Dolphins, pontoons and Shell Island
Short answer
Wild bottlenose dolphins live in St. Andrew Bay all year. See them from a dolphin tour, a rented pontoon or a kayak, usually combined with a stop at Shell Island. Stay at least 50 yards away, and never feed them: it's against federal law.
Ways to get out on the bay
Take a dolphin tour
Most tours leave from the marinas along Thomas Drive and the Grand Lagoon, run 90 minutes to a few hours, and often stop at Shell Island. The easiest choice if nobody in your group drives a boat.
Rent a pontoon
A pontoon gives your group its own schedule: a dolphin loop, then an afternoon anchored off Shell Island. Rentals are available at marinas around the Grand Lagoon and from the Camp Store inside St. Andrews State Park. Ask about the rules for the pass, which can get rough, and where you can't anchor.
Paddle
Kayaks and paddleboards are rented inside St. Andrews State Park. Stay in the lagoon and bay; the pass has strong currents and heavy boat traffic.
Take the Shell Island ferry
The official ferry leaves from inside St. Andrews State Park. Pay park admission, then take the tram or bus from the Pier Store to the marina. Reserve ahead in summer; the park's Shell Island page links to tickets.
Snorkel the jetties
On calm, clear days, the rocks inside the St. Andrews jetties hold small reef fish. Only go when the flags and the water say so, and stay out of the channel.
Watching wild dolphins the right way
The dolphins in St. Andrew Bay are wild, and federal law protects them. Researchers have found that feeding near Panama City Beach changed how some local dolphins behave, putting them closer to boats and fishing lines.
- Never feed them, and don't chase, touch or swim with them. Feeding wild dolphins is illegal.
- NOAA recommends staying at least 50 yards away and limiting your time to about 30 minutes.
- If a dolphin approaches your boat, slow down and put the engine in neutral. Don't cut between dolphins or between a mother and calf.
- Pick a tour that says it follows the Dolphin SMART or NOAA viewing guidelines.
How to choose a tour
- Shade matters more than you think in July. Ask if the boat is covered.
- Ask how long you'll actually spend at Shell Island, if it's included.
- Check the cancellation policy for weather; afternoon storms are common in summer.
- Morning trips are usually calmer and less crowded.
Questions people ask
Can you swim with dolphins in Panama City Beach?
Not with wild dolphins. Federal law protects them, and feeding, chasing or trying to touch or swim with them is illegal. Good tours watch from a respectful distance.
Is a dolphin tour or a pontoon rental better?
A tour is easier: a captain who knows where the dolphins feed, no boating experience needed. A pontoon gives your group its own schedule and Shell Island stops, but you need to be comfortable driving a boat in a busy pass.
When is the best time for a dolphin tour?
Morning, when the bay is usually calmer and boat traffic is lighter. Dolphins are in the bay all year, so any season works.
What should I bring on a dolphin tour or pontoon?
A hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of water and a light layer for the ride back. If you're stopping at Shell Island, add shade, snacks and a bag for your trash.
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