PANAMA CITY BEACH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Hours Up Close: Swimming with Bottlenose Dolphins off Shell Island
A two-hour, small-group pontoon outing from Lagoon Pontoons that combines dolphin encounters, snorkeling for sand dollars, and exploring Shell Island.
Two Hours Up Close: Swimming with Bottlenose Dolphins off Shell Island.
On a 2-hour pontoon cruise out of Panama City Beach, captains from Lagoon Pontoons steer small groups into the clear shallows of St. Andrews Bay for an intimate wildlife encounter. The trip is built around getting guests into the water with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, snorkeling for sand dollars, and finding quiet stretches of Shell Island—each outing tailored by an experienced captain to the preferences of your party.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Swim with Friendly Dolphins
The tour focuses on close, personal encounters with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, led by captains who know where the animals frequent and how to approach them responsibly.
Snorkel the Shallow Flats
Guests can snorkel the grass flats and jetty rocks—gear is provided and activities are adjusted to accommodate different comfort and skill levels—making it easy to search for sand dollars and shallow-water life.
Explore Shell Island’s Secluded Spots
The captain can land at quiet sections of Shell Island for shelling or a secluded swim, and will even steer toward a known sand dollar hole discovered by local guides.
What the day feels like
How the Two-Hour Trip Feels
This is an intimate, flexible outing: a small pontoon carries your group while the captain chooses the best nearby spots for dolphin encounters, snorkeling and shelling. Because the operator keeps groups small and the route adaptable, the tour often becomes a private experience shaped around swimming with dolphins, snorkeling for sand dollars, or lingering at a favorite stretch of Shell Island.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour lasts two hours from departure to return.
Snorkel gear is provided as part of the trip; bring sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim or snorkel.
Trips depart from Lagoon Pontoons; check-in at the operator’s meeting location prior to departure.
The pontoon accommodates up to six passengers, allowing for an intimate, customizable cruise.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The boat tour is two hours in duration.
Where do we meet for departure?
Meet at Lagoon Pontoons for departure.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Snorkel gear is included with the tour.
Can we swim with dolphins?
Yes — the tour is designed to get guests in the water for close encounters with wild dolphins when conditions allow.
How many people are on the boat?
The pontoon holds up to six passengers, keeping the experience intimate.
Is the route fixed?
No—the captain customizes each trip and offers options so your group can choose how to spend the two hours.