Set sail for an unforgettable dolphin sightseeing adventure with Paradise Adventures.
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Set out on a 1.5-hour daytime dolphin cruise along the beautiful Panama City Beach coastline. This family-friendly sail is the perfect way to enjoy the sunshine, spot playful dolphins near Shell Island, and still make it back in time for dinner.
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Watch the sky come alive with color on this 1.5-hour sunset dolphin cruise along the Panama City Beach shoreline. Enjoy island tunes, gentle sea breezes, and the chance to spot dolphins playing near Shell Island as the sun sets over the Gulf.
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Turn your evening into a celebration on this spacious catamaran dolphin cruise. With room to spread out, live music on select nights, and a complimentary drink in hand, it’s the most lively way to enjoy a Panama City Beach sunset: dolphins, music, and good vibes all around.
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For a more intimate sunset dolphin tour, step aboard our Beneteau sailboat, Daydreams. With space for just six guests, this peaceful sailing experience offers a front-row view of dolphins near Shell Island and complimentary drinks as the sun dips below the horizon.
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Our dolphin tours in Panama City Beach give you the rare chance to see dolphins thriving in their natural environment. The waters around Shell Island, St. Andrews Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico are home to a large, active dolphin population, with sightings common throughout much of the year. While encounters are never guaranteed, our experienced captains know the best areas for activity, giving you a great chance to spot dolphins feeding, playing, or traveling in pods during your tour.
Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay are more than just beautiful backdrops. They’re thriving ecosystems that make Panama City Beach one of the best places in Florida to see dolphins. The shallow, protected waters provide shelter, while an abundance of fish, squid, and other marine life creates an all-you-can-eat buffet that keeps dolphins nearby year-round.
These same conditions also make the area a hotspot for other wildlife. As you explore on a dolphin cruise, you might see sea turtles gliding through the water, seabirds diving for fish, or schools of tropical fish flashing beneath the surface. It’s the combination of rich marine life and calm, scenic waters that makes this region so special for dolphin watching. Whether you head out during the day or choose a sunset sail, you’ll discover why Panama City Beach has earned its reputation as a prime destination for spotting dolphins in their natural habitat.
Every one of our dolphin tours in Panama City Beach is designed to give you more than just a boat ride. Here’s what sets our experiences apart:
Each trip is carefully crafted to combine the thrill of dolphin sightings with the natural beauty and laid-back charm of Panama City Beach.
Unlike some migratory marine animals that come and go with the seasons, dolphins live in Panama City Beach year-round. That means you have a good chance of spotting them no matter when you visit.
That said, they tend to be most active from May through October, when warmer waters bring more fish and create perfect conditions for playful behavior. During these months, it’s common to see dolphins leaping, socializing in pods, or cruising along the surf. In cooler months, sightings are still frequent, but the animals may be less active and spend more time feeding. Whenever you choose to visit, dolphin tours in Panama City Beach offer a window into their natural world, from quiet feeding to energetic play.
This is a common question, and the answer is no, you cannot swim with dolphins on our tours. At Paradise Adventures, we prioritize the safety and well-being of both the dolphins and our guests. Swimming with dolphins can disrupt their natural behaviors and cause unnecessary stress for the animals. Instead, we provide you with a respectful and ethical opportunity to observe dolphins in the wild from a safe distance, without interfering with their natural habitat. Our tours are designed to protect and conserve the dolphin population, ensuring that these amazing creatures can thrive in their natural environment for years to come.
While no two dolphin tours are exactly alike, guests often see a range of natural behaviors — from tail slaps and graceful leaps to pods playing together or communicating with clicks and whistles. Dolphins are highly social and intelligent, which makes each encounter feel unique and exciting.
Both our dolphin tours run about two hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the experience without taking up your whole day. Bring a camera, because these trips offer amazing opportunities for photos and videos. Family-friendly and welcoming for all ages, a dolphin tour is one of the most memorable ways to explore Panama City Beach.
