The second leg of the excursion will bring you the best of St Andrews Bay's wildlife. These include birds like pelicans, ospreys, starfish, and underwater marine life such hermit crabs. Shell Island offers sand dollars as well as shells. Also, you can snorkel on grass flats along the Gulf of Mexico and visit St. Andrews Bay.
You can also see dolphins on our island and dolphin tours. You can visit the beach and hunt for shells. If conditions permit, you can also swim in the protected waters.
Private Dolphin and Snorkeling ToursThe 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.
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.
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!
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.
2 hour tours $59/person2 hour private tours $299/boat (maximum 6 guests)3 & four hour PRIVATE tour also available
St. Andrews Bay Charters provides private charters to Panama City for up 12 people. This makes it more intimate and personal, but also safer as you will not be sharing the boat or with others.
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.
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.