Shell Island Dolphin Tours — Local services in Panama City

We went on the 3 hour tour with Captains Mitch and Misty. We boarded right on time after being fitted for life jackets and goggles/snorkels. After an interesting weave through the dock area we went under a draw bridge and out into the bay. The captains were both amazing. Friendly, informative, professional and absolutely fantastic with our 4 children. We encountered a lot of 9 dolphins almost immediately and had the opportunity to jump into the water to interact with these amazing creatures from a safe distance. We saw sea turtles, manta rays and tons of jelly fish from the boat as well. Captain Misty dove in and picked up a puffer fish we named "Puffy" that the kids could hold and experience. She also found a sea urchin (not the dangerous black scary kind) that the kids could hold as well. We then went to a shallow area where we found a fighting conch, hermit crabs, star fish and many other creatures. This gave the kids (and us parents) a unique chance to see these amazing creatures up close and learn and interact with them. Two of my kids did get stung by jelly fish while in the water and both captains were amazing in helping them through it and offering them to sit in the shade. They handled everything with professionalism but also a very relaxed and friendly attitude. It felt more like going out on the water with friends than a commercial enterprise. We have done dolphin and shelling tours in Destin and had a great experience but being just our family with the captains made this experience more special and intimate. I could not recommend this experience more! My only regret is not doing the 4 hour tour, the kids didn't...

I decided for my 30th Birthday I wanted to drive 9 hours to Panama and swim with the dolphins again! This would be my second time but first with my partner. Shell Island Dolphin Tours LLC came up on my social media by fate. Misty took on us on an amazing trip to watch dolphins, we had multiple opportunities to jump in the freezing water with them. She was very patient and did not rush any site seeing opportunities. After we got to see dolphins big and small she let us choose whether we wanted to go snorkeling or to Shell Island (fun fact - there isn’t many great shells on the Island despite its name). She found just the right spot to go snorkeling. We found quite a few nice shells, starfish, and she even caught at puffer fish to share with us. Misty and her dad both took the time to let us hold the different species. They explained their history and habitat. They even made sure to take pictures for us! It was a windy day but Misty did her best to ensure we still had a great time as it was hard to reschedule only being down in the gulf for 3 days. We are already planning on a trip down with the family to have this amazing experience with Misty!

Compared to my previous Dolphin excursion, it did not feel rushed. Misty and her dad were extremely knowledgeable and she doesn’t stop until you have a great experience. Her vessel rides smooth and she’s obviously a great captain.

If you are visiting Panama, FL. Please do forget to book ahead for your Shell Island Dolphin Tour! You...

Buyer Beware – Read the Fine Print

I recently went on a dolphin tour with Shell Island Tours in Panama City Beach. While the trip started out great—with a friendly captain and a fun snorkeling session for starfish—our experience was cut short due to a sudden thunderstorm. Thankfully, the captain got us back safely, which we appreciated.

However, I feel compelled to warn others about their refund policy. The tour was expensive, and despite the weather cutting the trip short and us not seeing any dolphins or getting the full experience they advertise, we were only refunded a third of what we paid. After going back and forth with the owner, they refused to provide even half of the cost back.

Their website and Facebook page highlight a full dolphin experience, but they do not make it clear that once you leave the dock, refunds are essentially off the table—even if the tour is canceled for weather. Their policy does mention weather-related refunds, but it’s “at their discretion,” which leaves customers with little recourse.

I chose this company after following them for months and was very disappointed. You may be better off booking with another tour company that allows same-day reservations when weather is more certain. Many of them offer similar or even better experiences at a lower cost—and with clearer...