PANAMA CITY BEACH

Where to Go: the 15 Best Panama City Beach Dolphin Watching Tours

24 tours  ·  from $28 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 panama city beach dolphin watching tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Boarding at 5201 N Lagoon Drive
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Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

1.Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,362 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $57Our pick

Cruise from Panama City Beach to Shell Island aboard Island Time’s roomy catamaran. Watch for wild dolphins, snorkel in St. Andrews Bay, paddle board, use the waterslide, or walk the beach. The crew, including captains such as Clay and Heath and crew members such as Emma and Sarah, keeps the three-hour trip relaxed and social.

“shell Island was beautiful seeing dolphins on the way was fun. We also snorkeled and collected shells.”

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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time - Key points to know before you book
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Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

2.Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,867 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57

Spend about two hours aboard Island Time Sailing’s catamaran, cruising Grand Lagoon and the waters near St. Andrews State Park. You’ll look for dolphins, watch the sails go up, enjoy music, and buy drinks or snacks from the onboard galley. Captain Clay and crew members including Christo, Sara, Audra, Carter, and Emma are among the friendly faces connected with this popular cruise.

“It was great, good service and great views. The team was very polite. Being out on the water for 2 hours was definitely worth the experience.”

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Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose - Dolphin watching comes after the water time
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Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose

3.Snorkel & Dolphin Sightseeing Tour Aboard the Footloose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 441 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

Spend about three hours aboard the Footloose from Panama City Beach, snorkeling at Shell Island, walking its white-sand beach, and searching for dolphins in the Gulf. Your ticket includes equipment, a guide, and one complimentary beverage. Captains such as Gordon, Marcy, Ryan, and Jamie are known for friendly help, though dolphin sightings and water clarity can vary.

“All of the workers with this experience were great! I had my mom with me & she has some trouble walking far distances & you have to walk along a pretty long pier to get on the boat. The staff noticed my mom was having trouble & got her wheelchair for the walk.”

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2 Hours Swim with the Dolphins in Panama City - Searching the Gulf for dolphins
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2 Hours Swim with the Dolphins in Panama City

4.2 Hours Swim with the Dolphins in Panama City

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 302 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $71

Join Bay Point Water Sports for a two-hour Gulf trip with up to six people per boat. Captains Dale, Dan, Robert, and others search for wild dolphins, then offer time in the water with masks, snorkels, and life jackets. You’ll also spot marine life and stop at Shell Island.

“Started out slow but in a few minutes dolphins were all around the boat !! Amazing experience!! Captain knew right were the dolphins were gn to be ! We were well pleased!! Papa Joe's 2hr swim with the dolphins was well worth it seen 3 pods of dolphin for about 2hrs ! If it's cool in October be prepared for the water to be cold when you get in !!”

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2-Hour Private Sightseeing Dolphin Tour in Panama City Beach - Looking for dolphins in their natural home
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2-Hour Private Sightseeing Dolphin Tour in Panama City Beach

5.2-Hour Private Sightseeing Dolphin Tour in Panama City Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 235 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Captain Zach leads a private two-hour boat trip from Panama City Beach for up to six people. Cruise St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf inlet, look for wild dolphins and turtles, use the included snorkel gear, then walk Shell Island’s white-sand beach. Ice, water, and life jackets for young children are provided.

“It was well worth the money and time for a small-party exclusive charter! Captain Zach was highly knowledgeable about the wildlife and the bay and knew where to find dolphins and turtles! We had a great time!”

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Shell Island Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour in Panama City Beach - Why the small boat matters
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Shell Island Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour in Panama City Beach

6.Shell Island Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour in Panama City Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40

Cruise St. Andrews Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and Shell Island aboard a comfortable 18-passenger boat. Captain Justine, Sophia, Drea, and other crew members help you spot wild bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife while sharing local facts. The 90-minute trip includes water, music, and a return to the starting point.

“Excellent choice! My 83 y.o. mother enjoyed it as much as anyone else did. Great family memory maker. Saw dolphins for nearly the entire 90 minutes.”

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Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay - Getting from St. Andrews State Park to the boat
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Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay

7.Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 218 reviews · 1h 30m · from $28Best value

Board a double-deck catamaran at St. Andrews State Park for a 90-minute sunset cruise across St. Andrews Bay. Captains and crew such as Ryan, Brian, Kent, and Roy keep the ride lively while you watch for dolphins, deer, and sunset views. Beer, wine, and cold refreshments are available onboard, and a tram carries you from the Pier Store to the dock.

“I’ve experienced this sunset dolphin cruise now 3 times and it never disappoints. I’ve seen dolphins each time. The transportation process is smooth. The boat ride is always a joy. I thoroughly enjoy the workers each time. They are knowledgeable, funny and simply a good time! Thank yall for making this available to the public! It’s greatly appreciated!”

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Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on the Footloose Catamaran - What dolphin watching is really like
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Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on the Footloose Catamaran

8.Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on the Footloose Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 198 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40

Board the 40-foot Footloose catamaran at Paradise Adventures for a 90-minute Gulf sail near Panama City Beach and Shell Island. The captain searches for wild dolphins while the crew serves one complimentary drink. Expect tropical music, paid snacks and drinks, open water, and a maximum of 34 people. Dolphin sightings are common but not guaranteed.

“Wonderful! The captain and Lamar were great! We even saw a hat overboard rescue! Dolphin chasing was fun. The ride was beautiful and peaceful!”

