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 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.
In the course of your excursion, you will visit Panama City Pass and explore the area where St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico converge. This is where we locate dolphins and will show you how to get in the water and see them up close.
You'll see the best of St Andrews Bay in terms of wildlife on the second leg. These include pelicans, birds like herons and ospreys, as well as marine life such a hermit crab, blue crabs or sea horses. Shell Island is the best place to look for shells and sanddollars. You can also snorkel in grass flats and explore St. Andrews Bay, along the Gulf of Mexico.
At Gabby's Dolphin Tours PCB, our captains are highly trained and experienced in spotting, observing, and interpreting dolphin’s behavior and movements. We place the boat at a safe distance and instruct you when to get in the water to get a closer look and mingle with them.
You can ride in our boats for cruising, and enjoy the beauty of dolphins swimming in their natural surroundings.
Unwind and relax while your USCG captain/tour guide takes the group to see some stunning sunsets and views only available on the water. Enjoy your favorite beverage and snacks while you relax.
This Dolphin Tour boat, unlike larger vessels that can hold up to 175 people, can only carry six passengers. Larger groups are known to make a lot too much noise and disturb the dolphins. This can drive them away. The best part about our service is that you will be able to get in the water quickly and without scaring the dolphins.
Your group and you will be in the water before the dolphins. The dolphins will be more interested in you and your group than swimming away. The best way to get dolphins' attention is to not show any interest in them. This is a common occurrence among people who seem to only be interested in someone they love when they show the least amount of care. This is how your mom met your dad, and you can easily explain it to yourself.
Before the dolphins arrive, you will be in the water. The dolphins will be attracted to you because they are curious. Dolphins are finicky creatures and will be more curious if we pretend they're not there.
St. Andrews Bay Charters offers private charters for up to 12 people (maximum 13 guests per boat) on Panama City dolphin tours or Shell Island trips. This allows for a more intimate and interactive experience, as well as a safer trip because you won't share the boat with anyone else.
Our mission: We work with a purpose. Panama City Beach dolphin trips are educational experiences. This allows for greater appreciation of wildlife and knowledge. We are an eco friendly tour that does not harm or disturb wildlife. We are an ecotour outfitter that cares about the dolphins. They will appreciate it.
The second leg will be spent spotting the best St Andrews Bay has for wildlife. These include pelicans, herons, ospreys, starfish, and underwater marine life like blue crabs (sea horses), hermit crabs, hermit crabs, and sea urchins. Shell Island is the perfect place to explore if you are interested in shells or sand dollars. Discover St. Andrews Bay, along the Gulf of Mexico by snorkeling.
The boat is a great place to snorkel and you don't pay any extra! Capri Suns will be provided onboard, as well as complimentary bottled waters. You are welcome to bring your own beverages, snacks, and BYOB.
Dolphins are most active at dawn, between 10 a.m. and noon, and from 2 p.m. to dusk. A good pair of telephoto lenses or binoculars can be extremely useful for spotting dolphins.
Islamorada and Key Largo are popular locations for seeing the animals in the wild. The Florida Keys are a popular breeding ground for dolphins, so you can see them all year.
A: You can get to Shell Island by boat or jet ski. The St. Andrews Shuttle to Shell Island costs $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 2 to 12, and free for infants ages 0 to 1. There are also several locations where you can rent a jet ski or pontoon boat.