You can ride in our boats for cruising, and enjoy the beauty of dolphins swimming in their natural surroundings.
Also, manatees are often seen. Manatees are sometimes seen in the water, although you can enter the water if it is safe. We practice passive observation and do not approach them.
We will reserve the boat for your group or family, and the captain, during our private dolphin tour. Coast Guard regulations stipulate that 13 passengers are allowed, including children and infants.
Your captain will provide many options to help you make the most of your dolphin tour. One option is to snorkel on the grass flats or jetties of Shell Island. Perhaps you'd like to take a walk along the beach, where you can see starfish and crabs, fish, and birds of all sorts during this amazing eco-tour!
St. Andrews Bay Charters organizes private charters that can accommodate 12 guests. This will allow for a more intimate, interactive experience and safer trip as you won’t be sharing the boat.
For complete information about pricing, policies, what to expect and what to bring, please visit our Pricing & Information page.
The boat has all the equipment you need to snorkel at no additional cost. Capri Suns will be available on the boat, as well as complimentary bottled water. Bring your own beverages, snacks, or BYOB.
"We had soo much fun today playing on Shell Island, swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling and having fun! I would recommend this company. This was the highlight on our vacation." - Christy
Boat tours can be enjoyed by all ages. Lagoon Pontoons boat tours are great for relaxing and swimming with the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.
Your captain will direct you on how to enter the water so that you can see the dolphins at close quarters. It is prohibited to approach or swim towards the dolphins. We interact with dolphins in the most ethical manner possible by swimming parallel to their bodies and inviting them to come towards us.
Are you looking for fun seafari activities near Panama City Beach, Florida? Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB provides the best guided snorkeling, dolphin excursions, pontoon boats rentals and much more!
Online bookings close 12 hours before tours begin. For same day reservations, please call (850).392-7717
Your captain will take you out to the sea and assist you in finding marine life. This private tour will allow you to control how your tour goes so that it's exactly what you envisioned.
Out of the water, you’ll see a huge variety of birds, ranging from raptors like bald eagles and ospreys, to shorebirds like great blue herons and egrets, to seabirds like magnificent frigatebirds and terns. We also sometimes see deer on the island.
It's all worth it once you get there because the water is the most beautiful I've ever seen. The water is so clear that it feels like you're swimming in a pool. We had no idea what to expect, so we went with the intention of spending a few hours on the island. Come prepared to spend the entire day!
Dolphins, loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, ghost crabs, beach mice, nine-banded armadillos, alligators that live in the island's lake, marsh rabbits, racoons, and other wildlife can be found on Shell Island.
Wear nothing but a swimsuit. Dolphins have extremely sensitive skin, and because you will be able to touch them during your interaction, we recommend that you refrain from wearing sunscreen, oils, or perfumes.