Panama City Beach: Dolphin Watch & Shell Island Snorkel Tour

Wild dolphins in St. Andrews Bay, then shells on a 7-mile island

You board a small private boat with up to five other people, cruise St. Andrews Bay with a local captain hunting for wild dolphins, stop at Shell Island to walk and collect shells, then snorkel in clear water with provided equipment before heading back. The whole trip takes a morning, and you don't arrange transport or gear yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin watching and Shell Island visit

• Watch wild dolphins with local captains
• Cruise St. Andrews Bay waters
• Explore Shell Island and find shells
• Snorkel in clear water locations

The experience

Most boat tours in Panama City Beach promise dolphins but don't guarantee you'll see them. This one works differently. The captains running it are locals who know the feeding patterns and routes in St. Andrews Bay well enough to find them most days. You're in a small boat, never more than six people, which means you can actually move if a pod shows up instead of waiting your turn behind a crowd.

The morning starts with a cruise through the bay looking for dolphins in their natural habitat. Once the captain spots them, the boat slows down and you watch from the water while they move around you. After that, weather permitting, you head to Shell Island: a seven-mile stretch of uninhabited sand where you can walk around looking for sand dollars and shells, or just wade in the shallow water. It's the kind of place that feels empty in a good way, especially if you go early in the season.

The snorkeling part happens in the clear water around the island. Gear is included, so you don't need to rent or bring your own. The water here isn't tropical-blue like the Caribbean, but it's clear enough to see what's moving around below, and the whole thing (dolphins, island, snorkeling) fits into one morning without feeling rushed. Groups stay small by design, which is what keeps it from turning into a cattle-boat experience.

What’s included

• Your tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, a private boat with an experienced local captain, dolphin watching in St.
• Andrews Bay, a stop at Shell Island to explore and collect shells, and snorkeling in clear water.
• The boat holds up to 6 passengers maximum, keeping the group intimate and allowing flexibility if dolphins are spotted.

Options for this experience

4 options

2-hour snorkel and dolphin tourGuide in English · 11:30 and 14:00Small boat dolphin tour lasting 2 hours. It holds a maximum of 6 people. Includes snorkeling, dolphin sightseeing and a visit to Shell Island to explore.

3-hour snorkel and dolphin tourUp to 6 people · Guide in English · 09:00Small boat dolphin tour lasting 3 hours. It holds a maximum of 6 people. Includes snorkeling, dolphin sightseeing and a visit to Shell Island to explore.

Two-hour private dolphin tourUp to 1 people · Guide in English · 11:30 and 14:00Private tour reserved just for your family. Your reservation can include up to 6 people.

Private 3-hour dolphin tourUp to 1 people · Guide in English · Available from 25 Oct 2027Private tour: a 3-hour private dolphin and snorkeling tour for up to 6 people. Get up close and personal with the dolphins!

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00

Book up to2h before

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

GroupUp to 6

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Lagoon Pontoons

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see wild dolphins without the noise of a large tour boat, and you're comfortable on the water for a few hours. The small group size is what makes it possible to move and adjust when dolphins appear, rather than staying anchored with dozens of other people.

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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 if we don't see dolphins?

The captains know where dolphins are most often found in St. Andrews Bay, but sightings are never guaranteed in wildlife tours. The tour still includes Shell Island exploration and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included in the tour price.

What's the maximum group size?

Up to 6 passengers per boat, keeping the group small and personal.

Can we book a private charter?

Yes, private charters are available so only your group is on the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a towel, and water. Snorkeling equipment is provided. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet.

What if the weather is bad?

Shell Island visits are weather permitting. The tour may be rescheduled or modified depending on conditions.