Boat Tours in Panama City Beach at a glance
- Our pick: Panama City Beach: Dolphin Cruise & Shell Island Snorkel, US$ 52 per person (3h, 4.95★ · 271).
- Top rated: Snorkel Shell Island & Dolphins: Panama City Beach, 18-person max, US$ 55 per person (3h, 4.98★ · 160).
- Best value: Panama City Beach: Dolphin Cruise & Shell Island Tour, US$ 27 per person (1h 30m, 4.94★ · 192).
Price per person across the 18 options priced per person: US$ 27–US$ 425 (median US$ 52). With 100+ reviews: 15 of 27.
Of the 27 options: 25 with live guides in English, 27 with free cancellation, 27 with instant confirmation, 1 with hotel pickup, 13 kid-friendly, 12 private and 27 bookable last-minute.
How we rank: quality, number of reviews, availability, booking conditions and relevance to the topic. In the comparison table, our top 3 comes first. Prices are per person, except options priced per group: that price is for the whole group, and the per-person figure assumes the group is full. “Top rated” = the highest score among options with at least 100 reviews.
Boat Tours in Panama City Beach
Based on each operator's calendar. Confirmed when you book.
27 options
The 15 best
Ranked by quality, reviews, availability and booking conditions.
Panama City Beach: Dolphin Cruise & Shell Island Snorkel Three-hour catamaran tour from Panama City Beach with dolphin spotting, Shell Island snorkeling, a USCG-licensed captain and an onboard bar. Tue–Sat · 12:00 · Season until 28 Nov · All ages ★ 4.95 (271 reviews) Duration: 3h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 52 per person
Panama City Beach: Dolphin Cruise & Shell Island Tour Spot dolphins near Shell Island and St. Andrew State Park on a family boat tour. Local captains, comfortable seating, restroom onboard. Half-day cruise from Panama City Beach. Every day · 10:00, 12:00 and 13:45 · All ages ★ 4.94 (192 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 27 per person
Panama City Beach: Dolphin Sightseeing Tour near Shell Island Ninety minutes spotting bottlenose dolphins and coastal wildlife from a 32-foot pontoon in St. Andrews Bay. Groups up to 18, water included, no restrooms on board. Every day · 10:00, 11:30 and 13:30 · All ages ★ 4.95 (308 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 35 per person
Panama City Beach: 2-Hour Private Dolphin Tour & Shell Island Private boat tour of St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf with a local captain. Wild dolphins, snorkeling gear, and cooler with ice included. Up to 6 people. Every day · 10:00, 12:30 and 15:00 ★ 4.92 (249 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 299 per group
Sunset Cruise Panama City Beach: Dolphins at golden hour 1.5-hour sunset cruise on a 32-foot pontoon across St. Andrews Bay and Gulf of Mexico. Watch for dolphins and deer along Shell Island. Every day · 15:30 · All ages ★ 4.94 (161 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 37 per person
Snorkel Shell Island & Dolphins: Panama City Beach, 18-person max Snorkel Shell Island in Panama City Beach with dolphins and sea turtles on a 3-hour excursion limited to 18 passengers, snorkels. Every day · 10:00 and 10:30 · All ages ★ 4.98 (160 reviews) Duration: 3h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 55 per person
Panama City Beach: Jet Boat Thrill Ride & 360 Spin Twin-engine jet boat with 700 horsepower delivers high-speed turns, nose dives and a full 360-degree spin. Pure adrenaline, no long waits. Kids 38" and up. Every day · 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 · From age 6 ★ 4.76 (401 reviews) Duration: 1h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 55 per person
Panama City Beach: Dolphin Watch & Shell Island Snorkel Tour Small group dolphin tour in Panama City Beach with Shell Island stop and snorkeling gear included. Max 6 guests, experienced local captains, St. Andrews Bay waters. Every day · 11:30 and 14:00 · All ages ★ 4.89 (131 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 49 per person
Panama City Beach: 2-Hour Dolphin & Sunset Boat Tour Two-hour sunset cruise around Shell Island and into the Gulf of Mexico watching dolphins. Small groups, bottled water included, family-run captains. Every day · 09:00, 11:30, 14:00 and 17:15 ★ 4.92 (152 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 70 per person
