Panama City Beach: Catamaran Dolphin & Snorkel Tour Shell Island

Summary

Dolphin watching and snorkeling adventure to shell island with drinks included

You’ll board a catamaran from Panama City Beach for dolphin watching and snorkeling near Shell Island—with all gear provided and guidance from a friendly local crew. Relax with a complimentary drink as you sail back across the Gulf waters. Expect laughter, salty breezes, and those little moments you can’t plan for but end up remembering anyway.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a mask and snorkel before I’ve even found my sea legs—guess there’s no easing into it on the Footloose. Our captain grins and shouts something about dolphins as we drift out from the dock at Panama City Beach. The breeze smells salty-sweet, sunscreen and seaweed mixing in the air, and honestly, I’m just hoping I don’t embarrass myself trying to walk across the deck with flippers on. A little girl next to me is already giggling at her dad’s attempts.

We reach Shell Island after maybe half an hour (I lost track staring at pelicans skimming the water). Our guide—her name’s Jamie—shows us how to spot sand dollars in the shallows. She points out a tiny crab scuttling sideways under my foot; I nearly jump but she just laughs and tells me that’s normal here. The water’s clearer than I expected, warm against my skin, with flashes of silver fish darting past. I find myself floating quietly for a minute, watching sunlight ripple on the sand below. Didn’t expect to feel so calm.

Back on board, everyone crowds toward one side—the captain’s spotted dolphins off the bow. There’s this hush for a second as they surface, then someone cheers and it turns into this happy chaos of pointing and camera clicks. My drink (rum punch—tastes better than it looks) sweats in my hand while I watch two dolphins swim alongside us like they’re showing off. Jamie tells us they see them most days but never gets tired of it. Me neither, apparently.

The sail back is slower; people are quieter now or maybe just sun-drunk. I sit by the rail with my feet dangling over, salt drying on my skin, thinking about how different everything looks from out here—land feels far away but not in a bad way. Still thinking about that first glimpse of dolphins gliding through green water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin watch and snorkeling tour

• Board Footloose catamaran
• Sail through Grand Lagoon
• Watch dolphins swim alongside
• Snorkel at Shell Island
• Walk beach and collect shells
• Relax onboard after snorkeling
• Sail into Gulf of Mexico
• Enjoy complimentary beverage
• Purchase additional drinks if desired

Top questions

How long is the dolphin & snorkel tour from Panama City Beach?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from departure to return.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The tour departs from The Bluegreen Bayside Golf and Spa Resort at 4114 Jan Cooley Dr, Panama City Beach.

Is there a complimentary drink included?

Each guest receives one complimentary beverage; additional drinks are available for purchase by card only.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are permitted onboard.

What if it rains during the tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; guests should dress appropriately for possible rain or wind.

Can I walk on Shell Island during the trip?

Yes, you can snorkel or walk along Shell Island's beach to collect shells during your stop.

What’s included

Your experience includes sailing from Panama City Beach aboard a catamaran with all activities led by a local guide, use of snorkeling equipment at Shell Island, dolphin watching in Gulf waters, one complimentary beverage per guest onboard (with more available for purchase), plus plenty of time to relax on deck before returning to shore.