Panama City Beach: Shell Island Catamaran & Water Park Tour

Summary

Sail to shell island for water park fun kayaking and dolphin spotting

You’ll sail from Panama City Beach to Shell Island on a catamaran with music playing and salty air in your hair. Try paddle boarding or kayaking, bounce around on an inflatable water park, sip something cold on deck, and maybe spot wild dolphins along the way. It’s relaxed but lively—the kind of day you’ll remember when you need some sun in your head again.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the music to hit me first—some old Jimmy Buffett song drifting out over the Grand Lagoon as we shuffled down the dock. The catamaran looked bigger than I’d pictured, with these sun nets stretched across the bow where a couple of kids were already flopped out like starfish. Our captain, Mark, called out a quick hello (he had that sunburned Florida look), and someone behind us was laughing about sunscreen—maybe I should’ve listened, because yeah, I burned my nose later. Anyway, we set off toward Shell Island with a breeze that smelled salty and just a little bit like sunscreen and cheap beer.

The ride itself was half the fun. You get this low thrum from the engines under your feet, and every so often Mark would slow down so we could watch for dolphins. He pointed out a pair slicing through the water near St. Andrew’s Bay—hard to tell if they were showing off or just doing their thing. There was this moment when everyone went quiet except for some kid’s giggle and the slap of waves against the hull. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Once we anchored at Shell Island, it got loud again in a good way—people yelling from the inflatable water park (I definitely wiped out on that trampoline), others paddling off on kayaks or trying paddle boards for the first time. The water was clearer than I expected, almost glassy green if you squint past your own splashes. Some folks snorkeled near the shore; I mostly floated around and tried not to think about work emails. The crew kept wandering by with jokes or tips (“Don’t stand too close to the edge!”), and there was this drink called Privateer Punch—tasted fruity but packed a punch, no pun intended.

We wrapped up with one last loop looking for dolphins in the Gulf before heading back. The sun felt heavier then, maybe because everyone was quieter or just tired in that happy way you get after swimming all afternoon. It’s funny—I didn’t expect to care much about Panama City Beach or any “adventure tour,” but now I keep remembering how soft those sun nets felt under my back and how easy it was to laugh at myself falling into the bay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran tour and water activities

• Sail through Grand Lagoon
• Look for dolphins en route
• Arrive at Shell Island inflatable park
• Enjoy trampolines, seesaw, and slides
• Kayak, paddleboard, and snorkel
• Relax on boat sunning nets
• Purchase snacks and beverages onboard
• Return sailing with dolphin watching

Top questions

How long is the Shell Island catamaran tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from departure to return.

Are all activities included in the tour price?

Yes, use of kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and inflatables is included.

Is food provided on board?

No food is provided but snacks are available for purchase; you can also bring your own food (no outside drinks).

Can I buy drinks during the cruise?

Yes, there’s an onboard bar selling beverages including Privateer Punch; only card payments accepted.

Is this adventure tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Will we see dolphins during this day trip?

Dolphin sightings are common but not guaranteed; there is a dedicated dolphin-spotting portion at tour’s end.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is offered; guests meet at the marina dock in Panama City Beach.

Is Shell Island accessible year-round?

Tours are subject to weather conditions; if canceled due to poor weather you’ll be notified in advance.

What’s included

Your day includes a 3-hour catamaran cruise from Panama City Beach to Shell Island with unlimited access to kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and a floating inflatable water park. There’s an onboard bar for snacks and drinks (card only), plus restroom facilities on board. All activities are included—you just show up ready for sun and saltwater fun before sailing back in late afternoon.