Shell Island Snorkeling: Dolphins & Marine Life Snorkel Shell Island's reefs with masks and snorkels provided, spot dolphins in their habitat. Every day · 10:30, 13:00, 15:00 and 15:15 · All ages ★ 4.96 (93 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 49 per person
Swim with Dolphins & Snorkel Shell Island, Florida Two-hour group boat tour in Florida's Gulf waters with dolphin encounters, snorkeling at Shell Island, and wildlife spotting, life jackets. Every day · 10:30, 13:00 and 15:00 ★ 4.82 (144 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 71 per person
Panama City Beach: Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Drinks Watch wild dolphins from a 40-foot catamaran off Panama City Beach, sip a complimentary drink, and relax with music as local guides share stories. Includes drinks & easy boarding. Next departure: 19 Sep 2027 · All ages ★ 4.85 (208 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 40 per person
Panama City Beach: 3-Hour Dolphin & Shell Island Snorkel Tour 3-hour dolphin tour from Panama City Beach with snorkeling gear included. See dolphins, explore Shell Island, and search for starfish and sand dollars on a 27ft boat. Every day · 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00 ★ 4.55 (109 reviews) Duration: 3h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 400 per group
Snorkeling at St. Andrews State Park: Handcrafted Tiki Cruise Cruise the Grand Lagoon on a handcrafted tiki with a licensed captain, snorkel in shallow water, and float on the sandbar with your own beverages and music. Every day · 11:00 and 14:30 ★ 4.95 (193 reviews) Duration: 3h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 86 per person
Sunset Cruise Lower Grand Lagoon: Floating Tiki Bar Ninety-minute sunset cruise on a floating tiki bar in Lower Grand Lagoon near Panama City Beach. Bring your own drinks. Every day · 16:00 · All ages ★ 4.84 (171 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 69 per person
Also popular with travelers
The ones most travelers have taken, by number of reviews.
Snorkeling Panama City Beach: Private Dolphin & Shell Island Private snorkeling trip for up to 6 guests aboard a 27-foot boat: search for wild dolphins, explore Shell Island. Every day · 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00 · Hotel pickup ★ 5.00 (61 reviews) Duration: 3h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 499 per group
Private Dolphin & Snorkeling Boat Tour: Panama City Beach Private boat tour from Panama City Beach with dolphin watching, snorkeling at Shell Island, and bottled water included. Every day · 6 start times, 10:00 to 16:30 ★ 4.96 (49 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 349 per group
2 Hour Private Dolphin Tour Panama City Beach: Reel Lady Two-hour private dolphin cruise on the Reel Lady through St Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico for up to six people, with complimentary drinks. Tue, Fri and Sun · 09:00, 11:30, 14:00 and 17:00 ★ 5.00 (49 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 549 per group
Compare 9 more options for Boat Tours in Panama City Beach
From US$ 35 per person · 2 h to 8 h
Panama City Beach: Dolphin Cruise & Privateer Catamaran Bar Watch wild dolphins from a 52-foot catamaran in Panama City Beach, cruise Grand Lagoon & the Gulf, and sip cocktails at the onboard bar. Includes crew guidance. Next departure: 19 Sep 2027 · All ages ★ 4.83 (140 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 35 per person
Snorkeling at Shell Island, Panama City Beach: Private Charter Snorkeling, paddleboarding and dolphin spotting at Shell Island with a private boat, captain, and all gear included. Next departure: 21 Aug 2027 ★ 4.73 (45 reviews) Duration: 4h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 600 per group
Private Dolphin and Sunset Tour: Panama City Beach Private 2-hour dolphin tour in St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with a live English-speaking captain. Every day · 09:00, 11:30, 14:00 and 17:15 ★ 4.92 (24 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 350 per group
Snorkeling & Swim with Dolphins: Panama City Beach Swim with dolphins and snorkel Shell Island in Panama City Beach with a private boat, life jackets, masks and snorkels included. Every day · 10:30, 13:00, 15:00 and 15:15 ★ 5.00 (17 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 358 per group
