3 Hour Private Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour
Overview
Skip the crowded pontoon boats and enjoy a private trip for up to 6 guests aboard our fast, comfortable 27’ Dusky.
Search for dolphins, cruise St. Andrews Bay, snorkel near Shell Island, and explore quieter spots bigger tour boats can’t easily reach. Every trip is customizable — more dolphin time, more swimming, or more relaxing island time.
✔ Private boat experience
✔ Dolphin watching
✔ Shell Island snorkeling
✔ Avoid crowded tourist boats
✔ Family-friendly and customizable
Why Travelers Choose Us
• Private trips only — no strangers onboard
• Faster, smoother ride than typical pontoon tours
• Flexible trips tailored to your group
• Access to less crowded areas
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Alcoholic beverages BYOB but please no glass bottles
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Location Instructions – Sun Harbor MarinaWe’ll meet at Sun Harbor Marina.When you arrive, park and head toward the marina breezeway with the yellow and white striped awning. Walk straight down the breezeway until you reach the ship store.At the ship store, take a left onto the first set of docks. Continue down the dock to Slip 38, which will be clearly marked with our sign.If you have any trouble finding us, feel free to call or text—we’ll get you dialed in quickly.
What To Expect
Skip the crowded tourist boats and experience Panama City Beach from a private boat built for small groups and real time on the water.
On this 3-hour private tour, your group will cruise through the Gulf and surrounding bays searching for wild dolphins, exploring Shell Island, swimming in clear shallow water, and snorkeling when conditions allow.
This isn’t a packed party boat or a scripted tour. It’s your trip, your pace, and your crew only.
Capt. Rob brings 15 years of experience on these waters and knows where to find dolphins while keeping the trip safe, relaxed, and fun for all ages.
Whether you want to spend more time dolphin watching, swimming, snorkeling, or just cruising the emerald water around Shell Island, every trip is customized to your group.
Perfect for families, couples, and small private groups looking for a more personable time on the water.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Operated by a business
Frequently Asked Questions
(14)Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5653854P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 24 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (14)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
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Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage.
Jan 2022Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All Cool Destinations snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.
Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:
- You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
- On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
- There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.
For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.
Oct 2021The snorkel gear we use on Cool Destinations tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
May 2023As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on 3 Hour Private Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!
Oct 2021There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.
Sep 2021If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CDT).
- Bottled water.
- Use of Snorkelling equipment.
- Alcoholic beverages. BYOB but please no glass bottles.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the 3 Hour Private Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for 3 Hour Private Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Bottled water
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Alcoholic beveragesBYOB but please no glass bottles
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Operated by a business
