The dolphins will not arrive until you enter the water. This will make the dolphins curious and they will swim towards you instead of away. Dolphins can be very finicky, so the more we pretend they aren't there, the more curious and curious they will become.
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.
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.
We'll bring you as close as possible and ensure your safety as well as their safety. The dolphins decide how close they want and how much interaction they want. "Passive observation" is a practice that allows dolphins to approach us. Our guests often have unforgettable encounters with dolphins at St. Andrews Bay. They are playful and interactive and will always remember them.
Find the best snorkeling spots and beaches in Florida. Mexico Beach or Port St. Joe can be your starting point for adventure.
Visit our Pricing & Information page for complete details about pricing, policies and what to expect.
The water is home to a variety of birds. There are raptors like bald and ospreys. There are also shorebirds like great blu egrets. And there are seabirds like majestic frigatebirds. Sometimes we see deer.
You will be visiting Panama City Pass, and exploring the area where St. Andrews Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico during your excursion. Here dolphins can be found and we will show you how to swim in the water to see them up close.
You'll find a wide variety of birds out of the water. These include raptors such as bald eagles or ospreys, shorebirds such as great blue herons or egrets, and seabirds such magnificent frigatebirds. Sometimes, we also see deer on the Island.
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.
We can accommodate a maximum group size of 6 per boat, for a maximum of 12. If you have a larger party, though, we can make arrangements with our local partners.
We had a wonderful experience. The captain was an amazing captain. Even showed us a jellyfish type that doesn’t sting. We stopped at a beach with lots of shells. All had a great experience and will certainly return.
"We had so many fun today swimming with the dolphins and snorkeling on Shell Island. I highly recommend this company. This was the highlight our vacation." - Christy
During the second leg of your excursion, you’ll come across the best of what St Andrews Bay has to offer in terms of wildlife. These include birds like herons, ospreys, and pelicans, underwater marine life like hermit crabs, sea urchins, sea horses, blue crabs, and starfish, plus all the animal life on Shell Island. Explore Shell Island for sand dollars and shells. You can also go snorkeling on grass flats and explore St. Andrews Bay along the Gulf of Mexico.
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.