Cruise St. Andrews Bay on a private two‑hour boat tour to Shell Island and the Gulf, watch dolphins at play and catch a Gulf sunset. Local captains provide a relaxed, family‑friendly trip with bottled water and accessible boarding.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Step aboard as the marina lights blink against an open horizon and the salt air pulls a slow rhythm through the crew. The captain eases out of St. Andrews Bay, the boat slicing past low sandbars while dolphins arc and tease the bow — playful interruptions that dare you to reach for a camera. In the last hour the sky goes wide and warm; the sun slides low over the Gulf and turns the water into a moving sheet of gold.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires steady balance for boarding and moving on deck
Wildlife
History
St. Andrews Bay and Panama City Beach evolved as small‑boat fishing and shrimping hubs; today guided cruises are a continuation of that local maritime culture.
Conservation
Shell Island is mostly undeveloped to protect dunes and bird habitat—practice leave‑no‑trace principles and use reef‑safe sun care to limit impacts.
Reserve your spot on the 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Time your booking for golden hour
Reserve a late‑afternoon departure to combine prime dolphin activity with sunset light and cooler temperatures.
Bring motion‑sickness prevention
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication or use acupressure bands before boarding—the Gulf can be choppy at the mouth of the bay.
Use reef‑safe sunscreen
Apply environmentally friendly sunscreen and reapply after sun and spray to protect skin and local marine life.
Pack a lightweight windbreaker
Even on warm days the open deck gets chilly as the sun drops; a windbreaker keeps you comfortable for photo stops.
Sunscreen (reef‑safe)
Protects skin and local sea life during exposed, sunny parts of the cruise.
summer
Light windbreaker
Shields you from spray and cooling evening breezes during sunset runs.
fall
Camera or smartphone with waterproof case
Capture dolphin sightings and sunset light from the bow or stern.
Motion‑sickness medication or bands
Helpful for those susceptible to rolling seas at the bay mouth or open Gulf.