You can find complete information about pricing policies, what to expect, and what to bring on our Pricing & Information pages.
This trip is for you if you want to have a personal encounter with the dolphins. It's not just a sightseeing tour. You get to choose the activities and how much time you spend on the tour.
It was a great time. Christian, our captain, was great. Our group included children from 2 years to 81 years of age. Everyone had a lot of fun. We were able to touch a jellyfish from a cannonball, saw dolphins and went on a boat ride to Shell Island. Christo was friendly, knowledgeable and polite. Christo was our captain and we will be returning. Lagoon Pontoons' booking staff was very friendly and easy to deal with. They were able to answer all our questions and offer suggestions on how to accommodate toddlers and seniors. 5 stars!! !
Would you like to reserve a private tour? Our private charter options let customers add additional time to their dolphin tour (which starts at 2 or 3 hour) and add activities (ex. additional snorkeling area, more island time etc.). 13 people can each boat. Your captain will help you get in the water to view dolphins in their natural habitat. You can then take a guided snorkel tour around Shell Island to observe other sealife.
Experience the natural habitat of dolphins on your boat ride. Our boats can be used as dive boats. Children will love to find and swim with dolphins, and even snorkel in the sea like SCUBA divers.
Local captains are friendly and have decades of experience in these waters. They also have a wealth knowledge about manatees and dolphins. They will customize your trip to suit your needs and are happy to show you the beauty of this beautiful area.
2 hour tours $59 per head2 hour private tours $299 per vessel (maximum 13 people)3 and 4 hour PRIVATE tours also available
Your captain will guide you in the most efficient way to get into the water and view the dolphins close up. You are not permitted to touch or swim towards dolphins. They can only interact ethically by swimming parallel to them and allowing them to come toward us.
"This was a highlight in our Florida trip. We felt safe, had fun, and learned a lot. Captain Jack was very friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating.
Over many years of observing the dolphins’ natural behaviors, our guides are experts at locating bottlenose dolphins and safely instructing our guests on how to enter the water and observe them in their natural habitat. Plus, your captain will snorkel alongside you to show you starfish, pufferfish, welch conchs, sand dollars, and various other types of sea creatures.
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.
The second leg will be spent spotting the best St Andrews Bay has for wildlife. You'll see birds such as pelicans and herons, along with underwater marine life like starfish, blue crabs and sea horses. Shell Island has sand dollars, shells and other treasures. You can also go snorkeling in grass flats, and explore St. Andrews Bay on the Gulf of Mexico.
Once you have reached your snorkeling spot your captain will be with you in the water to guide you on how to find seashells and other marine life. You can choose how you wish to spend your tour time, so it is as personalized as you would like.
MAXIMUM 13 guests (including all children) are allowed on each boat. Coast Guard regulations do not allow for more than 13 passengers.
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.