Off the coasts of Panama City Beach lies an underwater world worth discovering. Best spots for snorkeling in Panama City Beach include Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay. If you have your own boat and snorkel gear, these are the places to be! If you did not come equipped with gear and a vessel, here are some of the best tours and charters to take you snorkeling and dolphin sightseeing near Panama City Beach.
Salty Mary Dolphin and Snorkel Tours
Salty Mary offers 3-hour and 6-hour dolphin and snorkel tours for up to 6 passengers. Tours go out on a 25-foot boat with a shade canopy.
3 Hour Dolphin and Snorkel Tours
$400 for 3 hours
Offers one morning and one afternoon tour for up to six passengers, including snorkel gear, light snacks, water and an iced down cooler for your use while on the boat. Captain Adam will customize the trip for you, offering multiple locations for snorkeling and swimming with the dolphins. Two paddleboards are included on the boat for your enjoyment.
6 Hour Dolphin and Snorkel Tour
$800 for 6 hours
This extended tour gives the opportunity to experience Shell Island and the wonderful sea life that surrounds it. This private tour accommodates up to 6 passengers and includes snorkel gear, light snacks, water and an iced down cooler for your use while on the boat. Captain Adam will customize the trip for you, similar to the 3 hour tour, but with more time to see more scenery
Coastal Wildlife Adventures
Coastal Wildlife Adventures offers dolphin and snorkel tours, as well as private charters and other tours. They encourage you to bring your own food and beverage. Here are their snorkel tour options.
Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour
From $79 for 3 hours, up to 6 guests
Meeting location: Pirates Cove Marina – 3901 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL, 32408.
This tour includes dolphin encounters, wildlife encounters and identification, as well as a tour of the Shell Island nature preserve and its beautiful beaches. You’ll cruise the waters surrounding Shell Island, Grand Lagoon, St. Andrews State Park, St. Andrews Bay, Panama City, and Panama City Beach. You’ll likely see dolphins, sharks, turtles, rays, invertebrates, and many different seabird species. Tours vary depending on weather and other conditions, and you’re encouraged to make any special requests. Tour visits one or two snorkeling sites and includes snorkeling gear (mask, fins, and snorkel). Make this a private or public tour – the boats hold up to 6 passengers.
Coastal Wildlife Tours – The Forgotten Coast
$399 for minimum 3 hours. Private tours only.
On the Forgotten Coast tour you’ll discover the waters surrounding Port Saint Joe, Mexico Beach, St. Joseph Bay, and Cape San Blas – some of the most secluded snorkeling sites and beaches in Florida! Adventures depart from Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe, about an hour east of Panama City Beach.
Florida’s “Forgotten Coast” stretches from Mexico Beach to Apalachicola and consists of small towns and secluded waterways rich in marine wildlife. This area is magical for snorkeling! You’ll explore secluded beaches and snorkeling sites that are only easily accessible by boat. You are welcome to bring your own food, drinks, snacks or alcoholic beverages, and an iced cooler is provided on board with bottled water.
Island Time Sailing
Island Time Sailing offers a 50-foot catamaran for sailing trips and private charters, and includes snorkeling and sunset cruises. Unlike most tours, this one does not allow outside food or beverage nor coolers. They do offer food and beverage for purchase on board, as well as restrooms. These cruises cater to larger groups and could be canceled due to capacity minimums.
Shell Island Snorkeling & Sailing Cruise
On this 3-hours cruise you’ll snorkel and explore the sea life at Shell Island. You’ll cruise across St. Andrews Bay to view the dolphins, and then the catamaran will anchor when you can snorkel around Shell Island. Enjoy the music and a Rum Punch, or try the paddleboards and keep an eye out for friendly dolphins! Trips can vary depending on weather and other conditions. Prices include snorkel gear.
- $49+ tax for Adults (Ages 13 & Up)
- $35+ tax for Children (Ages 3-12)
- $10+ tax for Infant (Ages 0-2)
Blue Dolphin Tours
Tours start daily at 9:am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm (times may vary seasonally)
Meeting Place: Treasure Island Marina, 3601 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach Florida 32408
- 2-hour tours $59 per person
- Private 2-hour tours $299 per boat (maximum 6 persons)
- 3 hour $399 & 4 hour $499 private family tours also available
- Large Family Blue Dolphin cruiser has a capacity of 15 persons
Small groups allow for less commotion while getting in the water without scaring the dolphins away! Your captain will instruct you on the safest & best means of interacting with the dolphins. You’ll visit and swim with the dolphins, snorkel the grass flats, explore Shell Island for sand dollars and shells. Snorkel gear is included but it’s recommended that you bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks (no glass containers).
Panama City Dolphin Seafari Tours
Dolphin Seafari is a private charter and boat tour company offering guided snorkeling and swimming with wild dolphins in Panama City Beach. They cater to families, individuals, and groups of all sizes. They’ll 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. This is a guided snorkeling experience to accommodate all skill levels.
Open: Sunday – Saturday, 8am – 8pm
Split Charter Dolphin & Snorkeling Tour
2 HOURS – $60 per passenger (including children of all ages)
On this tour you’ll ride along with other passengers and a trusty guide to swim with the dolphins and explore the Florida waters. You’ll snorkel around Shell Island and explore sea life, but this tour does not include walking on Shell Island.
Private Dolphin & Snorkeling Tour
2 HOURS – $315 per 6 passengers
Book a private dolphin tour for your group and have the opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel around Shell Island, and learn more about the sealife. This tour is great for small and large groups. This tour doesn’t include walking on Shell Island.
Private Dolphin, Snorkel & Walking on Shell Island
3 HOURS – $415 per 6 passengers
This is the tour where you’ll explore Shell Island by water and by foot with a combination snorkel, swim, and walking tour. This private tour includes 1 hour of swimming with dolphins, 1 hour of snorkeling, and 1 hour of walking on Shell Island. This is a private trip that’s reserved for just your group. You may also book multiple boats to accommodate an even larger group.
You Call It Water Adventures
You Call It offers your own customized mix of Panama City Beach dolphin tours, shelling tours, snorkeling tours, sunset cruises, and fishing. They are a full service charter boat touring agency allowing customers to completely customize their experience. Snorkeling adventures include:
All Inclusive Private Charters
$449 for up to 6 people
This trip is customized to your liking. You can lounge on the beach, cruise around looking for dolphins, or stop at a waterfront restaurant to watch the sunset! Exciting or relaxing adventures can be book for 4, 6 or 8 hours.
Sandbar Snorkeling Excursion
$59/person up to 6 people
This is a 3 hour customizable excursion which includes snorkeling and island hopping.
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