Snorkeling in St. Andrews Bay: private boat with dolphins

Dolphins in the water, snorkeling gear ready, a 7-mile barrier island to walk

A private 3-hour boat tour in St. Andrews Bay seats up to six passengers for dolphin encounters, guided snorkeling among shells and marine life, and free time on Shell Island's white-sand beach. Your captain demonstrates the best snorkeling spots and stays with you in the water; snorkeling equipment, a locker and bottled water are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin watching and snorkeling tour

• Board private boat
• Watch and swim with dolphins
• Snorkel guided marine exploration
• Relax and stroll on Shell Island

The Experience

The boat holds your group alone—up to six passengers with one experienced captain who knows where the dolphins congregate and which underwater spots hold the most life. You start by getting in the water to watch them up close, then move into the snorkeling portion where the captain points out the seashells and fish you're floating above, staying nearby to show you the richest areas. The gear is provided, so you arrive with nothing but your swimsuit.

Shell Island sits seven miles long between St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, undeveloped and lined with white sand. After the snorkeling, you have time to walk the beach at your own pace—no schedule pushing you back to the boat. The whole outing runs three hours, which means the dolphin time, the underwater exploration and the island walk all fit into one morning or afternoon without the day disappearing.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• locker for belongings.
• bottled water.
• captain-guided exploration of snorkeling sites.
• three hours on the water with dolphin time and beach access to Shell Island.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Heritage Excursions LLC

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Panama City Beach without a car—the boat picks up from St. Andrews State Park where public transit reaches, and the private setup means the captain adjusts the pace and stops to match your group instead of a fixed itinerary.

Top questions

What's the water like for snorkeling in St. Andrews Bay?

St. Andrews Bay has emerald water and abundant marine life—shells, fish and other creatures visible from the surface. The captain guides you to the clearest spots and demonstrates where to look.

Will I actually see dolphins on this tour?

The boat is designed around dolphin encounters in St. Andrews Bay, where the captain knows their patterns. You get in the water to watch them, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

What happens on Shell Island?

Shell Island is a pristine, undeveloped barrier island with sugar-white sand beaches. After snorkeling, you have free time to walk the beach and explore at your own pace before heading back.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided with the tour. You also get a locker for your belongings and bottled water throughout the three hours.

How many people will be on the boat?

The boat is private to your group only, holding up to six passengers plus the captain. Nobody else joins your tour.

Where do we meet, and how do I get there?

The tour operates from St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have a car, and all areas and surfaces at the park are wheelchair accessible.