What to do and see in Panama City, Florida (FL): The Best Dolphin & Whale Watching

September 8, 2021 Fernanda Pittenger

Panama City is a four-season paradise for water-sports enthusiasts. Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and kiteboarding are popular activities on the crystal blue waters of St. Andrews Bay. Numerous charters offer inshore and offshore fishing, scuba and snorkeling excursions. Guided day trips are available for dolphin-watching or you can go shelling on uninhabited Shell Island. Enjoy water views and fresh, locally caught seafood at popular restaurants like Gene's Oyster Bar, a local landmark.
Restaurants in Panama City

1. Northwest Florida Dolphin and Fishing Tours

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5.0 based on 42 reviews

Northwest Florida Dolphin and Fishing Tours

We specialize in Fishing Charters and wild dolphin encounters. This is an interactive tour and you will see many different types of marine life. We can fish and swim with dolphins in on trip or they can be separated. The owner is your personal guide and captain and will see to it that you have a great time. He has been in this business for 23 years. Russell is true Panama City local born native and a veteran of the US Navy as a Rescue Swimmer.

2. South Wind Sailing

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5.0 based on 15 reviews

South Wind Sailing

South Wind Sailing offers a variety of sailing charters including dolphin watching, sunset, wedding, etc. We also offer sailing training from beginner through coastal cruising.

3. Reef Runner Sailing

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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Reef Runner Sailing

Reef Runner Sailing, established in 1999, is the oldest and most professional American Sailing Association certification sailing facility on the Gulf Coast. We offer a variety of sailing experiences including sailing classes, day sails, sunset cruises, dolphin sightseeing cruises and a variety of other salt water experiences.

4. Capt Salty Charters

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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Capt Salty Charters

We do swim with the Dolphin Tours with snorkeling for all ages and capabilities. We also offer custom trips for anything you might want to do on the water, like sunset trips!!! I have been doing dolphin trips for well over 10 years and I am a 100 Ton licensed US Coast Guard captain.

5. Capt. Sully Charters

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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Capt. Sully Charters

Fishing Charters and Dolphin Tours in Panama City, FL We strive to provide a fun and memorable experience.

6. Capt. Zach's Adventures

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Capt. Zach's Adventures

I'm Captain Zach and I have been working on the water in Bay County since 2008. My favorite thing to do is show people how beautiful St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are in the Panama City Beach area.

7. Capt Zach's Adventures

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Capt Zach's Adventures

We offer 2 hour dolphin and sightseeing cruises as well as trips to Shell Island. We also offer snorkeling with snorkel gear provided. Come and enjoy beautiful St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with us! I am an experienced local captain and my main goal is safety 1st and making sure everyone has a great time!

8. AAA Jet Ski Rental

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4.5 based on 101 reviews

AAA Jet Ski Rental

Explore the emerald waters of Panama City Beach on one of the areas only partially guided Jet Ski tours. Spend 45 minutes with our experienced guides exploring the area and then take off on your own adventure for an hour of free ride time. Partially Guided Jet Ski Tours are $129 per Ski for 2 hours on the water. Unguided Jet Ski rentals are available as well.

9. Salty Dogs Dolphin Tours

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4.5 based on 14 reviews

Salty Dogs Dolphin Tours

Enjoy a trip to the Gulf of Mexico side of Shell Island to see and swim with the dolphins. We instruct you when to get in the water to get a closer look and mingle with them. Once we have spent time with the dolphins, which is usually an hour, we take you to the bay side of Shell Island to swim and collect shells and sea life. The water is calm and shallow, perfect for children and adults. Our captains will get into the water with you and show you all the sea life that Shell Island has to offer. Our captains will grab puffer fish for you, show you how to find sand dollars and starfish, and give you an education on the local ecosystem and Panama City.

10. Dolphin Express of PC LLC

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4.0 based on 19 reviews

Dolphin Express of PC LLC

Welcome to DOLPHIN EXPRESS, your touring destination for dolphin tours in Panama City Beach Florida! Come spend some time on our open-deck boat and experience the adventure of cruising the Gulf of Mexico, enjoying the beautiful coast of Shell Island and of course-being entertained by the playful antics of bottlenose dolphins. DOLPHIN EXPRESS is conveniently located on the Lighthouse Marina in the heart of Panama City Beach. Our tours are scheduled throughout the day and early evening, making it easy to fit into your busy vacation plans. Call DOLPHIN EXPRESS today and book your adventure with the dolphins! DOLPHIN EXPRESS is an interactive tour that is fun for all ages. It is a narrated tour that will teach you fun facts about dolphins, birds and some history of the bay. While on board, you will also get to bring out your inner child with hula hoop contests, water cannon fights and line dancing with the crew and other guests. Be ready for the wind in your face and an exciting ride during the fast cruises out the pass and along the beaches. There is a good chance that you will get wet from the splashing waves and water cannons so dress appropriately and leave valuables in your car.

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