Gather your crew and trade the club scene for sunlit sandbars and dolphins. This decorated boat cruise from Panama City Beach to Shell Island combines snorkeling, photos, and chilled drinks for an easy, memorable bachelorette.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–8 hours (3-hour, 4-hour, or all-day options)
Fitness Level
Minimal: able to board a small boat and swim in waist‑deep water; not suitable for people with severe mobility limitations without prior arrangements.
Wildlife
History
Shell Island is an undeveloped barrier island off Panama City Beach known for sandbars, shells, and marine habitats; its undeveloped status preserves natural shoreline processes.
Conservation
Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid walking on seagrass beds, and take shells home in photos rather than physically removing them to protect fragile habitat.
Island Tiki Tours
Island Tiki Tours offers handcrafted tiki boat cruises around Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park. The company operates a mix of public and private departures — including 2-hour public tours, 2-hour private cruises, private sunset cruises, private sunset and night cruises, half-day (½ day) private event tours, and full-day private event cruises — designed for sightseeing, celebrations, and beach stops. Standard amenities include complimentary drinks, the option to swim or anchor at a pristine beach, customizable music playlists, and the ability to bring snacks. Island Tiki Tours emphasizes safety and local knowledge: licensed captains guide each trip, crews are experienced with the Gulf waters, and tours follow established safety protocols. Groups can choose public seats for a social sunset experience or book private charters for birthdays, corporate outings, rehearsals, and special events. Online booking and clear pricing make reservation simple; flexible start times accommodate sunset departures and day-long celebrations. The operator highlights marine life viewing opportunities, scenic coastal vistas, and easy beach access at Shell Island. Island Tiki Tours is an experienced local provider focused on hospitality, memorable photo opportunities, and relaxed island-style boating. Whether guests want a short sunset sail, an extended day on the water with eight complimentary drinks, or a nighttime dance under the stars, Island Tiki Tours provides a customizable experience tailored to group size and occasion. Advance reservations are recommended for peak season and special-event dates.
Local permits and insurance are maintained for each charter, and staff provide clear pre-boarding instructions for all guests.
Service Area
Shell Island & St. Andrews
Coastal cruises and beach anchors nearby
Duration Range
2–8 hours
Short sails to full-day charters
Complimentary Drinks
Included on tours
Select departures include beverages
Tours Offered
7 options
Public and private experiences
Choose a public seat or customize a private charter — limited capacity, easy online booking, and flexible start times.
Arrive early to check in
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your departure time to sign waivers and load gear so the boat can leave on schedule.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to protect your skin and the seagrass and marine life around Shell Island.
Protect phones and cameras
Bring a dry bag or secure cases for phones — waist‑deep anchoring and photo-ops on the sandbar can be wet and sandy.
Leave shells and wildlife untouched
Collect photos, not shells; disturbing nesting areas and seagrass beds harms habitat and local species.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the local marine environment during long sun exposure.
summer
Water shoes
Helpful for walking on shell-strewn sandbars and shallow flats.
spring
Dry bag
Keeps phones, wallets, and cameras safe during swimming and snorkeling stops.
Light jacket or wrap
Comfortable for breezier mornings or afternoon rides across the bay.
fall