Panama City Beach isn’t just about white sandy beaches and lively spring break scenes; it’s also a fantastic spot for snorkeling and marine wildlife encounters. With clear waters, abundant dolphins, starfish, and sea turtles, it’s no wonder that snorkeling tours here consistently impress visitors. We especially like the 3 Hour Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling in Shell Island for its combination of dolphin sightings and the chance to explore Shell Island’s underwater world. Led by a former marine mammal trainer, this tour offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on dolphin behavior and a chance to collect shells, sand dollars, and starfish—all equipment included. Plus, the flexible departure times make it easy to fit into your day.
If you prefer a more tailored experience, Snorkeling, Dolphin and Wildlife Sightings at St. Andrews Bay offers the chance to see dolphins, seabirds, and even deer at your own pace on a private boat. This 2-hour tour is perfect for those who want flexibility and a quieter environment. For a full private experience, the Private Boat Tour Dolphins Sunsets Shell Island and Snorkeling combines dolphin encounters with sunset views and a customizable itinerary. For families or small groups wanting a more affordable option, the Swim with Dolphins and Snorkeling Group Tour provides a lively, social outing with plenty of marine wildlife and clear waters.
Below, you’ll find a detailed review of each of these fantastic options, so you can choose the best snorkeling experience for your trip.
1. 3 Hour Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling in Shell Island
This private tour is perfect if you want an intimate, flexible experience. Led by a former marine mammal trainer, the trip gets you up close to wild dolphins and includes exploring Shell Island, with a focus on finding sand dollars and starfish. The trip lasts about 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to snorkel, observe wildlife, and enjoy the water.
What makes this tour stand out is the guide’s deep knowledge of dolphins—he can tell you about their behavior and even help you get closer to these playful creatures. The flat fee of $400 covers up to six people, making it a great choice for families or small groups wanting personalization. Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s entertainment and expertise, with one stating, “Alex was entertaining and explained several things along the way.” Many mention seeing dolphins, sea turtles, and even stingrays during their trips.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a personalized, educational experience with excellent dolphin sightings, and the inclusion of snorkeling makes it a well-rounded choice.
2. Snorkeling, Dolphin and Wildlife Sightings at St. Andrews Bay
If you prefer a completely private, flexible outing, this 2-hour tour takes you on your own boat to spot dolphins and other wildlife at your own pace. Unlike larger group tours, you’ll enjoy plenty of room to relax, with an ice chest for your food and drinks. Your skipper is an expert at finding wildlife, increasing your chances to see dolphins, seabirds, and even deer along the coast.
This tour has perfect reviews, with many praising Captain Brittany’s knowledge and attentiveness. One reviewer says, “Brittany was very safety-conscious and made sure we saw plenty of dolphins,” which highlights the personalized approach. The flexible schedule is ideal for families with kids or groups wanting a more leisurely, private experience.
Bottom Line: For those who want a tailored, stress-free adventure with lots of wildlife sightings, this private tour hits the mark.
3. Private Boat Tour Dolphins Sunsets Shell Island and Snorkeling
This 2-hour private tour is all about personalizing your day on the water. It’s especially suited for small groups or families wanting to swim with dolphins, explore Shell Island, or relax at sunset. The captain will craft an itinerary based on your preferences, whether that’s dolphin watching, snorkeling, or just enjoying the scenery.
Guests rave about the dolphins surfing their wake and swimming alongside the boat. Reviewers mention that the boat was clean and comfortable, and the music added a fun vibe. One guest remarked, “We saw so many dolphins and even swam with them—an unforgettable experience.” The $350 fee includes up to six people, offering good value for a personalized private trip.
Bottom Line: This tour offers the chance to swim with dolphins and enjoy a sunset cruise, making it perfect for small groups seeking a custom, memorable outing.
4. Swim with Dolphins And Snorkeling Group Tour
For an affordable and lively group experience, this $70.99 per person tour is hard to beat. It takes you about 2 hours out to the Gulf of Mexico, where you’re likely to see dolphins, sea turtles, starfish, and even manta rays. The boat can hold up to six guests, making it intimate but with a social vibe.
What makes this tour appealing is its combination of snorkeling and wildlife viewing. The itinerary typically starts with a scenic ride to the water, then focuses on dolphin sightings and snorkeling around Shell Island. Guests love the knowledgeable crew—one reviewer said, “Hunter was amazing and pointed out so many animals,” highlighting the engaging guides. Many note how close the dolphins come, sometimes just 10 feet from the boat.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly option that combines wildlife encounters and snorkeling in a small-group setting.
