Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time
Overview
Experience the best of Panama City Beach on this 3-hour Shell Island snorkel and dolphin cruise aboard a spacious sailing catamaran. This family-friendly adventure includes approximately 1 hour of snorkeling at Shell Island, where you can swim in clear, shallow waters, search for seashells, and spot marine life like starfish and tropical fish.
The remaining 2 hours are dedicated to dolphin watching and scenic cruising through St. Andrews Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico. Keep your camera ready as dolphins are often seen swimming alongside the boat.
Relax and enjoy the ocean breeze, music, and fun atmosphere as you sail along the Emerald Coast. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, and drinks are available for purchase onboard. Perfect for all ages, this tour offers the ideal mix of relaxation, wildlife, and adventure.
What's Included
- Use of life jackets
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Use of paddle boards
- Captain / deckhands
- Snacks Snacks & Drinks (available for purchase)
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Meeting Location
5201 North Lagoon Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32408, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Experience one of Panama City Beach's top-rated all-in-one adventures! This 3-hour Shell Island Snorkel & Dolphin Cruise combines dolphin watching, snorkeling, sightseeing, and sailing aboard a spacious catamaran.
Spend approximately 1 hour snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Shell Island, one of Panama City Beach's most beautiful natural attractions. Swim, float, search for seashells, or spot marine life, including tropical fish and starfish.
Then cruise through Grand Lagoon, St. Andrews Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico in search of wild bottlenose dolphins. Dolphin sightings are common, making this one of the top family-friendly activities in Panama City Beach.
Enjoy a fun, relaxed atmosphere with a friendly crew, music, and plenty of room to unwind. Snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and life jackets are included, while beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks are available for purchase onboard.
Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, this all-in-one Shell Island cruise is the perfect way to experience the crystal-clear waters, wildlife, and scenic beauty of Panama City Beach.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- CHECK-IN: You must arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time.
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years old
- Weight restrictions for slide is 250lbs, for paddleboards 200lbs
- Bottled water is the only outside food/drink permitted. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL PERMITTED.
- No smoking allowed
- No chewing gum
- Please wear your swimsuits under your clothes. Also pack a beach bag with towels, sunscreen (no aerosol sprays), sunglasses, hats, cameras, etc. You may also want to bring water shoes.
- Snorkel gear is provided but you may bring your own if you'd like. Young kids may prefer to bring their own goggles instead of the masks we provide.
- Dress code is casual - wear swim suits under casual clothes. • Bring a beach bag with towels, sunscreen (no aerosol sprays), hats, sunglasses, and cameras. • You are not allowed to bring drinks or coolers. • No smoking allowed • Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund. • Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions especially during hot summer weather • Inclement weather may cancel a cruise, but is up to the cruise company and is generally a last minute decision. Plan to arrive as scheduled unless otherwise notified.
- 18% gratuity will be added for parties of 15 or more.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 65 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(15)Q: Where exactly in Panama City beach it leaves from?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-64698P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.89 out of 5 stars based on 4,909 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (15)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
Filter by:
N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach
Jan 2021Yes, 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 Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time. 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).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Use of life jackets.
- All taxes, fees and handling charges.
- Use of Snorkelling equipment.
- Use of paddle boards.
- Captain / deckhands.
- Snacks. Snacks & Drinks (available for purchase).
- Gratuities.
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase).
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 Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time 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
- Use of life jackets
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Use of paddle boards
- Captain / deckhands
- SnacksSnacks & Drinks (available for purchase)
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- CHECK-IN: You must arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time.
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years old
- Weight restrictions for slide is 250lbs, for paddleboards 200lbs
- Bottled water is the only outside food/drink permitted. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL PERMITTED.
- No smoking allowed
- No chewing gum
- Please wear your swimsuits under your clothes. Also pack a beach bag with towels, sunscreen (no aerosol sprays), sunglasses, hats, cameras, etc. You may also want to bring water shoes.
- Snorkel gear is provided but you may bring your own if you'd like. Young kids may prefer to bring their own goggles instead of the masks we provide.
- Dress code is casual - wear swim suits under casual clothes. • Bring a beach bag with towels, sunscreen (no aerosol sprays), hats, sunglasses, and cameras. • You are not allowed to bring drinks or coolers. • No smoking allowed • Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund. • Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions especially during hot summer weather • Inclement weather may cancel a cruise, but is up to the cruise company and is generally a last minute decision. Plan to arrive as scheduled unless otherwise notified.
- 18% gratuity will be added for parties of 15 or more.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 65 travelers
- Operated by a business
