We also offer boat tours if you have people with whom it would be difficult to ride the Waverunner. We have a dock that is easily accessible so everyone can enjoy our beautiful lake. Each boat can hold six passengers. But, we're happy enough to bring multiple boats on a tour for you and your entire group. Like with the Waverunner tour, we'll travel at your own pace and make sure we see everything that you want.
“St. Andrews bay is one of the most highly diverse estuaries in America, with over 2,900 species. One any given day, you can find almost anything in the clear waters of St. Andrews Bay. It is also one of the most fragile coastal estuaries that needs our continued protection.” – Mike Brim, Executive Director St. Andrews Bay Environmental Science Team.
We cruise around Shell Island and all the waters surrounding St. Andrews Bay, Panama City, and Panama City Beach while looking for all kinds of wildlife and sea life. We get the chance to see different kinds of wildlife every day on our boat tours. All dolphin tours and snorkeling tours are different everyday depending on the conditions and what wildlife is currently in the area. We change our routes from day to day to give you the best dolphin tour and most pleasant boat ride possible with constantly changing water, weather, and wildlife conditions. The marine life, snorkeling spots, and stops we make on Shell Island change from tour to tour. This is great because, every time you go with us, you get to see different things! We do encourage you to let your captain know if you have any special requests of things you would like to see or do during your boat tour.
What should I bring? There is almost everything that you will need, but you are free to bring whatever you want. We recommend that you bring a towel, sunglasses (polarized), and a jacket or sweater. The breeze and open-air boat make it cooler than on land. Snacks and drinks are welcome! BYOB is allowed.
Our Dolphin and Snorkeling tours usually begin by searching for wildlife. Our local Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are often found. Our captains and tour guides are Panama City Beach locals who are knowledgeable about dolphin behavior in the area.
Six passengers are allowed on each Shell Island Dolphin Tour. The tour allows guests to explore St. Andrew Bay with comfort and interact with the captain. As your captain takes the tour boat to the dolphins as close as possible, you can ask questions, take photos, and shoot video. However, he will be respectful of their needs and not cause any harm.
Our Dolphin Tours will take you to see Bottlenose Dolphins, which are the same species as the Flipper. They are easy to find as they can be found in shallow water. Our location in St. Andrews Bay State Park is unique because this is where the Dolphins hunt food. Shell Island is also a popular destination for them to visit. They are curious and playful. They are so curious and playful in nature that our guests are often amazed at their beauty. It is also surprising how easy it can be to get close to them.
Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach that makes up the southern reach of St. Andrews State Park. Accessed via private boat or the official Shell Island Shuttle, the island is a local must-see location for visitors who want the pristine beach experience. Swimming and snorkeling are great.
It's one of the best places in Panama City Beach. Shallow pools can be found with fish and sea life. Plus the clear water in the Gulf is perfect to get out with the family. So bring your snorkeling gear or rent it from a local tour operator.
Shell Island is a local must-see location for Panama City Beach visitors looking for the unspoiled white-sand beach experience. The island offers plenty of beach space and peaceful inshore waters where swimming and snorkeling are great.