accommodate up to 6 people per boat, but we can also make arrangements with local partners if you have a larger group.
Shell Island, St Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are exciting and new experiences every time you visit. The whole family can enjoy snorkeling in the shallows and grass flats of the island. For a personalized wildlife adventure, we offer both small-group and private tours. This tour offers it all! Family fun is our specialty and we have been doing it for more than 30 years.
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.
We will take a relaxing 25-minute boat ride out to Shell Island from Historic Grand Lagoon. Be on the lookout to see dolphins and other sea mammals in their natural habitats as we travel. Once we reach the Gulf of Mexico, we will anchor there. Shell Island is where you can snorkel and see the underwater world. You can also learn about the local sea-life or just relax and enjoy the sun while you soak in the sun. To search for shells in the shallow water, you can also go to Shell Island. After exploring Shell Island, we'll take a ride out into the Gulf of Mexico to see dolphins and other sights.
We will depart into Historic Grand Lagoon for a 25-minute relaxing cruise out to our snorkel area, Shell Island! Along the way, be on the lookout for dolphins and other sea animals in their natural habitat. When we arrive, we will anchor in the Gulf of Mexico or along Shell Island where you can snorkel for seashells and catch a glimpse of the underwater world, learn about local sea-life, or just relax and float while you take in the sun. You can also wade through the shallow water onto Shell Island to hunt for shells. After we have spent some time at Shell Island, we will end the trip with a ride out to the Gulf of Mexico to search for dolphins and sight-see along the way.
Manatees are also often seen in the water. You may be allowed to swim near manatees if the conditions are right, but we always observe them passively and avoid getting close.
Participation determines when cruises depart each day. Due to low demand in the Winter and Fall, Sundays and Mondays are usually closed. However, the booking calendar will show all days that have been closed. The departure times of flights change according to the seasons, so make sure you check the calendar regularly for any changes.
Our guides have spent many years studying dolphin behavior and are skilled at finding them and instructing guests how to get into the water to observe them in their natural environment. Your captain will also snorkel with you, showing you starfish, pufferfish and welch conchs.
"We had so many fun today swimming with the Dolphins, snorkeling, playing on Shell Island, and having so much fun! Panama City Beach Snorkeling & Dolphin Tours LLC would be a great option. This was the highlight on our vacation." - Christy
October Panama City Beach's clearest period of the year begins on September 13 and lasts approximately 9.0 months. June 12 is also a good time. October is Panama City Beach’s clearest and most sunny month. The sky is usually clear, mostly, or partly clear for 64% of its time.
Shell Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins.
Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida. Bay St. Louis Beach in Bay St. Louis (Mississippi). Padre Island National Seashore Corpus Christi (Texas). Siesta Key Beach. Siesta Key, Florida. Orange Beach, Orange Beach. Shell Island, Panama City Beach. Florida. St. Pete Beach, St. Pete Beach, Florida.