7 Best Snorkeling Tours In Panama City Beach For 2023!

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7 Best Snorkeling Tours In Panama City Florida!

1. Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour in Panama City Beach

The Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour in Panama City Beach offers an unforgettable adventure on the calm waters of the historic Grand Lagoon in the Gulf of Mexico.

This 3-hour tour promises an adventure that will leave visitors with lasting memories of beautiful sea life in their natural habitat.

The sleek catamaran sets sail from the dock down from the Sheraton PCB Golf and Spa Resort.

This snorkel tour offers guests the opportunity to swim with vibrant coral reefs and discover the mesmerizing underwater world of colorful tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and other stunning marine life.

But the excitement doesn’t end there. The snorkel tour also includes a captivating dolphin sightseeing experience, where guests can witness these intelligent creatures playfully leaping and swimming alongside the vessel.

It’s a heartwarming encounter with nature’s most charismatic inhabitants.

What’s Included with this tour?

• Complimentary beverage

• Snorkel gear

• Boat captain

• Snorkeling guide

2. Panama City Beach Water Activity Adventure Catamaran Sail

Experience the ultimate water activity adventure with the Panama City Beach Water Activity Adventure Catamaran Sail tour.

This action-packed excursion offers an exhilarating blend of fun and relaxation on the sparkling, calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Privateer sailing catamaran sets sail along the scenic coastline and transports you to the small island of Shell Island where an array of thrilling water activities await you.

These include kayaking, paddleboarding, and even jet skiing, for an adrenaline-fueled adventure, especially for large groups like an entire family vacationing together.

There is also a climbing wall, a see-saw ball, a water slide and a giant water trampoline on this 2-hour tour, best suitable for children of all ages!

After a jam packed adventure, you get the chance to sip on refreshing drinks from the onboard bar and laze on the deck as you take in the breathtaking surroundings.

Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or serene relaxation, this snorkeling tour offers an unforgettable experience that caters to every water lover’s dream.

What’s Included with this tour?

• All activities

• Alcoholic beverages

• Bottled water

• Restroom on board

3. Panama City Beach VIP Guided Pontoon Tour for Snorkel & Beach Hop

Run by Paradise Adventures rated 4.8 on Google, this ultimate VIP experience on a guided pontoon tour will stay with you forever, as it makes for one of the best Panama City Beach dolphin sightseeing tours.

This exclusive snorkeling tour takes you on a luxurious pontoon boat for a guided snorkeling adventure, diving into the crystal-clear waters.

Discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life like colorful tropical fish, graceful rays, sea urchins and maybe even a sea turtle!

After the snorkeling, the beach-hopping escapade around the undeveloped paradise of Shell Island takes you to secluded, beautiful beaches accessible only by boat that are especially known for sand dollars.

With a knowledgeable guide to lead the way and a luxury pontoon boat that fits up to 11 people, this VIP tour is the epitome of luxury and adventure, offering a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the Gulf Coast.

Definitely one of the best places to experience sea life in style!

What’s Included with this tour?

• Tour guide

• Fuel

• Ice cooler

4. 2-Hour Private Dolphin Tour Guided By A Marine Biologist

If you like to include some learning and knowledge along with fun and adventure, this exclusive experience allows you to delve into the fascinating world of dolphins while accompanied by an expert marine biologist.

Since this is a private tour, it can be incredibly enriching for large groups like an entire family traveling together.

On board a luxurious boat, this private tour takes you to the small island of Shell Island and passes by the bay of St. Andrews State Park, where these majestic creatures call home.

As you cruise the coast, the marine biologist shares their vast knowledge, providing insights into dolphin behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts.

This private tour ensures an intimate and personalized encounter with these intelligent marine creatures, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation for their existence.

It allows you a unique opportunity to connect with nature and learn from a true expert in the field.

What’s Included with this tour?

• Snorkel gear

• Bottled water

5. Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time

This ultimate Shell Island adventure takes you on a spacious catamaran that makes for the perfect, sturdy base to explore the waters of the breathtaking Shell Island, a pristine barrier island known for its abundant wildlife and its beautiful beaches home to sand dollars.

