3 Hour Private Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Skip the crowded pontoon boats and enjoy a private trip for up to 6 guests aboard our fast, comfortable 27’ Dusky.
Search for dolphins, cruise St. Andrews Bay, snorkel near Shell Island, and explore quieter spots bigger tour boats can’t easily reach. Every trip is customizable — more dolphin time, more swimming, or more relaxing island time.
✔ Private boat experience
✔ Dolphin watching
✔ Shell Island snorkeling
✔ Avoid crowded tourist boats
✔ Family-friendly and customizable
Why Travelers Choose Us
• Private trips only — no strangers onboard
• Faster, smoother ride than typical pontoon tours
• Flexible trips tailored to your group
• Access to less crowded areas
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Skip the crowded tourist boats and experience Panama City Beach from a private boat built for small groups and real time on the water. On this 3-hour private tour, your group will cruise through the Gulf and surrounding bays searching for wild dolphins, exploring Shell Island, swimming in clear shallow water, and snorkeling when conditions allow. This isn’t a packed party boat or a scripted tour. It’s your trip, your pace, and your crew only. Capt. Rob brings 15 years of experience on these waters and knows where to find dolphins while keeping the trip safe, relaxed, and fun for all ages. Whether you want to spend more time dolphin watching, swimming, snorkeling, or just cruising the emerald water around Shell Island, every trip is customized to your group. Perfect for families, couples, and small private groups looking for a more personable time on the water.
Options
3 Hour Private Dolphin/Shell Island tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Use of Snorkelling equipment
BYOB but please no glass bottles
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Family vacation 2026
Rebecca R,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Capt Rob made this experience amazing, my kids loved him.. he was beyond friendly and we appreciate how hard he tried to make this an amazing experience. When we come back we will reach out and request him!
Our first experience on the private boat ride
melissaoX1510EV,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time on our boat trip! From the moment we arrived, the owner made us feel welcome and comfortable. It was our first boat experience, and he went above and beyond to make it enjoyable, relaxing, and fun. Having the opportunity to ride with the owner himself made the experience even more special. He and his crew were professional, friendly, and made sure everyone had a great time. We couldn’t have asked for a better first experience on the water. We will definitely be booking with him and his crew again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a memorable boat day!
Fun day on the water
Sara Y,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Capt. Rob was a great host. He made sure we had a great time. We saw multiple pods of dauphins, several with babies. He found an area that avoided the crowds at Shell Island and made sure we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy the island.
Best money we spent on vacation!
Shyla J,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We showed up early and the captain offered to take us out early! He was extremely friendly and helpful. He helped us load our bags and took us out to find dolphins… and we found them within 20 minutes! We had plenty of time to snorkel and explore Shell Island. Captain Rob was extremely knowledgeable and even offered to swim up to the island and accompany us to the gulf side to take family pictures for us! Everything was perfect and we made the best family memories on this tour… and got great pictures to remember it by! Could not recommend this tour and Captain Rob more!!!
3-Hour Private Boat for Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling
610lyndsieh,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rob was great! He was accommodating, knowledgeable, and fun! He made sure our 7-year old saw plenty of dolphins and had everything to snorkel.
Absolutely the best trip...
Makayla S,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely the best trip ever! Guide was amazing and very kid friendly! He adjusted the tour to meet our needs and was amazing with the kids!
Great time!
Explorer35035306236,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience on this dolphin charter! The captain was very friendly, knowledgeable, and made the trip a lot of fun. We saw lots of dolphins throughout the tour, which made it even more memorable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a relaxing and enjoyable time on the water!
dolphin tour
464shannag,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our dolphin tour was absolutely fantastic! The captain was great with my daughter and made the whole experience fun and exciting for everyone. Seeing the dolphins up close had everyone smiling the entire time, and they’re still talking about it! Beautiful views, great atmosphere, and wonderful memories for the whole family. Highly recommend!
Great day on the water
R2267JPkeithm,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip fun experience owner was fun and made the kids day.
Great day on the water
ChristinaMaynard,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing experience! The dolphin tour was the highlight of our trip to Panama City. The captain was friendly, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel welcome from the moment we boarded. We saw several dolphins swimming right alongside the boat, and it was honestly breathtaking. The views of the water were beautiful, the boat was clean and comfortable, and the entire trip felt relaxing and fun. You can tell the captain truly cares about making the experience memorable for everyone. Highly recommend this tour to families, couples, or anyone visiting the area — we will definitely book again next time we’re in town!
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