If conditions are safe and suitable, you might be able swim and snorkel with dolphins. This could mean that you may have a chance to swim and snorkel with dolphins. But, this does not mean you can touch them. Wild dolphins have their own minds and are free to roam freely. Sometimes they will swim up to 3 feet from you. Other times, they will swim away from your face and you won't see them in the water. We don't feed or harass dolphins. We cannot guarantee swimming with dolphins. We do not believe that promising to swim with dolphins is ethical. We love the company of wild dolphins. On all of our boat tours, we follow and support the Marine Mammal Protection Act. If dolphins are in danger, we won't be able swim with them. It is at the captain's sole discretion.
Let's take an overview of some of the most popular Shell Island dolphin tours, for those who wish to see dolphins in natural habitat.
What should we take? Although we have most of the items you'll need, you can also bring your own. If the temperature is less than 80 degrees, we recommend you bring a towel and polarized sunglasses. The breeze makes it cooler on open-air boats. You can also bring snacks and beverages. The consumption of alcohol is permitted!
A large number of bottlenose dolphins live in the waters surrounding Shell Island. One of our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours will take you to see these incredible marine mammals in their natural habitat.
These tours focus on in-water interactions. You will be accompanied by knowledgeable guides to the dolphin hot spot, where you can swim with local dolphins.
You can find out more about the wildlife we see in our photos section or on our social media. Every picture on our website as well as our social media was taken on the tour. We update our social media frequently and take pictures often to keep you updated on what's happening. Check out our Instagram or Facebook to see what else we have been up to over the last few weeks. You can find them at the bottom on the homepage. You will often see seabirds such as dolphins and sharks.
On your trip with Shell Island Dolphin Tours, you will be able to swim with Panama City’s resident pods of wild bottlenose dolphins. These boats are super fast and specifically designed for visiting the dolphins. Shell Island Dolphin Tours does not carry more than 150 people. Instead, 6 passengers can be on certain boats and 7-15 others. Children of all ages are welcome to join us. Our snorkel gear can be put on quickly so you don't have to splash around and scare the dolphins away. Your Captain is Your Guide - Your private captain will help you learn how to interact well with the dolphins. Swim with Dolphins. - You'll be able to swim in the ocean before the dolphins arrive. Dolphins are more likely than not to swim away to us if we do this. See wildlife such as birds, pelicans (underwater creatures), and herons. Shells, sand dollars, and other treasures can be found on Shell Island. Explore St. Andrews Bay & the Gulf of Mexico with snorkelers.
Join us for a boat ride and the chance to see bottlenose dolphins, one of nature's most charismatic creatures. To reserve your spot on our Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours, call (850) 754 2967 today!
Shell Island Dolphin Tours has the ability to accommodate larger groups. If your group includes more than 6 people, please call ahead to inquire about availability.
You can choose to book a private charter and have the boat your way for 2 - 6 guests or book a guided tour. On public tours, multiple guests can be seated on the same boat. All our tours are limited to six guests. You can have more people on our tours by booking multiple boats.
Shell Island Dolphin Tours also can accommodate larger groups. If you have more guests than 6, please call to confirm availability.
Private tours start at $400 and can accommodate up to six people. This is less than $70 per person. This is a great deal for a three-hour tour. This tour is suitable for infants and children.
If the weather is safe and clear, you may have the opportunity to swim and snorkel among dolphins. This means that we might get to go into the water near the dolphins. It does not necessarily mean that they will allow you to touch them. They are wild dolphins, and have their own mind. Sometimes they will come within 3 feet of you. Other times they will swim away and you won't be able to see them while in the water. We do not feed, harass or harass dolphins. We don't guarantee that you will swim with dolphins. We believe that promising swimming with dolphins is not ethical. We welcome wild dolphins into our lives on their terms. All boat tours are conducted in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act. We won't swim with dolphins that are swimming in dangerous areas. This is entirely up to the captain.
Private tours are perfect for groups that want to have a more intimate experience and/or to reduce exposure to other groups to make their trips more COVID-friendly. You can also choose how long to stay in an area on private tours.
You will find calm waters, great wildlife and safe swimming spots. Shell Key is home to many things, but only half of them are visible above the waterline. Wildlife lovers will also find the Preserve to be a valuable refuge.
We hired a boat to go out to the shell island. Although there was plenty of seaweed, the area was stunning for the breathtaking views.
You can relax on Panama City Beach's white sand beach with your family or go snorkeling, collecting beautiful shells. Or you can walk the forest trails of the island, where you might find deer and many species of birds, including the shorebirds and endangered species like the loggerhead.