Last Updated on March 31, 2024
Panama City Beach is a popular vacation destination in the Florida Panhandle, and boat cruises are the perfect way to experience the beauty of the area’s waters.
These tours offer stunning views of the sunset as well as the chance to see dolphins up close.
In this post, we will look at the best sunset cruises and dolphin tours in Panama City Beach.
Panama City Beach is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and these sunset cruises and dolphin boat tours offer a unique way to experience them.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a fun family activity, these sunset cruises and dolphin boat tours are sure to please.
You can book a tour that specializes in one or the other or there are tours on this list that cover both!
Here are the highest-rated boat sunset cruises and dolphin boat tours in Panama City Beach.
All of the tours recommended in this post are rated 5 stars on Viator.
We’ll start with the Sunset Catamaran Sail which is a top-rated, popular tour in Panama City Beach.
Highest Rated Sunset & Dolphin Cruises In Panama City Beach
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 440 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
If you’re looking for a sunset cruise AND and opportunity to see dolphins, then this is the one! The Privateer Catamaran Sail takes you out for an unforgettable evening on the water! One free beverage is included on this tour.
Spend this 2-hour evening cruise looking for dolphins in the water as you enjoy the views and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
This is a family-friendly cruise and there will be up to 65 travelers on the catamaran. This is not a private tour.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ Sunset Sail Along The Gulf Of Mexico
√ Complimentary Alcoholic or Non-alcoholic drink
√ Bar With Drinks & Snacks For Additional Purchases
√ Live Music On Certain Evenings
If you’re looking to skip the sunset tour and just do the dolphin watching, the same company offers this tour.
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with close to 100 reviews!
Tour length- 2 Hours
This dolphin experience in Panama City Beach is perfect for a private guided tour, where you can see the beautiful nature and learn about the area.
They take you along St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, and bring you to the beautiful coastline of Shell Island, where you can get off the boat and take a stroll along the beach.
There are up to 6 people allowed on this tour. Bring your own snacks, drinks, and alcohol- they do not serve food and drinks (besides water) on this tour.
You can also bring all your necessities for a day out in the sun- a swimsuit, towels, and sunscreen.
What Is Included With This Tour?
√ Snorkeling Equipment (At No Charge)
√ Cooler With Ice & Bottled Water
√ Boat Cruise Of Gulf of Mexico, Saint Andrews Bay
√ Experienced Local Captain
√ Safety Equipment Including Life Jackets
√ Explore & Walk The Beaches Of Shell Island
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 1,400 reviews!
Tour length- 3 Hours
Ready for an adventure?! This guided catamaran tour is just the thing for you! This 3-hour dolphin boat cruise has sightseeing, snorkeling, and lots of other amenities.
With up to 65 guests on the catamaran, there are plenty of activities on the tour to keep the whole group busy and entertained.
The itinerary includes approximately 2 hours of sailing and sightseeing, and 1 hour at Shell Island, exploring the beaches, snorkeling, and other activities. It’s common to see sand dollars, fish, and other marine life while snorkeling in the area.
Bring your beach day essentials- swimsuits, sunscreen, towel, etc. There are also alcoholic drinks available for purchase on the catamaran.
√ Sightseeing As You Sail The Area
√ Relax Or Swim At One Of The Beaches
√ Go Snorkeling In The Area’s Clear Waters (They Provide Gear Or Bring Your Own)
√ Explore Shell Island’s beaches
√ Go Paddleboarding
√ Splash Into The Water On The Waterslide
√ Safety Equipment Including Life Jackets
For a Sunset And Dolphin Cruise in Panama City Beach with the same company, book here!
What Should I Bring On The Boat Cruise?
Many of the cruises ask that you bring your own beach day essentials such as sunscreen, towels, and you can find these and more below.
Never hit the water without your sunscreen. You’ll want at least SPF 30 to protect from the Florida sun.
Sun Bum Sun Screen
If you’re planning a boat cruise, quick drying beach towels are an essential item to pack. Unlike regular towels, quick drying beach towels are made from materials that dry quickly, meaning you won’t have to worry about them getting wet and heavy as the day goes on.
Quick Drying Beach Towel
Bring back memories from your underwater adventure with this waterproof camera that’s made for snorkeling!
Waterproof Camera
Keep your phone dry and take beautiful pictures under water with a waterproof phone case.
Waterproof Phone Case
Looking for an adrenaline rush on the water instead of a sunset cruise or dolphin tour? If so, check out the Scream Machine Thrill Ride in Panama City Beach.
Everything You Need For Your Panama City Beach Vacation!
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Best Hotels In Panama City Beach
Best Beaches In The Florida Panhandle
17 Amazing Things To Do In Seaside, Florida
Final Thoughts:
Highest Rated Sunset & Dolphin Cruises In Panama City Beach
As you can see, boat cruises in Panama City Beach are a great way to see the sunset and experience dolphins in their habitat!
These tours typically last about 2-3 hours, which is plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and get some great photos.
Prices vary depending on the company you choose, but they are generally very affordable.
Sunset cruises and dolphin boat tours in Panama City Beach are a great way to relax and see some of the most beautiful sights in Florida. Be sure to read all of the important information on the website before booking your tour.
Booking a last-minute trip to Panama City Beach?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Hotels in Panama City Beach
Marriotts’s Legends Edge At Bay Point – (Stunning Panoramic And Lagoon Views)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – (Highly Recommended Beachfront Hotel)
Homewood Suites By Hilton – (Top Rated Hotel In Panama City Beach)
Hyatt Place Panama City Beach – (Best Rated Luxury Hotel Nearby Beach)
Looking To Get Around In Panama City Beach?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
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Travel Resources
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To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!
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