Our Carolina Skiffs, 21-foot and 23,-foot Carolina Skiffs, are stable and comfortable. These boats have a center console design to maximise open space and allow for easy movement about the boat. They also feature a fully cushioned forward platform for observation (and lounging), plus comfortable cushions for everyone in your group.
Species we frequently see include a variety of starfish, sand dollars, bay scallops, whelks, conchs up to 21” long, seahorses, urchins, and hermit crabs and other crab species. These animals can be brought to the surface, handled carefully, and photographed. We bring large containers so that even non-snorkelers can observe them up close before they’re released back into the bay. Shells found without living creatures can be taken home.
All snorkeling equipment is available on board at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE. Capri Suns and/or complimentary water will be provided for you refreshments. You are welcome to bring your own beverages and snacks.
2 hour tours $59 per head2 hour private tours $299 per vessel (maximum 13 people)3 and 4 hour PRIVATE tours also available
The private dolphin tour lasts 2 hours. We reserve the boat only for you and your group. Coast Guard regulations say that the maximum number of passengers is 13. This includes infants and children.
"This was a highlight on our Florida trip. We felt safe and enjoyed ourselves. And, we also learned some new things. Captain Jack was friendly and knowledgeable. He was also accommodating.
Swim with Panama City’s resident pod of wild bottle-nosed dolphins in their natural home on your trip aboard super-fast boats specially designed for finding and visiting with the dolphins. Unlike the larger tour boats that carry up to 150 people, Blue Dolphin Tours carries only 13 passengers on some boats & 7-15 on other boats (children of all ages included). We can have you in the water with your snorkel gear on quickly and without all the splashing and disruptions that large groups create, often frightening the dolphins away.Learn from Your Knowledgeable Captain - Your private captain will instruct you on the best means of interacting with the dolphins, such as swimming parallel with the dolphins rather than swimming toward them or reaching out for them.Swim with Dolphins - We'll put you in the water before the dolphins arrive. That way, the dolphins are more likely to come to us than swim away.Discover wildlife including birds of prey, pelicans, underwater creatures and herons. Explore the Shell Island area for sand dollars and shells. Snorkel grass flats and explore St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
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.
Captain Jack was extraordinary. He was extremely informed. He helped us choose the most important thing and we chose dolphin sightings for the majority.
We often see sand dollars and bay scallops as well as conchs up 21 inches long, starfish, starfish, seahorses and urchins. These animals can be brought to surface and photographed. Large containers are brought so that everyone can see them close up before they are released into the bay. You can take home any shells that are not made of living creatures.
Our dolphin Boat Tours offer a more intimate experience with dolphins. They last 2 hours and allow you to swim with them, explore Shell Island, and snorkel for sand dollar. Your own private tour. Our captains have the knowledge and experience to find the best places to see Dolphins.
Do you want to go on a seafari near Panama City Beach. Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB has the best in guided snorkeling trips, dolphin excursions, pontoonboat rentals, and many other activities!
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.
“This was a highlight of our Florida trip. We felt safe, really enjoyed ourselves, and learned some things too. Captain Jack was friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating.”
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.