Our guides have been observing dolphin behavior for many years and are experts in locating bottlenose dolphins. They also safely guide our guests to how to enter water and observe the dolphins in their natural habitat. Your captain will accompany you on a snorkel trip to show you starfishes, pufferfishes and other types of sea animals.
Our captains will offer plenty of options of how you can spend your time to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your dolphin tour. Some of those options include snorkeling the grass flats of Shell Island or the jetties. Maybe you would enjoy a walk on the beach where you can find sand dollars, starfish, crabs, fish & birds of all kinds during this amazing eco tour!
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.
St. Andrews Bay Charters' private charters allow for 12 passengers (maximum 6 per boat) to enjoy Panama City dolphin tours and Shell Island excursions. This gives you a more personal and intimate experience. You won't have to share your boat with anyone.
Our 2 hour private dolphin tour we will reserve the boat for just your family or group and the captain. Coast Guard regulations state the maximum passengers allowed is 6, including infants and children.
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 will arrive at your snorkeling destination where your captain will get in the water with you and show you how to find seashells and other sea life. By choosing this private tour, you will be able to choose how to pass your tour time so that it can be as exactly as you had envisioned it.
Cancellation requests made within 24 hours of the tour date/time WILL NOT receive a refund, and WILL be charged the full amount of the tour.
These friendly local captains have decades experience in the waters of this area and are knowledgeable about dolphins, manatees, as well as other marine life. They love to customize your trip and show you the natural beauty of this special place.
This was the highlight of our Florida vacation. We felt secure, enjoyed our trip, and also learned a lot. Captain Jack was kind, knowledgeable, and accommodating."
There can be no more than 6 people (including children) per boat, as per Coast Guard regulations. The Family Cruiser has a maximum of 13 passengers.
Our guides have spent many years studying dolphin behavior and are proficient at finding them and instructing guests how to get into the water to observe them in their natural environment. Your captain will also snorkel with you, showing you starfish, pufferfish and welch conchs.
Our dolphin and island tour boats are comfortable, stable 21-foot and 23-foot Carolina Skiffs. These boat features a center console design to maximize open space and allow for easy movement around the boat, a fully cushioned forward deck for observation (and lounging), comfortable cushioned seats for your whole group, large bimini tops for shade, plenty of ice chest space, and quiet, clean four-stroke engines.
What a great way to spend a day! Took my 22 year old son and his friends out for 1/2 day. Pontoon boat was fantastic as was the day. Rob was great and everyone had the best time!
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.