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.
Our boats are designed for cruising and you can enjoy watching dolphins in their natural habitats or swimming with them.
You and your group will go in the water together before the dolphins do. You and your group will then be able to get into the water before the dolphins do. Instead of swimming away, they will become curious about you. Because dolphins are wild animals and will be curious about you, you should not try to stimulate their curiosity. This can be explained by people who show no caring and only become interested in someone they're dating. This is how Mom met your dad.
Manatees are also often seen in the water. You may be allowed to swim near manatees if the conditions are right, but we always observe them passively and avoid getting close.
Swim parallel to the dolphins and not towards them or reaching to them (also illegal), we will let the dolphins come to you (best, most ethical).
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.
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.
For your private 2 hour dolphin tour, we will reserve the vessel for your family or group. Coast Guard regulations allow 13 people, which includes children.
There are many species we see, including starfish, sanddollars bay scallops, whelks conchs upto 21" long, seahorses urchins and hermit crabs. These animals can be brought up to the surface, handled gently, and photographed. We bring large containers so that snorkelers, as well as non-snorkelers, can get close to the animals before they're released into the bay. The shells of non-living creatures can be taken home.
We leave from the docks at Off the Hook Bar & Grill at the foot of the foot of the Thomas Drive bridge, 1101 Bayview Avenue Panama City, FL 32401.
Book a private tour to reserve the entire boat exclusively for your party. This is your own personal tour. Customize the tour to your liking. Thirteen guests maximum per private charter.
If conditions permit, guests are permitted to go in the water if dolphins are nearby. Safety is our primary concern. Your captain will guide you on how to safely snorkel around marine mammals.
Your captain will instruct you on the best method of entering the water and seeing the dolphins up close and personal. Reaching out to or swimming towards the dolphins is not allowed. We employ the most ethical way of interacting with them by swimming parallel with them and also let them come willingly towards us.
Instead of swimming in front of the dolphins (which is illegal), we will swim parallel with them, instead of reaching out for them (which also violates the law). This will allow them to approach us ethically.
Snorkeling is a fun and easy activity for people of all ages. One of the best things about Shell Island is that the calm shallow water behind the jetty is ideal for first-time snorkelers.
When is the Best Time to Visit Florida to See Dolphins? The best time to see dolphins is from late May to early August. You're most likely to see them between 10 a.m. and noon, and then again between 2 p.m. and dark.
If you and your family enjoy fishing, eating seafood, golfing, a vibrant nightlife, and shopping, Destin is the place to be. However, if you want a more relaxed family vacation with excellent waterfront lodging and a variety of children's activities, Panama City Beach is the place to be.