Where do tours depart?

Tours depart from St. Andrews State Park; check the operator’s check-in location and arrive 30–40 minutes early.

How long is the cruise?

The tour lasts approximately two hours aboard the Sea Hawk.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No—dolphins are commonly seen but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed due to natural behavior and conditions.

Can I bring food or alcohol?

Guests may bring snacks, while beer, wine, sodas, and bottled water are available for purchase onboard; alcohol must be purchased onboard.

No pets are allowed except for ADA service animals; plan accordingly.

What happens in bad weather?

Tours run rain or shine except in severe weather; the operator will cancel or reschedule if conditions are unsafe.

Daytime Dolphin Tour Aboard the Double-Deck Catamaran Sea Hawk from St. Andrews State Park | Dolphin | Catamaran

Set out from St. Andrews State Park on the Gulf Coast near Panama City and Panama City Beach for a two-hour Daytime Dolphin Tour aboard the Sea Hawk, a spacious double-deck Corinthian catamaran. The route sweeps past the white quartz sand of Shell Island, threads through St. Andrews Bay, and opens onto the Gulf of Mexico where bottlenose dolphins feed and play along shallow sandbars and seagrass flats. This family-friendly cruise balances relaxed sightseeing with knowledgeable narration from local captains who read currents and dolphin behavior to increase sighting odds. The Sea Hawk's shaded seating and upper observation deck give photographers a stable platform to capture breaching dolphins, glinting fish, and the kite-like figures of diving seabirds. Depending on season, you may spot sea turtles surfacing, rays gliding across sandbanks, or a manatee in quieter estuary channels. The landscape is defined by barrier-island geology: shifting dunes, exposed sand flats at low tide, and protected seagrass beds that support the food chain beneath the surface. What makes this operator a standout in the Panama City area is the combination of a purpose-built vessel and captains who focus on wildlife etiquette. Trips are limited to a companionable capacity, offering a quieter feel than larger tour operators, and the Sea Hawk's open design gives everyone a clear line of sight. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available onboard, and guests may bring snacks; the company encourages responsible viewing practices to protect animals and habitat. Practical details are straightforward: tours run about two hours, depart from St. Andrews State Park, and proceed rain or shine except in severe weather; arrive 30–40 minutes early to check in. Bring sun protection, a wind layer, motion-sickness remedies if you’re prone, and a camera with a moderate telephoto lens. Keep in mind that wildlife sightings, while common, cannot be guaranteed. Captains point to shoreline features and explain how tidal rhythms expose oyster bars and feeding flats that attract wildlife, so no two cruises feel the same. Groups are capped at 45 aboard Sea Hawk to keep things relaxed. The operator enforces no-smoking and no portable speakers to preserve the experience. Whether first-time or return guest, the tour delivers close looks at coastal life with easy boarding and clear, smooth logistics.

About St. Andrews Adventures

St. Andrews Adventures is a Panama City, Florida-based tour operator offering a range of coastal experiences centered on St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island. The company runs small-group wildlife excursions, boat cruises, watercraft rentals, and vehicle rentals tailored for campers and beachgoers. The Dolphin Snorkel Tour pairs snorkeling with dolphin watching on a 2.5-hour small-group outing led by expert guides, limited to six participants for personalized attention. The Sunset Dolphin Cruise sails on a double-deck motor catamaran to watch wild dolphins against Panama City Beach sunsets; drinks are available for purchase aboard. For independent exploration, St. Andrews Jetty Beach offers kayak and paddle board rentals from the Jetty Store, with life jackets and paddles provided for all guests. The Shell Island Ferry departs hourly and includes a scenic tram ride to the island, making it easy to enjoy shelling, sunbathing, and undeveloped beaches; reservations are recommended. Boat options include full-day and half-day pontoon rentals for cruising to Shell Island, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and dolphin watching at one’s own pace. Electric golf cart rentals are available in multiple durations—one, four, five, and seven days—providing convenient transport between the Jetty Store, Pier Store, Marina, and campgrounds for camping guests. St. Andrews Adventures emphasizes memorable, family-friendly outdoor activities that let visitors explore Panama City’s shoreline and marine life with flexible options to match different schedules and group sizes.

Booking is straightforward with hourly ferry departures, guided tours, and rental durations to suit day trips, multi-day stays, and camping itineraries for families too.