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 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!
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)
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
4,506 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It can get bumpy but it’s...
David V,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It can get bumpy but it’s a ton of fun, do bring your towels and a long sleeve shirt. The captain is awesome and the helpers were very friendly
Snorkel and Dolphin Tour
beckyhC6943IU,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly crew, great music, and a very positive vibe. Avery, Sarah, and the captain were incredible!
Get some!
jessicawE3372NT,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome time! Water was still a little chilly but the boat was fantastic and so was the staff! Would definitely do again.
Go on Island time…
Tracy L,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun experience with a great crew! They made sure we were comfortable, entertained and had a great time! We saw so many dolphins and sea life. They brought starfish, sand dollars and crabs aboard. I would recommend this experience to anyone!
Amazing afternoon 🐬
S2364FVisam,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We saw dolphins even a few babies! The captain and crew went above and beyond to make our experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. I highly recommend this experience something about the sails being out that just made it feel like a dream.
WE WILL COME BACK!
chelsealY932ZH,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I wanted to do a boat tour for our anniversary and chose Island Time because of their reviews. They did not disappoint! We had such a great time we paid for the trip right after. Heath, Carter, and Sarah made the trip fun, and we learned a lot! They took great care of us. We felt safe the whole time. We saw dolphins on the second trip, and really enjoyed the spots we anchored! Each trip was 3 hours and about $50 a person. WELL WORTH IT! We would do it again when we come back. The area you check in and wait is also super cute and fun with good food and drink options. This is great for ALL ages! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Great experience with lots of dolphins
lacindrad2026,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guy did an awesome job very knowledgeable and we got to see a large pot of dolphins, including some very small babies. I had very good time. I would highly recommend it.
Fun experience
Mary B,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely wonderful Alcohol experience was excellent saw a lot of dolphins everybody snorkels... Highly recommend!!
Absolutely fabulous
N1512LIfredb,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I just loved our bar tender she was sweet as pie. We did a lot of family activities on our trip but the catamaran was by far the most enjoyable. Will definitely be an activity for every Panama City trip
Great team!
Kay M,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The team was nice and gave frequent updates on where we were going and what we were doing. Very clean boat as well! Snacks were reasonably priced.
From US$57.59
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