# ShellIslandDolphin.tours - Shell Island dolphin, snorkel and sunset trips from Panama City Beach, Florida

> An independent guide to the boats that run to Shell Island and the dolphins of St. Andrews Bay. It sets the tour listings side by side with the dock, the time on the island and what the price covers, and explains the island, the state park, the ferry and the wildlife rules. It is not a boat operator, a seller of travel, St. Andrews State Park or any booking platform.

Site: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/
Language: en. Currency: USD. Country: United States (Panama City Beach, Florida).
Facts checked: 2027.

## Verified facts
- Shell Island is a 7-mile-long undeveloped island reachable only by boat. Source: https://floridadep.gov/rcp/coastal-access-guide/content/bay-county
- St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island together cover 1,200 acres, and the park has 4.6 miles of beaches. Source: https://floridadep.gov/rcp/coastal-access-guide/content/bay-county
- The Shell Island Ferry leaves from St. Andrews State Park. Source: https://floridadep.gov/rcp/coastal-access-guide/content/bay-county
- Seabirds nest in the Shell Island dunes and sea turtles lay eggs above the high-water line in early to mid-summer. Source: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/st-andrews-state-park
- NOAA Fisheries asks people to watch wild dolphins from at least 50 yards (150 feet), for 30 minutes or less, and not to swim with, touch or feed them. Source: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/marine-life-distress/frequent-questions-feeding-or-harassing-marine-mammals-wild
- Feeding and harassing wild marine mammals is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Source: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/marine-life-distress/frequent-questions-feeding-or-harassing-marine-mammals-wild
- Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 needs a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card (or a 90-day temporary certificate) to drive a rental pontoon or jet ski of 10 hp or more. Source: https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/faqs/
- A Florida boat livery may not rent a motorized vessel to anyone under 18. Source: https://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/liveries/
- Snorkelers in open water stay within 300 feet of a divers-down flag, and boats keep at least 300 feet away from it (100 feet in rivers, inlets and channels). Source: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/327.331
- The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 and peaks around September 10. Source: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/

