Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours – Private Shell Island Tour
Private Dolphin Cruise, Sunset Cruise and Shell Island Boat Tours
in Panama City Beach for families & large groups.
Explore Panama City Beach with a private dolphin tour, sunset cruise, or Shell Island boat tour—perfect for families and large groups.
Cruise the calm waters of the Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews Bay, spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat, and enjoy time on Shell Island’s beautiful beaches. This is one of the most popular cruises in Panama City Beach for groups looking for a relaxed, premium experience.
Your Boat. Your Captain. Your Private Dolphin Experience.
Choose you time, reserve your boat, and get ready to enjoy a private Shell Island Dolphin Tour designed just for your group! Start planning the best part of your Panama City Beach vacation today.
Private boat tours for families and large groups in Panama City Beach. Cruise the calm waters of the Grand Lagoon, St. Andrews Bay and along Shell Island aboard our spacious USCG-inspected pontoon, operated by a licensed Master Captain and professional crew.
Discover Shell Island on a private dolphin tour designed for families and groups. Cruise through a protected dolphin sanctuary then disembark on the calm St. Andrews Bay side of Shell Island—perfect for the kids, shelling, wildlife spotting and picnicking. From there, a short walk to the Gulf of America for sugar-white sand and emerald-green water.
End your day on the water with our Private Sunset Dolphin Cruise.
Cruise the calm shoreline of St. Andrews Bay as the sky fills with color and the sun sets over Panama City Beach. Watch the Bottlenose dolphins and marine life while you relax with family and friends in the golden evening sunset light.
Meet Captain Jess—A USCG licensed Master Captain, US Army Veteran and longtime Panama City Beach local. Capt. Jess is passionate about creating safe, relaxed and memorable dolphin experiences for families and groups on the water.
Meet Captain Steve—Longtime Panama City Beach local and Shell Island storyteller! Having sailed the Caribbean and the Gulf of America, Capt. Steve brings decades of local knowledge, history, and personality to every tour. Known as the “Mayor of Shell Island,” he’s a guest favorite with families and kids.
Top Reasons Families & Groups Choose Emerald Coast Water Tours
Not limited to 6 passengers.
Our 32′ USCG-inspected pontoon gives your group room to spread out and relax. Most trips are priced for up to 6 guests, but we can comfortably host larger private groups.
Private tours only.
Only your group is on the boat—no mixed parties.
USCG-licensed Master Captain.
A professional captain leads every trip for a safe, smooth ride.
Easy boarding for all ages.
Our boat is family-friendly and simple to board.
Customize your time on the water.
Additional hours may be available to make it your perfect day.
Planning a large group?
Call or text us for availability above 24 passengers.
After completing your reservation, you'll receive a confirmation email and text message with a Google Maps pin and clear directions to our private departure dock in Panama City Beach. Parking and arrival instructions are included so you can arrive confidently and stress-free.
We specialize in private boat tours in Panama City Beach, with a primary focus on Shell Island Dolphin Tours. All trips are private and captained with options including 2-hour and 3-hour Shell Island Dolphin Tours and Private Sunset Dolphin Cruises. Our routes explore the calm waters of the Grand Lagoon, St. Andrews Bay and along Shell Island.
Our spacious , USCG-Inspected pontoon boat is designed for private groups and can comfortably accommodate large families and groups. Group size limits depend on the specific tour and passenger makeup. If you have a larger group or special needs, we're happy to help you determine the option before booking. We can easily fit 24 but are certified to carry more. Call for larger groups or dolphin tours.
Arrive no earlier than 20 minutes before departure time. Call or text us if you are going to be late, however, we will not leave without you. Late departure will result in our trip time being reduced but we will wait on you if you are running late.
Yes. Alcohol is permitted for guests of legal
drinking age. We ask that alcohol be consumed responsibly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone onboard.
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring food, snacks,
and drinks to enjoy during the tour or while visiting Shell Island and on your dolphin cruise.
Coolers are welcome, and we’re happy to help with storage onboard.
We recommend bringing sunscreen, towels, drinks, snacks, and anything you'd like for time on Shell Island. Coolers are welcome, and we're happy to help make your private dolphin tour comfortable and enjoyable.
We provide a licensed Master Captain, a USCG inspected private boat, fuel, safety equipment and local expertise throughout your tour. Our goal is to create a relaxed, private dolphin cruise while handling all navigation and logistics for you.
Yes, our pontoon boat is equipped with two large shade canopies to provide relief from the sun while still allowing clear views of the water and wildlife throughout your dolphin tour.
Something to protect your feet is required until you get to the boat, and when you leave the boat to return to your vehicle. You can wear shoes, flip flops or go barefoot while onboard.
Yes. Infants and young children are welcome on our private boat tours.
Children count toward the total passenger count, and safety equipment is
provided in accordance with USCG requirements. Infant children under the age of 12 months are not charged for.
Some folks bring their dog, if it’s an animal comfortable with being on the water. Larger dogs (over 15 lbs.) will have to stay off the cushions. You must be responsible for any messes the animal may have so bring whatever you may need to care for that possibility.
No. Because our dolphin tours are privately scheduled, late arrivals may reduce your on-the-water time. We recommend arriving 15–20 minutes early to ensure a smooth departure and
the best possible experience.
Light rain or passing showers do not usually affect
our boat tours. In the event of unsafe weather conditions, we will work with you to reschedule or discuss options to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
We welcome guests with mobility challenges and will do our best to accommodate individual needs. Please contact us prior to booking so we can discuss access, boarding assistance, and ensure a comfortable experience.
Shell Island,
St. Andrews Bay,
Gulf of America,
Panama City,
Massalina Bayou,
Uncle Earnies,
Panama City Beach,
Grand Lagoon,
Hathaway Bridge,
West Bay,
Bama Docks
You must cancel or reschedule before 72 hours of your tour. There is a $25 cancellation charge. Full fare is forfeited within the 72 hours. If a trip is rained out, we will reach out to you as soon as possible and your boat trip will be rescheduled or delayed. Unless you hear from us, assume your trip is being organized. The Captain makes these calls based on weather conditions which change from minute to minute so a cancel may happen at the very last moment after a delay. If your trip is rained out before the midway point of your trip, we will reschedule the remaining time asap at your convenience. There is no refund in that situation. If the weather conditions call for official marine wind or sea warnings, then a rescheduling or refund at your convenience.
