Be your own guide and rent a pontoon boat for the day! For visitors who would like to captain their own vessel, we have pontoon boats available for rent. You will receive our Map with directions of our favorite snorkeling locations, sandbars, common dolphin areas, and more.
Our Dolphin & Island Tours last approximately 3 hours. Seasonally, departure times may vary. We currently leave the dock at 9:00 am and 12:30 pm.
This was the highlight of our Florida vacation. We felt secure, enjoyed our trip, and also learned a lot. Captain Jack was kind, knowledgeable, and accommodating."
Reserve the whole boat on a private tour for only your group. This is your tour. This tour can be tailored to your preferences. A private charter can only accommodate six people.
Your privacy will not be compromised on your private dolphin cruise. Only you, your friends, or group, will be aboard the boat, as well as the captain. Keep in mind, the Coast Guard limits the number of passengers on the boat to 13. Children of all ages are welcome.
The Dolphin Tour boat is smaller than other larger tour boats, with a maximum capacity of six passengers. This includes children of all ages. The dolphins are often disturbed by large groups of people, and this can lead to them being driven away. We will get you in the water quickly, and, most importantly, we won't scare the dolphins away.
Online bookings close 12 hours before tours begin. Call (850) 392-7717 for same-day reservations
We had an amazing time! Christian, our captain of the boat, was fantastic. Our group ranged in age from 2 years to 81, and everyone had a blast. We went to Shell Island, met dolphins, touched jellyfish cannonballs, and enjoyed the boat trip. Christo was polite, knowledgeable, and friendly. Christo was a great captain. Lagoon Pontoons booked staff were very helpful and friendly. They answered all questions and provided suggestions for seniors and toddlers. 5 stars!! !
This Dolphin Tour boat can carry six people, which is a lot less than larger boats with a capacity for up to 175 tourists. Larger groups can create a lot of noise which disrupts the dolphins and drives them away. It is important to note that we can quickly and expertly get you into the water without scaring away the dolphins.
Online bookings close 12 hours before tours begin. For same day reservations, please call (850).392-7717
If you want to be close to the dolphins and have the opportunity to interact with them, this trip is for your.
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.
Our Carolina Skiffs (21-foot) and 23-foot Carolina Skiffs (23-foot) are comfortable, stable and safe for dolphin and island tours. These boats feature a central console design to maximize space and allow easy movement around the boat. A fully cushioned forward deck allows for observation (and lounging), and comfortable seats for the whole group. Large bimini tops provide shade and ice chest space.
Your group will swim in the water faster than the dolphins. If you do this, dolphins will start to be curious about you and your group, and instead of swimming off, they will gravitate towards you. It is important to remember that dolphins can be wild animals so it is not easy to inspire curiosity in them. This can be related to people who appear to only care about someone they are with when they have shown the least amount of caring. This is likely how your mom came to know your dad.
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.