Discover the freedom of piloting your own pontoon boat from Panama City, Florida. Explore pristine Shell Island, snorkel, fish, and watch dolphins glide through St. Andrews Bay on this full-day rental adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Light physical activity; suitable for all fitness levels as most of the day is spent seated or standing on the boat.
Wildlife
History
Shell Island is an undeveloped barrier island that has remained a natural refuge along the Gulf Coast, protected within St. Andrews State Park since 1967.
Conservation
St. Andrews Adventures promotes responsible boating practices to protect delicate coastal ecosystems and minimize environmental impact.
St. Andrews Adventures
Discover the freedom of piloting your own pontoon boat from Panama City, Florida. Explore pristine Shell Island, snorkel, fish, and watch dolphins glide through St. Andrews Bay on this full-day rental adventure.
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.
Tours Offered
11 Experiences
Coastal tours and rentals.
Small-Group Tours
6 Max
Personalized attention on snorkeling trips.
Ferry Departures
Hourly
Frequent trips to Shell Island.
Rentals Available
Pontoons, Kayaks, Carts
Full and half-day options.
Reserve a dolphin snorkel, sunset cruise, ferry ride, or rental to explore Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park today.
Bring Your Boater Safety Card
If born after January 1, 1988, bring a Florida/NASBLA-approved Boater's Safety card to operate the boat legally.
Fuel Limits Apply
One tank of fuel is included; if you exceed this, additional fuel must be purchased to avoid extra fees.
Respect the Boundaries
Keep your boat within the defined rental boundaries to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.
Plan to Return by 4 PM
All boats must be back at the dock by 4 PM to avoid late fees charged at $100/hour.
Sun Hat
Protects you from intense sun exposure while out on open water.
summer
Sunscreen
Essential for safeguarding your skin during extended hours outdoors.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the day in the Florida sun.
Snorkeling Gear
Enhance your underwater exploration near Shell Island’s clear waters.
summer