“My husband and I decided to do the dolphin tour the last night of our honeymoon trip and it was so much fun! The captain and crew member, were so knowledgeable and friendly. I really like that the captain gave us the full 1.5 hour on the water watching for dolphins it make it well worth the money. We would love to come back and do this again!” Maranda Geist
“Chelsea, Jaya, and Mike were great! We had an amazing trip and got to see some dolphins! Only wish it was longer. definitely worth every penny spent.” Sandy S
“Excellent dolphin cruise!! Niko & Ryan were great. Tasty drinks, great music and tons of dolphins!!! Everyone had a great time. Highly recommend.” David White
“We had a wonderful excursion on the Footloose catamaran. We saw over one hundred dolphins. The captain and mate were very informative and genuinely friendly. Some of the dolphins were not afraid to come up to the catamaran. A friend of Paradise Adventures in a fast fishing boat did some fast wide circles around our catamaran creating a large wake for the dolphins to surf/wake ride in, it was fantastic to see the dolphins surfing and jumping in the wake of that boat.” Frank Moore
“We had the best time with Ryan and Lamar! Great vibes, drinks and amazing views. We saw the dolphins so close to us and I even got to hold a jelly fish! Highly recommend!!” Hanna Bioni
“100% magic, we loved every minute of our trip. We were given this cruise for free as part of a Bluegreen/Hilton owners meeting while on a family vacation. The crew was amazing, the drinks were good, the beer was cold; cannot go wrong with this company. We spent 2 hours on the nets of S/V Privateer and we were able to see tons of dolphins, a huge swarm of moon jellyfish and got to stop in Saint Andrew’s Bay to see some deer. Would definitely go back and highly recommend to anyone visiting PCB.” Matt L
Dolphins, sunsets, and sparkling Gulf waters: it doesn’t get more “PCB” than this. Join us for a dolphin tour designed to deliver memories you’ll talk about long after vacation ends. Book online today to save your place
BOOK YOUR DOLPHIN CRUISEWhat should I bring for the tour?
We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, a camera or smartphone for photos, and comfortable clothing. Don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun!
Are the tours kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Our dolphin tours are perfect for families and are suitable for children of all ages. Our captains are great with kids and make sure the experience is fun for the whole family.
What happens if we don’t see any dolphins?
While we cannot guarantee a dolphin sighting, our captains know the best places to look. The chance of spotting dolphins is very high due to their large population in the area, and we do everything we can to ensure you have a memorable experience. However, no matter what you will still enjoy a beautiful and enriching boat tour with beautiful views and insights into the local marine life.
Can I book a private dolphin tour?
Yes! We offer private dolphin tours for those looking for a more intimate experience. Private tours are perfect for couples, families, or small groups of up to 6 people.
Does the weather affect the dolphin tours?
Yes, weather conditions can sometimes affect the tour schedule. In the event of bad weather, we will either reschedule your tour or offer a refund.
What time of day are dolphins most active?
Dolphins are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon when there is less boat traffic and human activity in the water. These are common times for feeding and socializing. However, dolphins are frequently seen throughout the day, particularly in areas with abundant food, such as the waters around Panama City Beach.
While our tours run from midday to sunset, these times are still excellent for dolphin sightings. Dolphins remain active in the afternoon and evening, making our daytime dolphin cruises and sunset dolphin cruises great opportunities to witness them in their natural habitat.
What types of dolphins might I see on a Panama City Beach dolphin tour?
While the bottlenose dolphin is the most common species seen on our dolphin tours in Panama City Beach, the area’s rich waters are home to several other dolphin species as well. You may be lucky enough to spot some of the following:
These species vary in appearance and behavior, making each dolphin-watching tour a unique experience. Our knowledgeable captains will help you identify the dolphins you encounter.
Why can’t I swim with dolphins during the tour?
Swimming with dolphins is not allowed on our tours, and it’s actually illegal to swim with or interact closely with wild dolphins under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This law requires humans to stay at least 50 yards from dolphins in the water to ensure their safety and ours. While dolphins are incredibly intelligent and playful, they are also strong and have sharp teeth, making close interactions potentially dangerous for humans. Additionally, feeding or trying to interact with dolphins can disrupt their natural behaviors and harm their well-being. At Paradise Adventures, we prioritize ethical and safe dolphin watching so that both our guests and the dolphins remain safe and protected.