The dolphins most often seen around Shell Island and Panama City Beach are Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. They’re intelligent, social, and perfectly adapted to life in the waters of St. Andrew’s Bay and the Gulf of America. One of the most fascinating things about dolphins is that they don’t sleep the same way we do. Because they must protect themselves and surface to breathe, only half of their brain rests at a time while the other half remains alert. One eye stays open while the other closes, allowing them to continue swimming and breathing even while resting.
Dolphins also have a remarkable ability called echolocation. They produce clicks that are channeled through their melon at the front of their head. These clicks then bounce off of nearby objects and come back to them for their brain to process. This allows dolphins to locate fish, navigate murky waters, and understand the world around them in extraordinary detail. They are extremely curious and playful, so sometimes we will get lucky and see them playing with fish or other wildlife.
The dolphins you see aren’t usually traveling alone. They live in social groups called pods, that are usually made up of only females. Mothers, grandmothers, and aunts all work together to raise and protect the youngest members of the family. Male dolphins may form their own smaller groups and move between pods throughout their lives, but they don’t usually stay with one pod for very long.
For the safety of the animals and our customers, we do not swim with the dolphins. Dolphins are wild animals who love to be curious about what’s around them, but can become easily stressed or scared if people jump in the water with them. We also do not allow anyone to feed the dolphins, as it is illegal and teaches the dolphins to rely on humans instead of hunting for themselves.
People often ask how dolphins avoid boat propellers. The answer isn’t fully understood, but their awareness, echolocation, hearing, and experience navigating busy waterways helps them avoid danger. Even so, dolphins can still get hit by boats if boaters are not remaining alert and cautious of the animals they share these waters with. Our tours are led by a USCG Master Captain and a professional Marine Biologist to ensure extra caution is taken around wildlife.
Capt. Jess’s Dolphin Insight
After many years on the water, I still enjoy watching guests discover that dolphins are much more than playful animals riding along boat wakes. They’re intelligent, family-oriented, and incredibly well adapted to the environment they call home.
Experience Dolphin Tours for Yourself
Every dolphin encounter offers an opportunity to appreciate these remarkable animals in their natural habitat. Book below, or text 850-296-3843 to learn more about our private Shell Island and dolphin cruises aboard the Addy Anne.
