It is possible to have seen dolphins captive in a marine sanctuary, but it is more exciting to watch them in their natural habitat. Although wild dolphin behavior is unpredictable and not possible to predict, the tour captains have many years of experience operating on the waters around St. Andrew Bay almost every single day. They know where dolphins are most common and do everything they can to ensure that guests have an amazing time. Dolphins can often be seen jumping, playing and searching for food on many tours.
If the conditions allow, you may be able to swim with and snorkel alongside dolphins. We may be able to swim in the same area as the dolphins. However, you won't be able touch them. These dolphins are wild and can have their own thoughts. Sometimes they can swim within 3 feet of your body, other times they may swim away from you. We don't feed dolphins or harass them. Swimming with dolphins is not guaranteed. We don't believe it ethical to promise'swimming' with dolphins. We are happy to be able to interact with wild dolphins. All of our boat tours follow the Marine Mammal Protection Act guidelines. We will not allow dolphins to swim in areas that are unsafe for us to swim. The captain can decide.
Florida law bans dolphin swimming, touching and feeding. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officers monitor the waters to ensure that these rules and regulations are being followed. You might be able to spot dolphins close enough to the boat that you have a wonderful view and great opportunity for photos. Shell Island Snorkel Tours may be the best option for you if wild dolphins are in the water. They often swim near snorkelers.
Rent a pontoon boat for a new adventure. Maximum occupancy: 10 passengers or 1600 lbs. Safety equipment is provided.
If the conditions are safe, you might get the chance to swim or snorkel with dolphins. This means we might be able get in the water right next to the dolphins. You will not be able to touch the dolphins in any way. They are wild dolphins with a mind of their very own. They will sometimes swim close to you at times. Dolphins are not fed or harassed by us. Swimming with dolphins is not something we guarantee. We feel that promising "swimming" with dolphins would be unethical. We appreciate the wild dolphins as they are. All our boat tours comply with and support the Marine Mammal Protection Act. If dolphins swim in unsafe areas for us to swim, we won't allow them to enter the water. This decision is up to captain.
Shell Island is a popular destination for tourists visiting Panama City Beach. The island is small and undeveloped making it a great spot to see Florida's natural beauty.
These private dolphin tours start at $300 and can accommodate up to 6 guests. The cost is $50 per person. This is a fantastic deal if you have this many people! Dolphin Seafari can accommodate larger parties if given advance notice. Please call 850-960-8107 if your group includes more than 6 persons to verify availability.
Private tours for up to 6 persons are $400, or less than $70/person. It's a bargain for a 3-hour tour. It is great for families with children and infants, as it allows you to create memories together.
We cruise along the waters surrounding Shell Island and Grand Lagoon, St. Andrews State Parks, St. Andrews Bay and Panama City Beach, looking for all types of wildlife and marine life. Every day, we have the opportunity to see different species of wildlife on our boat tours. Each day is different, depending on what the environment and wildlife are in the area. We adjust our boat rides daily to provide you with the best possible dolphin tour and snorkeling tour. Each day is different. Shell Island's marine life, snorkeling spots, as well as the stops we make, change daily. This is great because you'll see something new every time you go on a tour with us. Your captain will be happy to accommodate any special requests you might have for your boat tour.
Jet ski tours also have another cool feature: dolphins are curious about jet ski wakes, which is a great bonus.
St. Andrew Bay dolphins are wild animals. It is not possible to predict when the best time to view them. Dolphin behavior can be affected by weather conditions, tide cycles, water temperatures, tides, and availability. Dolphins can be seen whenever the sun shines and the water clear. Feeding activities are usually seen on an outgoing tide. The best option is to go with a dolphin tour operator, such as Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours. They are usually on the water almost every day.
Shell Island is a popular spot for visitors to Panama City Beach. This tiny island is undeveloped and offers visitors the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.
Florida regulations require that the primary driver of jet ski rentals must have a valid driver’s permit. Drivers born after 1988 are required to pass a quick test to obtain temporary boating safety certificates.
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Panama City Beach is a top spot for snorkeling in the nation! You will have an unforgettable adventure with the beautiful marine life and crystal clear water.
Only accessible by boat Shell Island can only be reached by boat or by other watercraft. It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete the trip and you will pass through St.
Day visits are available from 8am to 8pm depending on tide, so there is plenty of time for you to explore, enjoy, and relax. Day visits are canceled when the Camp site is full. This is for safety and health reasons. We apologize if this causes any problems. Before you leave for the Island, it is best to call us before leaving.