Quick Details
Adult
Ages 13+
$ 49
Child
Ages 3-12
$ 39
Infants
Ages 2 and under
$ 10
Shell Island Snorkel & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise
Shell Island Catamaran Cruise in Panama City Beach
Experience one of the most popular things to do in Panama City Beach aboard Island Time Sailing’s famous 50-foot sailing catamaran. Our Shell Island Snorkel Sail combines dolphin watching, snorkeling, paddle boarding, wildlife encounters, music, and family-friendly fun into one unforgettable adventure on the beautiful emerald waters of the Gulf Coast.
With multiple daily departures, this trip is perfect for families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone looking to experience the best of Shell Island and Panama City Beach from the water.
Your Adventure Begins with Dolphin Watching
Cruise Through St. Andrews Bay and the Jetties
The fun starts the moment you step aboard. As we leave the dock, our crew will welcome you aboard and get the music going while we cruise through the beautiful waters of St. Andrews Bay toward the historic jetties.
This area is one of the best locations in Panama City Beach to spot wild dolphins. Keep your cameras ready as dolphins often swim alongside the catamaran, surf through the boat’s wake, and put on a show for guests. Our experienced crew knows where dolphins like to gather and will help you spot these amazing animals throughout the trip.
Explore the Crystal-Clear Waters of Shell Island
Snorkeling, Swimming and Paddle Boarding
After our dolphin watch, we’ll make our way to Shell Island, one of Florida’s most beautiful undeveloped barrier islands. Known for its sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear emerald water, Shell Island offers the perfect setting for adventure and exploration.
Once anchored, guests are invited to jump in and enjoy the water. We provide complimentary snorkel equipment for everyone onboard, making it easy to explore the underwater world and search for marine life beneath the surface.
Want to try something different? Paddle boards are available for guests who want to glide across the calm waters and experience Shell Island from a unique perspective.
Marine Life Encounters
One of the highlights of our Shell Island Snorkel Sail is discovering marine life up close. Our crew loves helping guests find interesting sea creatures, shells, and marine animals during our stop. Whenever possible, we share our discoveries with everyone onboard, especially the kids, creating fun and educational moments for the entire family.
After everyone has had a chance to see and learn about the marine life, we carefully return it back to its natural environment before departing Shell Island.
Enjoy Refreshments from Our Onboard Bar
Snacks, Soft Drinks, and Adult Beverages Available
No Island Time experience would be complete without a visit to our onboard snack and drink bar.
We offer a variety of refreshments, including:
- Soft drinks
- Bottled water
- Beer
- Wine
- Specialty Adult beverages
- Light snacks
Whether you’re relaxing in the shade, soaking up the sun, or enjoying the scenery, our bar helps keep the good times flowing throughout the trip.
Try Our Famous Rum Punch
Don’t leave without trying our legendary Rum Punch.
It’s become a guest favorite and, according to our crew, it just might make you see twice as many dolphins. While we can’t guarantee extra dolphin sightings, we can guarantee it’s one of the most popular drinks aboard the catamaran.
The Island Time Experience
More Than a Boat Tour
What truly makes this trip special is our amazing crew. From the moment you board until you return to the dock, our crew works hard to keep guests entertained, informed, and smiling.
As we sail back from Shell Island, the atmosphere transforms into a floating celebration. Music fills the air, guests share stories from their adventure, and everyone enjoys the laid-back Island Time lifestyle that has made us one of the top-rated activities in Panama City Beach.
Music, Games, and Family Fun
The fun doesn’t stop after snorkeling.
Depending on the day and conditions, guests can enjoy:
- Hula hoop contests
- Dancing on deck
- Dolphin watching on the return trip
- Interactive games
- Island Time temporary tattoos for adults and children
It’s these little touches that turn a great boat tour into an unforgettable vacation memory.
Why Guests Love Our Shell Island Snorkel Sail
A Must-Do Panama City Beach Adventure
Our Shell Island Snorkel Sail is perfect for:
- Families with children
- Couples
- Vacation groups
- Dolphin lovers
- Nature enthusiasts
- First-time visitors to Panama City Beach
With dolphin encounters, snorkeling, paddle boarding, Shell Island exploration, music, drinks, marine life education, and nonstop family fun, it’s easy to see why this cruise is consistently one of the most recommended activities in Panama City Beach.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Shell Island tour, dolphin cruise, snorkeling adventure, or family-friendly activity in Panama City Beach, Island Time Sailing delivers an experience you’ll be talking about long after your vacation ends.
**Online bookings are only available up to 2 hours prior to departure time. Afterwards, please call (850)234-7377 if you want to go today.**
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Snorkeling on Island Time is an unforgettable experience. The calm, warm waters of the gulf are perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Take an adventure searching through the vibrant marine life near Shell Island. Around Shell Island you may find starfish, seashells, and all different fish.
Our knowledgeable crew will guide you through the fun and interesting sights while answering any questions you may have.
After about an hour of snorkeling bliss at Shell Island, we’ll take a leisurely sailing cruise out to the Gulf of Mexico to look for wild dolphins! (Please read dolphin watching disclaimer below). We always hope the conditions will line up just right and it’s pretty rare not to see dolphins, but the itinerary is based on the weather and conditions for your safety and enjoyment. The cruise back to the dock is a fun sailing party at Panama City Beach with upbeat music, games and dancing.
We’re known for our famous “Rum Punch,” but we also have a stocked bar with beer and wine, and all of our snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are just $2.00. Restrooms are available onboard. Join our experienced captain and crew for your Island Time snorkeling and sailing adventure in paradise.
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- Sailing Across St. Andrews Bay
The adventure begins with a scenic sailing cruise across the bay, where you can enjoy some of the best dolphin-watching spots around Shell Island. - Snorkeling at Shell Island
We’ll anchor in calm, shallow waters (about 5 feet deep) where you can snorkel, search for seashells, or simply relax in the sun. Spend about an hour exploring the beauty of Shell Island. - Dolphin Watching in the Gulf of Mexico
After snorkeling, we’ll head into the Gulf of Mexico to spot wild dolphins! While dolphin sightings are common, they depend on weather and water conditions. - Sailing Cruise Back
On the way back to the dock, enjoy a fun-filled cruise with upbeat music, games, dancing, and our famous Rum Punch.
Come aboard for a day of adventure, fun, and relaxation on this unforgettable Panama City Beach snorkel and sail trip!
- Sailing Across St. Andrews Bay