Private Boat Tour Dolphins Sunsets Shell Island and Snorkeling

Getting close to dolphins, relaxing at Shell Island, and snorkeling in warm waters come together in the Private Boat Tour Dolphins Sunsets Shell Island and Snorkeling in Panama City Beach. Priced at $350.00 per group for up to 6 people, this 2-hour private cruise offers a personal and flexible experience with knowledgeable guides. The tour departs from Point South Marina and includes bottled water, ice, snorkeling gear, and a guide. With a top rating of 5.0 from 27 reviews and a recommended rate of 96%, it’s clear that visitors find this trip valuable and enjoyable, especially for families, couples, or small groups seeking a customized marine adventure.

While the 2-hour duration means you should plan to prioritize your favorite activities—whether dolphin spotting, snorkeling, or Shell Island exploration—the tour’s private setting ensures flexibility. This trip suits those who appreciate personalized attention, are ready for some water fun, and want to experience Panama City Beach’s marine life with expert guidance.

Key Points

• Private experience for up to 6 guests, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility.
• Includes dolphin sightings, snorkeling, and Shell Island visits—you choose what interests you most.
• Guides are knowledgeable and interactive, making the trip educational and fun.
• Two hours long, with the possibility to customize activities based on group preferences.
• Cost is $350.00 per group, with no additional charge for snorkel gear, bottled water, or ice.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip, offering peace of mind.

The Start Point at Point South Marina in Panama City Beach

This tour begins at Point South Marina, located at 3824 Hatteras Ln. The meeting point is straightforward, and the activity ends back at the same location, making logistics simple for guests. Since the tour is private, your group has the boat entirely to yourselves, avoiding crowded group tours and allowing for a more relaxed experience. This setup is perfect for families or small groups wanting a tailored marine adventure without the hustle of larger tours.

Customizable Activities: Dolphins, Shell Island, and Snorkeling

The main highlights of this tour include dolphin sightings, visits to Shell Island, and snorkeling in the warm waters. The captain will ask for your preferences, so you can decide whether to focus on watching dolphins, exploring Shell Island, or taking a dip to snorkel. Notably, the tour offers the chance to swim with dolphins, a feature that enhances the overall thrill, although water conditions may sometimes restrict swimming opportunities.

The dolphins are often seen close to the boat, with guides like Captain Logan and Aubrey known for their ability to get dolphins surfacing near the vessel. In some cases, dolphins even surf the wake of the boat or come up close enough for memorable encounters. If snorkeling is your choice, the gear is provided in clean condition, and you can explore the underwater life, including starfish.

The Experience with a Knowledgeable Guide

Guides such as Captain Logan, Cameron, and Aubrey receive high praise for their knowledge, patience, and friendly demeanor. They are known for being interactive, sharing local insights, and making everyone feel comfortable during the trip. Reviews mention how guides are accommodating to specific interests and eager to help guests get the most out of their marine experience.

The guides’ expertise really shines when it comes to dolphin control and finding the best spots for viewing or swimming close to these playful animals. Their friendly and informative style helps make the trip engaging, especially for children.

The Boat and Equipment: Clean, Spacious, and Well-Equipped

The boat used for this tour is clean and comfortable, with plenty of room for all guests. The snorkeling gear is well-maintained and in good condition, ensuring a smooth underwater experience. The inclusion of bottled water and ice adds to comfort during the trip, especially on warm days or when spending time at Shell Island.

The private nature of the vessel also means there’s less crowding, giving your group space to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The boat’s sound system with great music can enhance the mood, making the cruise feel even more festive.

Visiting Shell Island: Relaxing and Scenic Stop

One of the trip’s highlights is the visit to Shell Island, a popular spot for relaxing on the beach, collecting shells, or taking photos. The boat can stop here for a few minutes so guests can walk around and enjoy the scenery. Reviews mention how beautiful Shell Island is, with some sightings of starfish during snorkeling.

This stop is optional, and guides are happy to customize the time spent there. Keep in mind that the snorkeling activity can be done in the waters surrounding Shell Island if you choose, adding even more adventure to the trip.

Sunset Cruises and Extended Water Fun

While the standard tour lasts about 2 hours, some guests wish they had more time to enjoy the activities. The sunset cruise option is also available, offering stunning sunset views along with dolphin sightings. Many reviews highlight how Captain Logan and others make the experience fun and engaging, especially during sunset, creating a memorable atmosphere for the whole group.

Accessibility and Group Size Considerations

This tour is designed for small groups of up to 6 people, which makes it ideal for families with children or small groups of friends. The tour most likely accommodates most travelers, but those with specific accessibility needs should confirm ahead of time. The tour allows service animals, making it accessible for guests with disabilities.

Because of the coast guard regulations, only 6 guests are permitted on the boat at a time, which ensures safety and comfort but also means booking well in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Booking, Cancellation, and Weather Policies

The booking process generally requires about 12 days in advance, which helps secure your preferred date. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, providing flexibility in case of sudden weather changes or other plans. Since the tour requires good weather, cancellations due to poor weather are possible, with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private boat tour is perfect for small families, couples, or small groups wanting a personal, customizable marine experience. It’s especially appealing to those eager to see dolphins up close and enjoy snorkeling, with the added bonus of visiting Shell Island. The guides’ friendly approach and local knowledge make it suitable for all ages, including young children, as long as they’re comfortable on boats.

Final Thoughts on the Dolphins Sunsets Shell Island Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of dolphin encounters, snorkeling, and scenic island visits, all within a private setting that caters to your group’s interests. The high ratings reflect consistently positive experiences, particularly praising guides’ expertise and friendly demeanor.

While the two-hour limit means you should prioritize your favorite activities, the flexibility of a private charter makes this trip a worthwhile option for those looking for an intimate marine adventure. The cost of $350 is reasonable considering the personalized attention and the customizable experience.

This tour provides a fun, educational, and relaxing day on the water, perfect for small groups seeking a memorable Panama City Beach outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim with dolphins on this tour?
Yes, swimming with dolphins is an option if water conditions allow. The guides are experienced in getting dolphins close to the boat, and swimming is part of the experience for those interested.

What is included in the price?
The $350 fee includes bottled water, ice, snorkeling gear, and a guide. Snacks and sodas are not included.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 12 days in advance to secure a preferred date, but booking early is recommended, especially during busy seasons.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the trip. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior are not refundable.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is most suitable for families and small children, especially since guides are friendly and accommodating. Service animals are also allowed.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Point South Marina, located at 3824 Hatteras Ln in Panama City Beach.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring sun protection, towels, and any personal items. The boat supplies snorkeling gear, but bringing extras like waterproof cameras is encouraged.

Can I customize activities?
Absolutely. You can discuss your preferences with the captain, focusing on dolphin sightings, snorkeling, or Shell Island visits during the trip.

This private dolphin tour from Panama City Beach offers a personalized, family-friendly experience with plenty of chances for marine encounters, scenic views, and water activities—all in a well-rated and flexible package.