Upon arrival at Shell Island, grab your snorkel gear and dive into the crystal-clear waters to explore the breathtaking underwater world.

Discover vibrant tropical fish, sea urchins, graceful sea turtles, and beautiful coral reefs, immersing yourself in nature’s splendor.

Apart from the snorkel gear, the catamaran is also stocked with paddleboards and a waterslide for some fun time out at sea!

This 2-hour tour is a great place to observe the curious and intelligent wild dolphins in their natural habitat.

What’s Included with this tour?

• Snorkel gear

• Paddleboard

• Boat crew

• Life jackets

6. Shell Island Adventure for 3 Hours: Dolphin and Snorkeling

This dolphin-watching and snorkeling tour departs from Panama City Beach and takes you to Shell Island, a beautiful barrier island with sugar-sand beaches, clear water, and abundant marine life.

On the tour, you get a chance to see wild dolphins up close in their natural habitat, while the experienced and knowledgeable tour guides share interesting facts about this amazing sea life, making it one of the best Panama City Beach dolphin tours!

After the dolphins, it’s time for the snorkel tour amidst the crystal-clear water around Shell Island.

You’ll see a variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, and coral reefs.

Shell Island is a great place to experience the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico and learn about the marine life that lives there.

What’s Included with this tour?

• Snorkel gear

• Ice cooler

7. Snorkeling, Dolphin and Wildlife Sightings at St. Andrews Bay

This snorkeling, wildlife and dolphin sightseeing tour to St. Andrews Bay tour is a great place to see the underwater world of the St. Andrews State Park area.

As you sail through the scenic St. Andrews Bay, keep your eyes peeled for playful wild dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

Witness their acrobatic displays and marvel at their intelligence and grace.

You then get to dive into the warm, shallow waters and snorkel among vibrant coral reefs teeming with a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.

St. Andrews Bay is also a sanctuary for various wildlife species.

You may also spot majestic seabirds, sea urchins, graceful sea turtles, and even the occasional manatee while you snorkel grass flats, making this one of the best snorkel tours in Panama City Beach!

What’s Included with this tour?

• Snorkel gear

• Ice cooler

• Bottled water

Panama City, Florida Snorkeling – Frequently Asked Questions

Is Panama City Good For Snorkeling?

The shallow waters of Panama City Beach offer good snorkeling opportunities, particularly around areas like Shell Island along the St. Andrews State Park.

Where you may encounter vibrant fish, occasional sea turtles, and other sea life like manatees and also experience wild dolphin sightseeing!

Is Shell Island Worth The Trip?

Yes, Shell Island is definitely worth the trip! Shell Island is a pristine barrier island known for its sugar-sand beaches, crystal-clear calm waters, and abundant wildlife.

You can enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, swimming, and picnicking on the beautiful beaches, and maybe even spot some sand dollars!

The island is also a great place for snorkeling and offers opportunities to encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species.

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Shell Island?

The cost to visit Shell Island can vary depending on the mode of transportation.

Guided boat tours to Shell Island typically range from $20 to $50 per person.

Some ferry companies offer transportation to Shell Island from specific locations, with prices generally ranging from $20 to $30 per person for a round trip.

Lastly, if you prefer to rent a private charter, the cost can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the duration of the rental and the size and type of the boat.

Where Is The Best Place To Snorkel On Shell Island?

West End, St. Andrews State Park Jetties and Shell Beds are three of the best places to snorkel on Shell Island.

To swim in the shelly ocean beds, unique rock formations and snorkel the grass flats off sugar-sand beaches is a truly enriching experience because these perfect spots attract a host of wonderful marine life!

 Snorkeling Tours In Panama City Beach- Final Thoughts

 
As you can see, whether you’re a beginner or have experience in the water, these snorkeling tours in Panama City Beach are a great way to see manatees, fish, and other marine life!
 
With several different tours to choose from, you’re sure to find one that will suit your needs.  Safe travels!