St Andrews Bay Dolphin & Snorkel Tour with Local Captain

Summary

Snorkeling with dolphins and wildlife in st andrews bay

You’ll glide across St Andrews Bay with a local captain, spotting dolphins so close you can hear them breathe. Snorkel clear waters full of life, hunt for shells along sandy patches, and watch birds or even deer onshore—all with bottled water and gear included. It’s relaxed but surprising in small ways.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the way the air tasted—salty, but not sharp, just enough to remind you you’re on Florida’s panhandle. We met Captain Brittany at the dock, who greeted us like she already knew half our group (she didn’t, but it felt that way). The boat was bigger than I expected, with a cooler packed full of ice and water bottles clinking around. Everyone tossed their bags in random corners—someone forgot sunscreen, which we all regretted about an hour later.

I’d seen dolphins before, but never this close. Brittany slowed the boat near a sandbar and suddenly there they were—three of them, just gliding alongside us. She pointed out how you could tell the locals from the visitors by their scars (on the dolphins, not us). There was this moment where everything went quiet except for their little huffs when they surfaced. I tried to film it but mostly ended up with shaky footage and my own voice whispering “oh wow.”

We anchored near a patch of seagrass for snorkeling. The mask took some fiddling (my hair kept getting caught), but once I got under, it was like a whole other world—blue crabs scuttling sideways, flashes of silver fish darting past. The water wasn’t cold exactly, just enough to wake you up. My nephew found a shell that looked like something out of a cartoon; he showed it off until Brittany told him its name (I already forgot it—something Latin-sounding). She laughed when he tried to repeat it.

Later we drifted past pelicans perched on old posts and watched an egret stalking something invisible in the reeds. Someone spotted a deer onshore—just for a second—and then it vanished into the trees. It’s funny how quiet everyone got after that; maybe we were all hoping for another glimpse or maybe just soaking up the sun before heading back in. I still think about that dolphin swimming right beside us—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin watching and snorkeling tour

• Meet Captain Brittany on boat
• Bring towels, sunscreen, and clothes
• Enjoy dolphin sight seeing
• Snorkel in St. Andrews Bay
• Spot local birds and wildlife
• Hunt for sea shells
• Explore St. Andrews Bay by boat

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is included during your St Andrews Bay tour.

Can we bring our own food or drinks?

You can bring your own food and drinks as long as there are no glass bottles.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

Dolphins are common in St Andrews Bay but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Yes, families with kids are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Service animals are allowed during the tour.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the dock for departure.

How long does the day trip last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours exploring St Andrews Bay.

What kind of wildlife might we see besides dolphins?

You may see pelicans, ospreys, blue herons, egrets, seagulls, and sometimes white tail deer.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water kept cold in an onboard cooler packed with ice plus all necessary snorkeling equipment provided by your local captain before setting out to explore St Andrews Bay together.