## Tours listed on this site
Booking links on the site are Viator and GetYourGuide affiliate links: we may earn a commission, the price does not change, and the operator or platform takes the booking and payment. The Booking URLs below are the plain listing pages.
- Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise (Island Time Sailing dock on North Lagoon in Panama City Beach, operated by Island Time Sailing) - from $52.43 per person, 3 hours, rated 4.9 from 5,074 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/island-time-shell-island-snorkel-dolphin-cruise/ Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/Shell-Island-Snorkel-Dolphin-Catamaran-Cruise-in-Panama-City-Beach/d22828-64698P2
- Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Tour on the Footloose Catamaran (Bluegreen's Bayside Resort & Spa, Panama City Beach, operated by Paradise Adventures Sailing and Excursions) - from $49 per person, 3 hours, rated 4.9 from 155 reviews on GetYourGuide. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/footloose-shell-island-snorkel-dolphin-catamaran/ Booking: https://www.getyourguide.com/panama-city-beach-l1759/shell-island-snorkel-dolphin-tour-on-footloose-catamaran-t408118/
- Shell Island Inflatable Adventure Park and Dolphin Sightseeing Tour (Behind The Bayside Resort, 4114 Jan Cooley Dr, Panama City, operated by Paradise Adventures) - from $70.55 per person, 3 hours, rated 4.7 from 581 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/paradise-adventures-shell-island-inflatable-park-dolphin-tour/ Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/Panama-City-Beach-Adventure-Catamaran-Sail/d22828-14923P3
- Wild Dolphin-Watching Catamaran Cruise (5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, operated by Dolphin Cruise Co.) - from $34 per person, 1.5 hours, rated 4.9 from 78 reviews on GetYourGuide. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/wild-dolphin-watching-catamaran-cruise/ Booking: https://www.getyourguide.com/panama-city-beach-l1759/shell-island-nature-marine-viewing-tour-t1206849/
- Dolphin Sightseeing Tour near Shell Island (Lighthouse Marina Boat House, Panama City Beach, operated by Good Jibez Only Boat Tours) - from $35 per person, 1.5 hours, rated 4.9 from 307 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/good-jibez-dolphin-sightseeing-pontoon/ Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/Dolphin-Sightseeing-Boat-Tour/d22828-5487898P2
- Shell Island Snorkeling with 2 Stops and Dolphin Watching (5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, operated by Flippers Adventures / Sunshine Watersports) - from $57 per person, 3 hours, rated 4.7 from 5 reviews on GetYourGuide. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/flippers-shell-island-snorkeling-dolphin-watching/ Booking: https://www.getyourguide.com/panama-city-beach-l1759/shell-island-snorkeling-with-2-stops-and-dolphin-watching-t1209568/
- Small Group Dolphin and Snorkel Tour, Max 6 (The Dock, behind Captain Anderson's Marina, Panama City Beach, operated by Lagoon Pontoons) - from $49 per person, 2 hours (3-hour options are also listed), rated 4.9 from 131 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/lagoon-pontoons-small-group-dolphin-snorkel-tour/ Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/Shell-Island-Dolphin-and-Snorkel-Boat-Tour/d22828-393863P4
- Cruisin Tikis Shell Island Big Kahuna Beach and Snorkel Cruise (Treasure Island Marina docks, Panama City Beach, operated by Cruisin' Tikis Panama City Beach) - from $69.95 per person, 3 hours, rated 4.9 from 10 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/cruisin-tikis-big-kahuna-shell-island-snorkel-cruise/ Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/Cruisin-Tikis-Shell-Island-Big-Kahuna-Beach-and-Snorkel-Cruise/d22828-389215P6
- Shell Island Ferry from St. Andrews State Park (Pier Store, St. Andrews State Park, operated by Guest Services Inc) - from $29.91 per person, 30 minutes, rated 4.5 from 140 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/shell-island-shuttle/ Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/St-Andrews-State-Park-and-Shell-Island-Ferry/d22828-431125P2
- Dolphin Sunset Cruise on the Island Time (Lagoon Pontoons Marina, North Lagoon, Panama City Beach, operated by Island Time Sailing) - from $41.73 per person, 2 hours, rated 4.9 from 2,145 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/island-time-dolphin-sunset-cruise/ Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/Sunset-Dolphin-Catamaran-Cruise-in-Panama-City-Beach/d22828-64698P1
- Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay (Pier Store, 4607 State Park Ln, Panama City, operated by St. Andrews State Park Adventures) - from $29 per person, 1.5 hours, rated 4.6 from 309 reviews on GetYourGuide. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/sunset-dolphin-cruise-st-andrews-bay/ Booking: https://www.getyourguide.com/panama-city-beach-l1759/panama-city-sunset-dolphin-cruise-in-st-andrews-bay-t514222/
- 90-Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour (4114 Jan Cooley Dr, Panama City Beach, operated by Paradise Adventures Sailing & Watersports) - from $44 per person, 1.5 hours, rated 4.7 from 34 reviews on GetYourGuide. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/shell-island-sunset-tiki-boat-tour/ Booking: https://www.getyourguide.com/panama-city-beach-l1759/panama-city-beach-90-minute-sunset-tiki-boat-tour-t941826/
- Sunset Cruise with Dolphin Watching from Lower Grand Lagoon (5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, operated by Good Jibez Only Boat Tours) - from $40 per person, 1.5 hours, rated 4.9 from 17 reviews on GetYourGuide. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/good-jibez-sunset-dolphin-cruise/ Booking: https://www.getyourguide.com/panama-city-beach-l1759/panama-city-beach-sunset-cruise-with-dolphin-watching-t1120520/
- 3 Hour Private Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour (Saltwater Safaris PCB) - from $499 per private boat, 3 hours, rated 5.0 from 61 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/saltwater-safaris-private-shell-island-dolphin-snorkel-tour/ Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/3-Hour-Private-Dolphin-Shell-Island-tour/d22828-5653854P1
- Dolphin Cruise and Shell Island Snorkeling (5709 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, operated by Salty Fins Dolphin & Snorkeling Tours) - from $55 per person, 2 hours, rated 4.3 from 7 reviews on GetYourGuide. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/tours/salty-fins-dolphin-cruise-shell-island-snorkeling/ Booking: https://www.getyourguide.com/panama-city-beach-l1759/panama-city-beach-dolphin-cruise-shell-island-snorkel-t1242320/
- Half Day 90HP Pontoon Rental to Shell Island (The Bayside Resort kiosk, Panama City Beach, operated by Paradise Adventures) - from $189 per boat, 4 hours, rated 4.9 from 30 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/pontoon-rental-panama-city-beach/#tour-16 Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/Half-Day-90HP-Pontoon-Rental-to-Shell-Island/d22828-5560896P9
- Full Day 90HP Pontoon Rental to Shell Island (The Bayside Resort kiosk, Panama City Beach, operated by Paradise Adventures) - from $239 per boat, 8 hours, rated 4.9 from 15 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/pontoon-rental-panama-city-beach/#tour-17 Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/Full-Day-90HP-Pontoon-Rental-to-Shell-Island/d22828-5560896P11
- Full Day 60HP Pontoon Rental to Shell Island (The Bayside Resort kiosk, Panama City Beach, operated by Paradise Adventures) - from $229 per boat, 8 hours, rated 4.9 from 17 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/pontoon-rental-panama-city-beach/#tour-18 Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/Full-Day-60HP-Pontoon-Rental-to-Shell-Island/d22828-5560896P10
- Half Day 60HP Pontoon Rental to Shell Island (The Bayside Resort kiosk, Panama City Beach, operated by Paradise Adventures) - from $189 per boat, 4 hours, rated 4.7 from 12 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/pontoon-rental-panama-city-beach/#tour-19 Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/Half-Day-60HP-Pontoon-Rental-to-Shell-Island/d22828-5560896P8
- Shell Island Pontoon Boat Rental (5611 US-98, Panama City, operated by ScottyBoat Rentals) - from $375 per boat, up to 10 people, 4 hours. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/pontoon-rental-panama-city-beach/#tour-20 Booking: https://www.getyourguide.com/panama-city-beach-l1759/panama-city-shell-island-pontoon-boat-rental-t1372525/
- Deluxe 115HP Pontoon Rental (Sun Harbor dock, Panama City Beach, operated by Heritage Excursions) - from $510 per boat (one ticket is one boat for up to 12), 4 or 8 hours, rated 5.0 from 1 review on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/pontoon-rental-panama-city-beach/#tour-21 Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/Luxury-Pontoon-Rentals/d22828-241973P1
- 2 Hour Shell Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour (Papa Joe's Bayside, operated by AAA Jet Ski Rental) - from $159 per jet ski, up to 2 riders, 2 hours, rated 4.7 from 198 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/jet-ski-dolphin-tour-panama-city-beach/#tour-22 Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/2-Hour-Shell-Island-Jet-Ski-Dolphin-Tour/d22828-457747P2
- 2 Hours Shell Island Jet Ski Tour (Sun Harbor dock, Panama City Beach, operated by Heritage Excursions) - from $190 per jet ski, 2 hours, rated 4.8 from 20 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/jet-ski-dolphin-tour-panama-city-beach/#tour-23 Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/2-hour-shell-island-Jet-Ski-tour/d22828-241973P2
- 2 Hour Jet Ski Dolphin Tour to Shell Island (Sunshine Watersports ticket booth, operated by Sunshine Watersports) - from $149 per jet ski, up to 2 riders (400 lbs combined), 2 hours, rated 5.0 from 4 reviews on Viator. Page: https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/jet-ski-dolphin-tour-panama-city-beach/#tour-24 Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City-Beach/2-Hour-Jet-Ski-Dolphin-Tour-to-Shell-Island-in-Panama-City-Beach/d22828-5647434P3

