Things to do · On the water
Boat Tours in Panama City Beach
Shell Island shuttles, dolphin cruises, sunset sails, and the trips that make the week. Boats leave from St. Andrews State Park and the Grand Lagoon marinas; most run two to three hours.
When to book
Book before you arrive for Weeks 2 and 3 — boats sell out — and pick the first good-weather morning of your week so a cancelled day can be rebooked.
What it costs
Shuttles are the cheapest way onto the island; dolphin and sunset cruises are priced per person; fishing charters are priced per boat and split well six ways.
- Morning departures have the calmest water and fewest cancellations
- Bring water and snacks — there's nothing to buy on Shell Island
- Cool on the water at sunset; bring a layer
- All ages; the best under-21 activity in PCB
Bookable listings coming soon
Boat trips: live inventory is launching for 2027
There are no bookable listings or prices on this page yet, and we will not show sample ones. Use the guide above to plan, and contact an operator directly for now.
Questions
Will we see dolphins? In March, usually. Captains know where they are; no operator guarantees it.
Is Shell Island worth it? Yes. It's the trip everyone remembers. Full guide.
What if the weather turns? Operators reschedule or refund weather cancellations; check the listing.