Dolphin Watching in Panama City Beach, Florida

Known locally and internationally as a destination that offers a wide variety of recreational activities, Panama City Beach, Florida is a popular choice for visitors wanting to relax on its pristine beaches or make the most of its range of water-based activities.

Panama City Beach is home to a thriving population of dolphins, including bottlenose dolphins. These intelligent and playful marine mammals are a joy to observe in their natural habitat. A dolphin-watching cruise provides you with a unique opportunity to see these beautiful creatures up close.

As you cruise along the Gulf of Mexico, you'll also be treated to breathtaking views of the coastline and have ample time to take pictures, unwind and relax on the water.

Dolphin watching cruises in Panama City Beach come in various forms, including group tours and private charters, and you can choose the type of experience that best suits your preferences.

Read on for all you need to know about dolphin watching, one of the most spectacular outdoor activities in Panama City Beach.

What are the best dolphin-watching cruises in Panama City Beach, Florida?

Dolphin watching can easily capture your attention for the full duration of a dolphin-watching cruise, but most boat tours also include other aspects of the marine landscape close to Panama City Beach, Florida. Tour operators may include small differentiators to make their experiences unique, but here is a general outline of the most popular dolphin-watching tours offered:

Panama City Beach small group dolphin-watching tours

Join a group of other sightseers and board your catamaran, pontoon or sailboat and head out into the Gulf of Mexico to observe bottlenose dolphins and other fascinating marine creatures. These organized tours typically include live commentary about the surrounding coastline and the nearby Shell Island.

Some tours disembark on the island for a short period of independent exploration or beach walking, and snorkeling equipment may be available for participants who would like to peer below the clear waters in the hopes of spotting wildlife like sea turtles, stingrays, manatees, tropical fish and sharks.

Sunset and dolphin-watching cruises

Nothing compares to the magnificence of the setting sun reflected on a calm ocean. On a dolphin-watching cruise that takes place at sunset, you can combine the search for these playful marine mammals with the tranquility of a memorable evening.

Tours that extend beyond sunset may include the opportunity to dance and play games when you arrive back at the dock. Along with the search for dolphins, tours may pass elegant homes on the Grand Lagoon and take in the natural beauty of St. Andrews Park.

Shell Island: Snorkeling and dolphin-watching tours

Shell Island is a barrier island situated just across the St. Andrew Bay from the mainland of Panama City Beach. Shell Island is known for its pristine beauty, white sandy beaches, and abundant seashells, making it a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers.

On a tour to the island, you can look out for the dolphins that frequent these waters, snorkel in the clear water and explore the island itself where you can expect to find a plethora of seashells and sand dollars

This tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts looking for the opportunity to see a diverse range of local wildlife, including shorebirds, sea turtles, and other coastal creatures.

Private dolphin-watching cruises from Panama City Beach

The best part of a private cruise is the possibility of customizing the excursion to suit your preferences. You may choose to spend the full duration of your tour watching dolphins play close to the boat, or you might decide to visit Shell Island or spend some time swimming or snorkeling.

On a private tour, your boat captain or guide will be able to advise you what is possible in the time you have available and will focus on ensuring that the cruise meets your expectations. A private tour is the ideal experience to share with your family and friends.

What is the price of dolphin watching cruises in Panama City Beach?

Small group dolphin-watching tours in St. Andrews Bay start from US$30 per person while cruises along the Gulf coastline start at US$40 per passenger. Due to their popularity, tours that take place at sunset may be more expensive than tours at other times.

Shell Island snorkeling and dolphin-watching tours cost from US$40 per person. Prices for this type of tour depend on the tour length as well as whether additional activities such as snorkeling are offered. Tours that include refreshments are usually more costly than tours that only offer drinks and snacks as an optional extra.

Private dolphin-watching cruises cost in the region of US$300 per group for a 2-hour excursion and US$400 per group for a 3-hour tour. These tours may include the option of snorkeling or stopping to explore Shell Island.

What do dolphin-watching excursions include?

A standard dolphin-watching cruise that does not include any additional activities usually includes a place on the tour boat, life vests where necessary, and the services of the boat crew. Drinks and snacks may be available for purchase onboard and some tours may provide bottled water.

St. Andrews Bay dolphin cruises often include refreshments as well as the tram ride to the ferry dock from Pier Store. The park entrance fee and any meals are generally separate costs.

Where snorkeling or other water activities are included in the experience, the necessary equipment is typically provided. This includes snorkeling equipment, safety equipment and the use of items such as paddle boards where available.

Where do dolphin cruises in Panama City Beach start?

Several tour operators have offices on North or South Lagoon Drive and this is one of many starting points for dolphin watching tours. Some tours begin at one of the C.S.S. Yacht Basin slips where the boats are moored, while cruises in St. Andrews Bay may start at the St. Andrews Park entrance.

During the summer season, tours that depart from St. Andrews State Park Marina may offer a park and ride service from the Pier Store

How long do dolphin watching tours last?

A small group or shared dolphin watching cruise typically lasts around 1.5 hours. Private dolphin watching excursions can last between 2 and 3 hours. Tours that include dolphin watching and other activities such as snorkeling or a visit to Shell Island can be expected to be around 3 hours long

Are dolphin watching cruises wheelchair friendly?

Certain vessels are accessible and able to accommodate wheelchairs and may be suitable for individuals with specific mobility challenges. It is always best to check directly with the specific tour operator upon booking to confirm whether the specific tour is accessible by wheelchair. If you have any special requests, you should ensure that the tour operator is aware of them in advance.

When is the best time for a dolphin-watching tour in Panama City Beach, Florida?

The best time for dolphin-watching cruises in Panama City Beach, Florida, is generally during the warmer months, from March to October. This period offers more favorable weather conditions and a higher likelihood of dolphin sightings.

Early mornings or late afternoons are often considered the ideal times of day for such cruises, as dolphins are more active during these cooler parts of the day.

What happens in case of bad weather?

If the weather is unsuitable for a cruise on the day of your dolphin-watching tour, you may instead opt for a full refund or alternative date.

Top tips

• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun can be quite strong on the water.
• Bring along water to stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months.
• Dress in layers as it can be cooler on the water than on land. Non-slip shoes are recommended for safety on the boat.
• Bring a camera with a good zoom or binoculars for a better view of the dolphins.
• If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before the cruise.