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Dolphin Sightseeing on the Privateer Catamaran - Leaving Grand Lagoon for the open water
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Dolphin Sightseeing on the Privateer Catamaran

9.Dolphin Sightseeing on the Privateer Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 131 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Cruise Grand Lagoon, St. Andrews Bay, Shell Island, and possibly the Gulf of Mexico aboard the 52-foot Privateer. Your captain and crew look for wild dolphins, while the onboard bar serves drinks, snacks, and the Privateer Punch. The 1.5-hour trip suits families, couples, and sunset seekers, but dolphin sightings are never guaranteed.

“We took a family dolphin watching tours! Everyone was extremely friendly and we saw lots of dolphins! Well worth the money!!”

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2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island - Shell Island and the first hour on the water
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2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island

10.2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70

Cruise privately from 1213 Beck Ave around Shell Island, St. Andrews Bay, and into the Gulf of Mexico. Captains Harry, Zach, or Britney guide your group toward wild dolphins, birds, sea life, and sunset views. The two-hour evening trip is cooler than a midday outing and ends where it began.

“The boat ride was very relaxing. The captain was on a radio with captains of other boats to help insure that we were able to see the dolphins and we saw lots of them.”

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2 Hour Shell Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour - Getting comfortable before leaving Panama City Beach
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2 Hour Shell Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour

11.2 Hour Shell Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 97 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Join AAA Jet Ski Rental for a two-hour ride across St. Andrews Bay to Shell Island and nearby Gulf waters. Your guide may include Micah, Carson, or Ross, all noted for patient instruction and a relaxed style. One jet ski fits up to two people, with dolphin spotting, wildlife viewing, beach time, and free riding built into the trip.

“I will highly recommend my friends and family AAA jet ski rental. He was an awesome guide and made it really fun for our first time.”

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3 Hour Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling in Shell Island - Snorkeling for Sand Dollars and Starfish
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3 Hour Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling in Shell Island

12.3 Hour Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling in Shell Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews

Spend three hours on a private boat from 312 Bay Shore Dr with a former marine mammal trainer or guides such as Alex, Rob, Ashley, or Jamie. Look for wild dolphins, visit seven-mile Shell Island, and snorkel for sand dollars, starfish, fish, turtles, and rays. Gear is included, and you may bring snacks and drinks.

“We had a great time! The 3 teenage girls loved seeing dolphins and snorkeling. Rob was a phenomenal captain.”

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Snorkeling, Dolphin and Wildlife Sightings at St. Andrews Bay - Shell Island and the pleasure of looking closely
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Snorkeling, Dolphin and Wildlife Sightings at St. Andrews Bay

13.Snorkeling, Dolphin and Wildlife Sightings at St. Andrews Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Join Captain Brittany and her crew for a private two-hour boat trip around St. Andrews Bay, Shell Island, Panama City, and Panama City Beach. Look for dolphins, sea turtles, birds, fish, and shells, then snorkel when water and weather allow. The boat includes gear, bottled water, and an ice-filled cooler.

“Captain Brittany was amazing! We had the best time. We found lots of awesome shells and even found a coconut that traveled many miles across the ocean!”

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Panama City Beach's - Dolphin Sunset Cruise - What the first minutes feel like
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Panama City Beach’s – Dolphin Sunset Cruise

14.Panama City Beach’s – Dolphin Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 70 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $69

You’ll ride The Scream Machine, a 30-foot, twin-engine speedboat, into St. Andrews Bay for a 60-minute sunset run. Expect sharp turns, splashes, music, dolphin sightings when conditions cooperate, and Greta, the friendly sea dog. Captains such as Delan and Scott lead the ride. Children must be at least 38 inches tall.

“This is the full package. Thrill ride, sunset, and dolphins. Amazing! We went in December and I was not expecting to see dolphins,(hopeful),but our captain pulled it off. He knows his stuff.”

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Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience - What the Big Kahuna Feels Like Underway
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Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience

15.Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $54

Cruise Panama City Beach aboard the adults-only Big Kahuna tiki boat for about 90 minutes. Bring your own drinks, enjoy ice, cups, water, music, and a full bathroom, while the crew watches for dolphins and sunset color along the Emerald Coast. Captains John, Angie, and Lyric have all hosted recent trips.

“Captain John abd Angie were the best. They were knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. We were able to see many dolphins abd even went close to the state park and see a deer.”

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New in Panama City Beach Dolphin Watching Tours

★ 5.0Experience Sunset and Dolphin Adventure in Panama2 reviews
★ 5.0Private Swim with Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour12 reviews
★ 4.9Panama City: Sunset Tour with Dolphin WatchingFrom $7915 reviews

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Dolphin Watching Cruises358Swim with Dolphins98Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours270Sunset Dolphin Cruises166Private Dolphin Watching Charters212Kayak Dolphin Tours87
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Where to see dolphins

Pick a coast, a boat or a swim.

From the deck

Dolphin CruisesWhales and DolphinsSunset SailingsCatamaransRIBs and Speedboats

In the water

Wild SwimsSnorkel TripsDolphin HouseWild EncountersKayak Trips

Smaller boats

Private ChartersSmall GroupsLuxury HullsUnder SailWith a Biologist

Other ways

Dolphins and ManateesEco TripsAquariumsTrips with LunchHalf-Day Trips