5. Private Swim with Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour
This upscale private tour is perfect if you want a personalized, intimate experience. Priced at $358 per group, it offers up to six guests the chance to swim with playful dolphins and snorkel in the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The same guide will tailor the experience to your interests, with most trips starting with a short ride to dolphin hotspots.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable and friendly crew, with one reviewer calling Hunter “amazing and fun,” emphasizing how much they appreciated personalized attention. The tour includes up-close encounters with marine life such as sea turtles, starfish, and manta rays, making it ideal for families or couples seeking a special experience.
Bottom Line: For a more exclusive, customized adventure, this tour provides excellent value and a memorable day on the water.
6. Panama City Beach: Tiki Boat Snorkeling Adventure
If you’re looking for a relaxed, social outing, this 3-hour Tiki boat cruise is a fun option. With room for 26 passengers, it combines a scenic cruise through Grand Lagoon with snorkeling and dolphin-spotting. The tiki roof provides shade, and there’s a bar, cooler, and restroom onboard for convenience.
This experience highlights the casual tropical vibe, perfect for groups wanting a mix of sightseeing and underwater exploration without the formality of a typical tour. Reviewers mention catching dolphins playing in the boat’s wake, and the easygoing atmosphere is a hit.
Bottom Line: Great for groups of friends or families who want a laid-back, social day on the water with some snorkeling thrown in.
7. Discover Snorkeling Tour in Panama City
This shorter, beginner-friendly tour is ideal for those new to snorkeling. Lasting about 1 hour 30 minutes, it takes you in the jetties where green waters are home to blue crabs, octopus, and maybe even dolphins. The small group size (up to 10 people) ensures lots of attention and guidance.
The tour includes snorkel gear, making it easy for first-timers. One reviewer said, “I really enjoyed myself and saw a whole new world,” suggesting that it’s a good introduction to marine life. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick, straightforward experience with friendly instruction.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beginners or those with limited time who want a safe, guided snorkeling adventure.
8. Panama City Beach: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour
This small-group tour combines snorkeling with dolphin watching in the Gulf of Mexico. Lasting about 2.5 hours, it’s ideal for travelers eager to see dolphins in their natural habitat while exploring vibrant underwater scenes. The intimate group size ensures plenty of chances for close encounters.
Reviews mention the beautiful waters and playful dolphins swimming beside the boat, with one guest saying, “It was a really fun experience.” This tour is suitable for those who want a relaxed yet active outing, blending animal sightings with underwater exploration.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for dolphins lovers seeking an intimate, engaging experience.
$70 per person
9. Panama City Beach: Private Sailboat Charter with Snorkeling
For those who want to sail in style, this private 3-hour charter offers a luxurious experience aboard the Daydreams Sailboat. It’s designed for groups of up to 12 people and includes snorkeling at Shell Island, dolphin watching, and relaxing on the open water.
Guests love the flexibility to customize their day, whether that’s focusing on dolphin spotting, snorkeling, or just lounging. The complimentary beer and wine add a special touch, and many mention the dolphins swimming alongside the boat during their trip.
Bottom Line: A premium option ideal for celebrating special occasions or those seeking a private, refined day on the water.
$963 per group up to 12
How to Choose Your Perfect Snorkeling Experience in Panama City Beach
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interest level. For a personalized, educational experience with plenty of dolphin action, the 3 Hour Dolphin Tour (see details) is hard to beat. If privacy and flexibility are your top priorities, the private tours (see options here) are ideal.
For families or groups on a budget, the group snorkeling tour (see here) offers good value with plenty of marine encounters. If you prefer a more relaxed, social vibe, the Tiki boat (more info) provides a fun, casual day.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private or popular tours, to secure your preferred time and group size. Consider weather conditions, as calm days will offer better snorkeling visibility and wildlife sightings.
Final Thoughts
Panama City Beach offers a wide variety of snorkeling experiences suitable for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in seeing dolphins in their natural environment, exploring Shell Island’s underwater life, or enjoying a private sunset cruise, there’s an option to match your style and budget. For a personalized adventure, the 3 Hour Dolphin Tour gets rave reviews, while the private boat experiences are perfect for small groups seeking exclusivity.
For families, beginners, or those short on time, the Discover Snorkeling Tour provides a safe, engaging introduction. More adventurous travelers will appreciate the dolphin-watching and snorkeling tours that combine wildlife encounters with underwater exploration.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will help ensure your best experience—these tours fill quickly during peak seasons. So, gear up, get your fins ready, and start planning your underwater adventures in Panama City Beach today!