Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
The 3-Hr Shell Island Snorkel & Dolphin Cruise aboard the Island Time Sailing Catamaran is a great way to have fun in the sun and enjoy the best of what Panama City Beach has to offer! Cruise over to Shell Island where you and the whole family can snorkel to find exciting shells and sea life, swim up to the island to explore or paddle board around the boat. After about an hour you will depart the island to head out to the Gulf for sightseeing and dolphin watching and sailing! The cruise ends with contests and dancing. We offer 2 different catamarans for this trip. They are very similar, but have a few differences. The "Island Time" is equipped with a water slide and no over the water nets. While the "Island Time II" has over the water nets located in the front of the boat and no water slide. (Please note: This tour departs from Panama City Beach, FL, which is about 3 hours East of Pensacola.)
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
CHECK-IN: You must arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time.
Minimum drinking age is 21 years old
Weight restrictions for slide is 250lbs, for paddleboards 200lbs
Bottled water is the only outside food/drink permitted. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL PERMITTED.
No smoking allowed
No chewing gum
Please wear your swimsuits under your clothes. Also pack a beach bag with towels, sunscreen (no aerosol sprays), sunglasses, hats, cameras, etc. You may also want to bring water shoes.
Snorkel gear is provided but you may bring your own if you'd like. Young kids may prefer to bring their own goggles instead of the masks we provide.
Dress code is casual - wear swim suits under casual clothes. • Bring a beach bag with towels, sunscreen (no aerosol sprays), hats, sunglasses, and cameras. • You are not allowed to bring drinks or coolers. • No smoking allowed • Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund. • Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions especially during hot summer weather • Inclement weather may cancel a cruise, but is up to the cruise company and is generally a last minute decision. Plan to arrive as scheduled unless otherwise notified.
18% gratuity will be added for parties of 15 or more.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Use of life jackets
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Use of paddle boards
Captain / deckhands
Gratuities
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Snacks & Drinks (available for purchase)
What To Expect
Sail, snorkel & watch dolphins in the beautiful waters surrounding Shell Island aboard "Island Time" a 50 ft sailing catamaran tour boat. You will enjoy snorkeling the shallow grass flats of St. Andrews Bay in search of sand dollars, starfish, tropical fish & other sea creatures. You will then sail the Gulf of Mexico, the crew will hoist the sails while you enjoy the laid back music and your favorite beverage or our famous "Island Smash" rum punch. Friendly dolphins are frequently spotted. The whole family will have a blast on the Island Time Sailing Cruise. 3 hours of fun in the sun, which consists of about 1 hour at Shell Island and the other 2 sailing and sightseeing!
Options
Shell Island Snorkel Cruise
Arrive 30 min early! : Trip includes- 1 hour of snorkeling at Shell Island and 2 hours of dolphins, sightseeing and sailing!
Reviews
4,358 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This is the winner!
Meredith G,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the perfect time on Island Time! The two captains and bartender took the time to get to know us, were so helpful in spotting dolphins (easily over 100)! They slowed down and stopped so we could take videos/photos. Then spending time walking the beach on shell island was more beautiful than expected. My husband snorkeled and we found sand dollars and gorgeous shells. The music was relaxed but fun, the drink offerings were spot-on (go for the rum punch) and the 3 hours on the trip were some of the best spent on our entire trip!
Great afternoon on Island Time Tour!
James H,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great boat, very comfortable, easy to see marine life. Great crew, very attentive, lots of really good information. Perfect spot for exploring Shell Island and alittle snorkeling. Drinks were amazing. Whole afternoon was relaxed and great fun. Book Island Time for sure!
spectacular day on the water with excellent customer service
bonniedG9575FO,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The people were so nice. The sweet lady bartender kept everyone going. The crew were very helpful. I will definitely go with them again❣️
Had an absolute blast!
L724SPcrystall,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time sailing with Island Time crew! Made the trip fun and relaxing. Got to see some dolphins and snorkeling was fun too. Only downside was I wanted more time!
Amazing fun adventure!
Josie R,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The captain, Keith and his crew were very informative and helpful. Their goal was to help us have a wonderful trip and it met our expectations and more. The attention to detail including doing everything to assure we saw loads of schools of dolphins up close! It was a cold and windy day and they offered us to stay below deck to keep the wind and cold blocked as much as possible! If their were 10 stars we would rate them 10 out of 10! We highly recommend this trip!
Couples day trip
Cruiser44396401984,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on a dolphin and shell island tour and had a really good and relaxing time! The crew were great and super attentive. Would definitely recommend.
Great time, beautiful boat
Nicole R,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was absolutely so much fun, such an amazing group of staff. Soooo cool- saved it for our last little extravaganza & it was absolutely worth it.
Shell island and dolphin catamaran
Cindy L,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had such an amazing time. Crew member were amazing . The ride was so nice ! Shell island is beautiful and on the way back , we saw several dolphins!! Great excursion and we will definitely do it again ! Such a beautiful time !
Excellent experience!!
Matthew H,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic time and were able to find beautiful shells on the beach. We saw 20+ dolphins in the wild. It was phenomenal
Fun and Informative cruise
RuthAStoddard,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Heath is personable and offers a lot of great information. The cruise is fun and Heath makes sure you have the chance to see dolphins! At Shell Island, he chooses a great place to anchor. It was a fun and enjoyable time from start to finish!
From $57.59
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