Private Port St. Joe Inshore Fishing Charter: Redfish & Flats Private inshore fishing charter in Port St. Joe with a licensed captain, all gear and licenses included. Fish St. Every day · 07:00 and 14:00 ★ 4.93 (15 reviews) Duration: 4h–8h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 425 per person
Sunset Snorkel and Dolphin Cruise: Panama City Beach Snorkel off Panama City Beach on a 2-hour Gulf cruise with mask and snorkel gear, spotting dolphins at sunset while enjoying your own food and drinks. Every day · 15:15 and 18:00 ★ 5.00 (12 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 46 per person
Private Sunset Sail St. Andrews Bay: Dolphins & 46-Foot Sailboat Private sunset charter on the 46-foot Daydreams sailboat in St. Andrews Bay with complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks. Every day · 15:15 and 15:30 ★ 5.00 (3 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 749 per group
Snorkeling Shell Island Panama City Beach: Big Kahuna Boat Three-hour snorkeling cruise to Shell Island on the Big Kahuna tiki boat with snorkel gear, water and restroom included, anchor in calm. Next departure: 8 Mar 2027 · All ages ★ 4.90 (10 reviews) Duration: 3h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 70 per person
St. Andrews Snorkeling Tour with Dolphin Watching & Gear Included Snorkel with dolphins in St. Andrews aboard a pontoon boat with an experienced guide, all equipment provided: small groups of up to six. Wed–Fri · 10:00 · All ages ★ 5.00 (2 reviews) Duration: 4h ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 187 per person
The top 12 of 27 options, side by side
✓ 2026-11-14| Option | Price | Duration | Rating | Days and times | Guide languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama City Beach: Dolphin Cruise & Shell Island SnorkelOur pick | US$ 52 per person | 3h | 4.95★ · 271 | Tue–Sat · 12:00 · Season until 28 Nov | English |
| Snorkel Shell Island & Dolphins: Panama City Beach, 18-person maxTop rated | US$ 55 per person | 3h | 4.98★ · 160 | Every day · 10:00 and 10:30 | English |
| Panama City Beach: Dolphin Cruise & Shell Island TourBest value | US$ 27 per person | 1h 30m | 4.94★ · 192 | Every day · 10:00, 12:00 and 13:45 | English |
| Panama City Beach: Dolphin Sightseeing Tour near Shell Island | US$ 35 per person | 1h 30m | 4.95★ · 308 | Every day · 10:00, 11:30 and 13:30 | English |
| Panama City Beach: 2-Hour Private Dolphin Tour & Shell IslandPrivate | US$ 299 per group | 2h | 4.92★ · 249 | Every day · 10:00, 12:30 and 15:00 | English |
| Sunset Cruise Panama City Beach: Dolphins at golden hour | US$ 37 per person | 1h 30m | 4.94★ · 161 | Every day · 15:30 | — |
| Panama City Beach: Jet Boat Thrill Ride & 360 Spin | US$ 55 per person | 1h | 4.76★ · 401 | Every day · 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 | English |
| Panama City Beach: Dolphin Watch & Shell Island Snorkel TourGroup of up to 6 | US$ 49 per person | 2h | 4.89★ · 131 | Every day · 11:30 and 14:00 | English |
| Panama City Beach: 2-Hour Dolphin & Sunset Boat TourPrivate | US$ 70 per person | 2h | 4.92★ · 152 | Every day · 09:00, 11:30, 14:00 and 17:15 | English |
| Shell Island Snorkeling: Dolphins & Marine Life | US$ 49 per person | 2h | 4.96★ · 93 | Every day · 10:30, 13:00, 15:00 and 15:15 | English |
| Swim with Dolphins & Snorkel Shell Island, FloridaGroup of up to 12 | US$ 71 per person | 2h | 4.82★ · 144 | Every day · 10:30, 13:00 and 15:00 | English |
| Panama City Beach: Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Drinks | US$ 40 per person | 1h 30m | 4.85★ · 208 | Next departure: 19 Sep 2027 | English |
By what you need
- Private (12): Panama City Beach: 2-Hour Private Dolphin Tour & Shell Island (US$ 299 per group) · Panama City Beach: 2-Hour Dolphin & Sunset Boat Tour (US$ 70 per person) · Panama City Beach: 3-Hour Dolphin & Shell Island Snorkel Tour (US$ 400 per group)
- Small groups (up to 15) (4): Panama City Beach: Dolphin Watch & Shell Island Snorkel Tour (US$ 49 per person) · Swim with Dolphins & Snorkel Shell Island, Florida (US$ 71 per person) · Snorkeling at St. Andrews State Park: Handcrafted Tiki Cruise (US$ 86 per person)
- With pickup (1): Snorkeling Panama City Beach: Private Dolphin & Shell Island (US$ 499 per group)