If you’re hoping to spot some dolphins during your trip to Panama City Beach, you’re in luck. There are plenty of excursions to swim and interact with dolphins, and you can often see them right off the beach. Here are a few of our favorite ways to see dolphins in Panama City Beach.
Shell Island
If you want to take a trip to Shell Island to see the dolphins, there are several options for you. There are a variety of excursions on boats or jet skis. Our favorite is the Island Time sunset cruise. The cruise goes right by Shell Island, and we’ve seen dolphins in the water every time. The dolphins are friendly and often swim up to and alongside the boat. It’s a great photo opportunity, especially with the beautiful Florida sunset in the background. You may also get a free ticket for this cruise when you’re staying with Premium Beach Condos. Check out our Xplorie program for more details about that!
Rent Your Own Boat
Prefer a little privacy? Pontoon boat rentals are a fantastic option. Spend the day exploring the calm waters of St. Andrews Bay and cruising over to Shell Island at your own pace. Many boat rental companies offer maps with dolphin sighting areas marked, and it’s not unusual to have dolphins come close when you’re drifting quietly. It’s a great choice for families or small groups who want flexibility and a more personal adventure. Lagoon Pontoons offers full and half-day rentals with several types of pontoons, including a double decker pontoon with a slide off the top level!
Jet Ski Dolphin Safari
Looking for some high-speed fun while dolphin watching? Try a Jet Ski dolphin safari! You’ll follow an experienced guide through the bay and out into the Gulf where dolphins love to swim and play. The excitement of zipping across the water—combined with the chance to ride alongside these playful creatures—makes it one of the most unforgettable ways to see dolphins in PCB. You don’t need to be a pro—no prior experience is necessary, and most tours include a brief training session beforehand. Tours typically last 1 to 2 hours, and many providers also include stops at Shell Island for swimming or shelling. Adventures at Sea offers both jet ski rentals and guided tours where you can see dolphins!
Kayak & Paddleboard Tours
If you’re looking for a peaceful and eco-friendly way to see dolphins, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) through the calm, clear waters around St. Andrews Bay or the Grand Lagoon. These quiet vessels don’t scare dolphins away, and paddlers often get surprisingly close encounters—sometimes just a few feet away! You can go with a guided tour or rent your own equipment and explore independently. Many rental shops will give you maps of known dolphin areas and offer tips for a successful paddle. Shell Island Shuttle offers kayak and paddleboard rentals with ferry service to the island.
Helicopter Tours
Consider seeing them from the air if you want a once-in-a-lifetime dolphin spotting experience. Helicopter tours over Panama City Beach offer stunning views of the coastline, Shell Island, and dolphins cruising just below the surface. The aerial view gives you a whole new appreciation for just how many dolphins swim near the shore. Some guests report seeing entire pods from above, and tours range from short scenic flights to longer trips along the Emerald Coast. Panhandle Helicopter offers a variety of tours, including one focused on dolphin sightings. Flights start at just a few minutes and go up to half an hour or more.
From the Pier
Want to dolphin watch without getting wet? The public piers in Panama City Beach are perfect for that. The Russell-Fields Pier near Pier Park and the M.B. Miller County Pier both stretch far into the Gulf and give you elevated views—making it easier to spot dolphins as they cruise the coast. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, when the water is calm and the dolphins are more active. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens if you have one, and don’t forget sunscreen!
Pro tip: Dolphins are often seen trailing bait fish near schools of birds or near people fishing off the pier.
Your Own Balcony
Believe it or not, sometimes you can even see the dolphins from your balcony at Calypso or Tidewater! You have to get up early to see them, though – the dolphins tend to swim by in the early mornings as the sun begins to rise. The best views are from the highest floors where you can look straight down into the crystal clear water. But on any floor, keep an eye out and you’ll spot them.
Pro Tips for Spotting Dolphins
- Time it right: Dolphins are most active in the early morning or late afternoon, especially when the waters are calm.
- Use polarized sunglasses: They cut glare and make it much easier to see into the water.
- Stay quiet: Whether you’re on a paddleboard or boat, keeping noise to a minimum increases your chances of a close encounter.
- Pack a zoom lens or binoculars: Great for catching details from afar—especially from a balcony or pier.
- Ask locals or tour guides: They usually know the latest dolphin hot spots and can guide you to the best viewing areas.
Dolphins are such beautiful and friendly creatures, and we love to see them while we’re in town. If you visit Gulf World, Shell Island, or see any dolphins from your balcony, send us your pictures! We would love to see and feature them!
