Snorkel & Dolphin Watch: Panama City Beach 3-Hour Catamaran

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/21

Duration3h

GroupUp to 78

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Snorkel shallow reefs, then sail into the Gulf watching for dolphins

A 3-hour snorkeling and dolphin-watching activity aboard the Footloose catamaran departing from Panama City Beach. You snorkel at Shell Island with provided equipment, then return to the boat to sail into St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in search of dolphins while enjoying a complimentary beverage. The tour operates in the calmer waters of St. Andrews Bay rather than the open Gulf, and includes a live English-speaking guide.

The Experience

You start at The Bluegreen Bayside Golf and Spa Resort, where a 5–7 minute walk down the dock brings you to the Footloose catamaran. Once aboard, the boat heads toward Shell Island for the snorkeling portion. You'll have snorkel gear waiting for you—mask, fins and snorkel provided—and the water here is shallow enough to explore comfortably. If you prefer to stay dry, you can walk the beach and collect shells instead; either way, you're in the water or on sand for the first part of the morning.

After snorkeling, you climb back on board and the boat turns toward deeper water. This is when the dolphin watch begins. You'll sail into St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, scanning the water for dolphins swimming alongside or in the distance. The operator notes that conditions in St. Andrews Bay are often calmer than the open Gulf, which shapes how the day feels. A complimentary beverage comes with your ticket—beer, soda, water or other options from the full-service bar—and additional drinks and snacks are available for purchase. The bar takes debit and credit cards only.

The whole experience runs 3 hours. Infants and small children can come along (stroller-friendly), and the activity suits all fitness levels. You'll want to dress for sun and water; the tour operates in all weather, so bring a light layer if rain is forecast. Call ahead to confirm your exact departure time and location, and let the crew know if you need extra help with the dock walk.

What’s included

Snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
one complimentary beverage.
live English-speaking guide.
all snorkeling and dolphin-watching activities aboard the Footloose catamaran.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Paradise Adventures

Is this one for you?The Footloose combines snorkeling and dolphin watching in one outing instead of choosing between them, and it operates in St. Andrews Bay where the water is calmer than the open Gulf—so you get both activities without a rough ride.