Encounter wild dolphins in their natural habitat along the beautiful coastline of Panama City Beach.
Dolphins capture the human imagination in a way that no other creature does. They are intelligent, social, exciting, friendly marine mammals. A large pod of bottlenose dolphins, the iconic grey dolphins that most people are familiar with, makes its home in the waters off Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park, and in the Grand Lagoon.
For many years, people could only see captive dolphins at marine attractions. Now, regulations and protections are in place that allow visitors to take boat tours out to view wild dolphins at home in their natural habitat. At Shell Island Shuttle, we are pleased to invite visitors to enjoy our Panama City Beach dolphin tours.
Panama City dolphin tours are a great activity for visitors of all ages and physical ability levels. Everyone loves dolphins and our dolphin tours are perfectly safe and comfortable. Parents are particularly encouraged to bring their kids along because meeting wild dolphins in a way that respects their place in the marine ecosystem will have a positive influence on children’s attitudes toward wildlife and the natural environment.
As operators of the official Shell Island Shuttle, we are on the water every day and know where the most dolphins can be found in the waters off Panama City Beach. The bottlenose dolphins that live around Panama City Beach normally feed in shallow water and are often found in large numbers in St. Andrews Bay and along Shell Island. While we cannot guarantee a dolphin encounter on every tour, we offer you the best chance to spot dolphins in Panama City Beach.
Our spacious, luxurious tour boats accommodate up to 6 passengers, and are very stable and safe. Their smooth ride lets you cruise in comfort and easily take pictures and shoot videos while watching the dolphins feed and play. We can cover all of the waters of St. Andrews Bay and motor out into the Gulf of Mexico along Shell Island and Panama City Beach when conditions are favorable.
The Panama City Beach dolphins are wild animals, and it is practically impossible to predict the best time to see them. The season, weather conditions, air and water temperatures, tide cycles, moon phases, and availability of prey are just a few of the factors that influence dolphin behavior. Generally, there is a good chance of seeing dolphins any time the sun is out and the water is clear emerald green, with feeding activities normally seen on an outgoing tide near the end of the afternoon. Your best bet is simply choosing a dolphin tour operator that is on the water nearly every day year round.
We have been offering dolphin tours around St. Andrews State Park for many years. All of our guests receive an orientation regarding what they can and cannot do during a dolphin encounter. We ensure adherence to all guidelines established for our guests’ safety and the dolphins’ well-being. Dolphins are curious and playful creatures that nearly always approach swimmers and boats, so it is common for them to swim around you or even along with you at times. Feel free to enjoy this unforgettable experience knowing that your Shell Island Shuttle dolphin tour guides will do everything possible to ensure you a safe and fun time on and in the water.
There is no better way to get up close and personal with the marine life than actually swimming with them and exploring their natural habitat. Here at St. Andrews State Park we offer Snorkeling Packages for the whole family.
Looking for things to do in Panama City Beach? Take our Shuttle over to Shell Island, rent a pontoon boat, or even take a dolphin tour.
Explore Shell Island on your own time with your family and friends with one of our, well maintained, Shell Island Pontoon Boat Rentals.
Learn MoreOur Shell Island Dolphin Tours are one of the most memorable experiences you will have while visiting Panama City Beach.
Learn MoreShell Island is a local hot spot for snorkeling in Panama City Beach, Florida. Begin your adventure with Shell Island Shuttle.
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