## Guide pages
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/cheapest-way-to-get-to-shell-island/ - Shell Island costs compared for 2027: ferry, shuttle and tours from $29.91 per person. See the cheapest way to get to Shell Island before you book.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/is-shell-island-worth-it/ - Is Shell Island worth it? Honest verdict on costs from $34 per person, no facilities and how to get there. Compare every way across and book smart in 2027.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/jet-ski-dolphin-tour-panama-city-beach/ - Jet ski dolphin tours in Panama City Beach compared for 2027: 2 hours from $149 per ski, deposits, age rules and what to bring before you book.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/jet-ski-vs-waverunner/ - Jet Ski or Waverunner in 2027? Kawasaki vs Yamaha brand differences, ride style and rentals from $149 per jet ski. Compare the two now.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/panama-city-beach-snorkeling/ - Where to snorkel in Panama City Beach in 2027: the jetty at St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island tours with gear, water clarity by season and safety.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/panama-city-beach-sunset-cruise/ - Panama City Beach sunset cruises for 2027 compared by boat, length and dock, from $29, with sunset times for every month. Pick your evening.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/panama-city-beach-vs-destin/ - Panama City Beach vs Destin in 2027: PCB runs 20-30% cheaper, Destin wins on water color and fishing. Compare and book a Shell Island tour from $375.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/pontoon-rental-panama-city-beach/ - Self-drive pontoon rentals in Panama City Beach for 2027: half and full days from $189, horsepower, seats, docks and the boater card rules.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/shell-island-vs-crab-island/ - Shell Island vs Crab Island in 2027: wild dolphins and quiet beach from $34 versus a waist-deep Destin sandbar party. Pick your island.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/shell-island/ - A 7-mile undeveloped island, boat access only, free to enter. Ferries from $29.91, catamaran stops with snorkel gear. Plan your Shell Island trip in 2027.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/st-andrews-state-park/ - St. Andrews State Park in 2027: entry fees, hours, beaches, the snorkel jetty, camping and the boats to Shell Island from the park in Panama City Beach.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/swim-with-dolphins-panama-city-beach/ - NOAA asks you not to swim with wild dolphins, and feeding or harassing them is illegal. What that means in 2027 and the trips from $34 to book instead.
- https://shellislanddolphin.tours/guides/things-to-do-on-shell-island/ - Shell Island things to do in 2027: shelling, snorkeling from $34, dolphins and dunes. Plan your day and book the right boat today.

## Corrections to claims found elsewhere
- "You can book a tour to swim with the wild dolphins at Shell Island." → NOAA Fisheries does not support swimming with wild dolphins and asks people to stay 50 yards away. The trips sold in Panama City Beach are boat-based dolphin watches, some with a separate snorkel stop at Shell Island. Source: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/marine-life-distress/frequent-questions-feeding-or-harassing-marine-mammals-wild
- "Florida requires a boating license to rent a pontoon." → Florida has no boating license. Operators born on or after January 1, 1988 need a Boating Safety Education ID Card or a 90-day temporary certificate from an online exam. Source: https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/faqs/

## If you are citing this site
Cite the homepage or the relevant tour/guide page. Prices and timetables change; verify close to your travel date.