Shell Island Dolphin Tours & Eco Adventures — Panama City Beach, FL

For generations, families and visitors have trusted Capt. Anderson’s Marina for authentic dolphin watching experiences and guided eco-tours in Panama City Beach. Our Shell Island Dolphin Tour combines:

Whether you’re here for vacation, a family trip, or a bucket-list adventure, this is one of the top things to do in Panama City Beach.

Spot wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as they swim, jump, and play in their natural environment — a highlight of every tour.

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Relax, swim, shell, or picnic on Shell Island — a pristine stretch of white sand beach with clear emerald waters.

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Learn about the local marine ecosystem, wildlife behaviors, and Panama City Beach history from friendly, experienced crew.

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Cruise in comfort with indoor viewing areas, open decks, restrooms, and snack options — ideal if you’re traveling with kids or a group.

AHOY MATEY! Come cruise with us on the Capt. Anderson III for family adventures and Dolphin Tours in Panama City Beach you are sure to love! The Capt. Anderson III has an enclosed and climate controlled lower deck with viewing windows all the way around, complete with a snack bar, restrooms and an open air viewing deck on the bow. The open upper deck seating area is covered, providing shelter from the elements, while also allowing the perfect place to feel the sea breeze. There are specially constructed side panels making it safe for the whole family to be right at the edge and not miss a thing.

*We carry FULL Certification for School Groups up to 200! To have the SCHOOL FIELD TRIP INFORMATION SHEET sent to you, contact Portia Poole at 850-234-3435 or send request to captandersonsmktg@gmail.com.

Get ready for a truly educational, unique and above all THE MOST FUN experience there is in Panama City Beach! This 3-1/2 HR narrated adventure touring St. Andrews Bay and Shell Island complete with pulling our crab trap, looking for dolphins, feeding the birds while getting a brief history of our area and eco-system, and cap it all off as we do on EVERY cruise on the Capt. Anderson III with our traditional Dolphin Encounter!

We begin the journey in the Historic Grand Lagoon, where you can feed the sea gulls who flock to greet visitors, as we point out sights such as the nesting ospreys; or perhaps you’ll see a dolphin trying to get a free lunch from the floating bait shack! From the Grand Lagoon we pass beautiful St. Andrews Park and cross through what locals call “The Pass” between the jetties of the park and Shell Island, entering into the St. Andrews Bay.

When we reach the point where it is time for the Seafari Eco-Tour, imagine the excitement as you watch the crab trap pulled aboard with a variety of aquatic wonders; it’s like opening a Christmas present from St. Andrews Bay – you never know what we will find! Learn about the wonders of the natural ecosystem as you view the creatures from the aquarium, or if possible you can touch or even hold it! Our visitors are encouraged to take home any of the unoccupied shells that are brought up.

The Capt. Anderson III will also take you for a one hour stop at Shell Island, to a private dock located in Spanish Shanty Cove, a portion of the Island that is part of St. Andrew’s State Park. The boat will remain there while you explore the island. This dock has a short boardwalk taking you right to the beautiful white sandy beach stretching as far as the eye can see! Shell Island is a 7-1/2 mile long and a very narrow barrier island separating the Gulf of Mexico from St. Andrews Bay. You will have an hour at your leisure to swim, go shelling, explore, picnic, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful and pristine uninhabited island. There is nothing there but nature “As God Made It”, so please heed the signs posted for turtle nesting, etc., bring back everything you take, and above all, breathe in the serenity of not having walls of condos and civilization all around you!

Early Bird Shell Island Tour

Early Bird Dolphin Encounter

Wild dolphins are common but sightings can vary — every trip is unique and part of the adventure!

Yes — Shell Island is a protected part of St. Andrews State Park with pristine beaches and natural wildlife habitat.

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Sun protection, camera, water shoes, and sunscreen are recommended.