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

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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00Last departure this season: 21 Nov

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 78

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 10

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-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.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What marine life will I see when I snorkel at Shell Island?

Shell Island snorkeling shows you different species of marine life in shallow water: the exact species depend on the season and conditions, but the reef and sandy bottom support a range of fish and other creatures typical of the Florida Gulf Coast.

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

Snorkel gear is included with your ticket: mask, fins and snorkel are provided by the Footloose.

How often do you actually see dolphins on these tours?

Dolphins are common in St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, but sightings are not guaranteed. The tour is a dolphin watch, meaning you'll sail and look for them, but wildlife spotting depends on the day and conditions.

What's included in the complimentary beverage, and can I buy more drinks?

Each guest receives one complimentary drink from the full-service bar: beer, soda, water or other options. Additional drinks and snacks are available for purchase. The bar accepts debit and credit cards only.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel on this tour?

The snorkeling happens in shallow water at Shell Island and suits all fitness levels. You don't need to be an experienced swimmer, though basic comfort in the water helps.

What time does the tour depart, and where exactly do I meet the boat?

The Footloose departs from The Bluegreen Bayside Golf and Spa Resort at 4114 Jan Cooley Dr, Panama City Beach 32408. Call ahead to confirm your exact departure time, as it varies by season and booking.