Frequently Asked Questions

Please plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time.

No coolers are allowed.

We sell beer, wine, sodas, water, chips, candy, etc.  NO DRINKS, NO COOLERS.

We have a stocked bar with beer and wine, and all of our snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are just $2.00. We’re known for our famous “Rum Punch,” tropical music and entertainment including fun games and dancing after the sun goes down.

We recommend rubber, hard-soled shoes with good grip like boating shoes such as Crocs, Sperry’s, etc. We do not allow high heels as they may damage the boat.

Aerosol sprays.

No, for the safety and comfort of our guests we do not allow smoking on board.

The Shell Island Snorkel & Sail trip.

We have two Catamarans, the Original Island Time and Island Time II.

Yes. We do not require you get in the water and there are locations we visit where the water is fairly shallow and easily waded through. We also provide life vests and can get you fitted so you can enter the water if you choose.

We are located at Lagoon Pontoons Marina right down the road from Captain Anderson’s restaurant in Panama City Beach, Florida. Click here for Google Directions.

Our 3-hour Shell Island Snorkel & Dolphin Cruise is an all-in-one Panama City Beach boat tour combining dolphin watching, sightseeing, snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, and time to explore the beautiful waters around Shell Island. It’s a great choice for families, couples, and groups looking for a fun day on the water in PCB.

The entire cruise lasts approximately 3 hours. You’ll cruise through Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews Bay while looking for wild dolphins before visiting Shell Island for swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and exploring.

Yes! Our Shell Island snorkeling cruise includes a stop near Shell Island where guests can get in the water, snorkel, swim, paddle board, look for shells, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Dolphins are frequently seen during our Panama City Beach cruises, especially around St. Andrews Bay, the jetties, and Shell Island. Our experienced captains know the local waters and where dolphins are commonly found. However, dolphins are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed.

Every trip is different. Depending on the water conditions and time of year, you may find fish, crabs, hermit crabs, stingrays, sand dollars, shells, and other marine life. Sea turtles, manta rays, and other larger animals are occasionally spotted as well, but wildlife encounters are never guaranteed.

Yes. Shell Island is one of the most popular places for snorkeling in Panama City Beach. The shallow waters around the island can offer excellent opportunities to explore, especially when water and weather conditions are favorable. Our captain chooses the snorkeling area based on the conditions that day.

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and flotation devices are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own gear. We also have two paddle boards available for guests to enjoy during the Shell Island portion of the trip.

Not at all! There’s plenty to enjoy even if you don’t want to snorkel. You can swim, float, paddle board, explore Shell Island, look for shells, relax in the water, or stay aboard the catamaran.

Yes! Our Shell Island Snorkel & Dolphin Cruise is one of our most popular family activities in Panama City Beach. Kids love searching for dolphins, exploring the shallow water, snorkeling, finding marine life, and trying the paddle boards. Adults can participate or simply relax and enjoy the cruise.

You’ll cruise aboard our spacious 50-foot sailing catamaran. The boat offers plenty of room to move around, shaded seating, an open deck, two onboard restrooms, and easy access to the water.

Yes. Our sailing catamaran has two onboard restrooms, making the 3-hour tour comfortable and convenient for families with children and guests of all ages.

Yes. Snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, light cocktails, and our popular Rum Punch are available for purchase onboard. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera or phone for photos. We provide the snorkeling equipment and flotation gear. Please travel light, as strollers, coolers, and beach chairs are not permitted on board.

Morning trips can be a great choice when you’re hoping for calmer conditions and good water clarity. However, conditions in Panama City Beach change from day to day, and every departure offers a different experience.

Island Time Sailing cruises depart from The Dock PCB at 5201 N. Lagoon Drive in Panama City Beach, Florida. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure for parking, check-in, and boarding.

No. That’s what makes our trip different. It’s an all-in-one Panama City Beach experience combining a boat cruise, dolphin watching, Shell Island, snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, sightseeing, music, and time to relax on the water—all in one 3-hour trip.

Our cruise includes dolphin watching, but we do not offer swimming with dolphins on this tour. We observe wild dolphins responsibly from the boat while cruising through their natural habitat.

Our catamaran accommodates up to 65 passengers, and popular summer departures can fill up. If you prefer a smaller or more private experience, we also offer private charter options, and our sister company Lagoon Pontoons offers small private dolphin and snorkeling tours for groups of up to six.

Island Time Sailing combines several of the most popular things to do in Panama City Beach into one trip. Instead of choosing between a dolphin cruise, Shell Island excursion, snorkeling tour, or sailing experience, you can enjoy them together aboard a spacious catamaran with an experienced local crew.

We recommend booking your Shell Island Snorkel & Dolphin Cruise in advance, particularly during spring break, summer, fall break, weekends, and holidays. Popular departure times can sell out.

If you want to experience dolphins, Shell Island, snorkeling, beautiful Panama City Beach waters, and a fun catamaran cruise without booking several separate activities, this tour gives you a lot in one experience. It’s designed to be an easy, family-friendly way to experience some of the best things PCB has to offer.

2 relaxing and fun-filled hours!

We begin in the calm waters of Grand Lagoon, past St. Andrew’s State Park and then we sail the beautiful waters around Shell Island.

Yes! The cruise is perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking for a relaxing sunset experience. We offer fun games and dancing after the sun goes down to make it a memorable experience for everyone.

It is 3 hours of fun in the sun.

Yes. The price includes snorkeling gear.

Your bathing suit (although it is better if you wear it upon arrival), towels, hats, cameras, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Please no aerosol sprays.

Yes. Please call (850) 234-7377 and ask to speak to our manager for a quote.

We usually have groups of 30-60 people. Please call for larger groups.

Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate outings, church groups, senior trips, sailing parties, etc.

While conditions and such affect what we see, you could see baby dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and manta rays among many others.

Dolphins are wild animals in their natural habitat doing what they want to do. Our encounters observe them on their terms and depend on what they are doing and their mood. Encounters happen pretty often; however, there is no way that we can guarantee it.

We are bound by the laws of The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and subsequent amendments, in addition to the laws of the State of Florida. We are not allowed to feed or harass dolphins, so we don’t and are very strict about that. Thank you for understanding.