Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Tour
A shared boat trip from Panama City Beach across St. Andrews Bay to Shell Island, with time to watch for wild dolphins and wade or snorkel the shallows. The classic first outing for most visitors.
Florida
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is the Florida Panhandle's big, bright beach town: roughly 27 miles of sugar-white sand and green Gulf water, a long strip of condo towers and mini golf, and a surprising amount of wild coast just beyond the crowds.
Boats leave daily for Shell Island, the undeveloped barrier island where dolphins surface beside the bow and shallow flats are made for snorkeling. St. Andrews State Park wraps the pass with jetties, dune walks and calm lagoon water for paddling, Pier Park gathers shopping, dining and the PCB Wheel in one open-air center, and rainy days are covered by marine-park shows, a zoo, a diving museum and a science fun house. Further out, Camp Helen and a cold spring-fed swimming hole add quieter options. This guide covers 20 things to do, 10 places to stay and six planning guides, from three-day itineraries to the best time to go.
Don't miss
Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Tour
A shared boat trip from Panama City Beach across St. Andrews Bay to Shell Island, with time to watch for wild dolphins and wade or snorkel the shallows. The classic first outing for most visitors.
Parasailing Adventure Over Shell Island
A boat-launched parasail flight over the pass and Shell Island, with views of the Gulf, the bay and the coastline from high above. A short, memorable thrill for first-timers and nervous flyers alike.
St. Andrews State Park
A big state park at the eastern end of the beach strip, with sugar-white sand, calm lagoon water, jetties, nature trails and the departure point for Shell Island ferries. The best free-to-low-cost day out in town.
Pier Park
An open-air shopping, dining and entertainment center across from the beach, with an IMAX screen, the PCB Wheel, mini golf and plenty of places to eat. The easiest place to spend an evening or a rainy afternoon.
Things to do in Panama City Beach
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Shell Island Shuttle Ferry from St. Andrews State Park
A short shuttle ride from St. Andrews State Park to the quiet side of Shell Island, with a drop-off, a few hours of beachcombing and a scheduled return. The simplest and cheapest way to set foot on the island.
Cruisin Tikis Shell Island Cruise and Snorkel
A tiki-style open boat that heads from Grand Lagoon to Shell Island and the sandbar for snorkeling, floating and dolphin watching. A relaxed, family friendly version of the Panama City Beach boat day.
Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Footloose Catamaran
A shared evening sail on a catamaran, with the sun dropping over the bay and a chance to spot dolphins in the golden light. A quiet, wind-powered way to end a beach day.
Dolphin Sightseeing Sail Aboard the Daydreams Sailboat
A shared daytime sail on a classic sailboat through St. Andrews Bay, with a crew, a relaxed pace and a good chance of dolphins. For people who want sailing rather than a motor tour.
Three Hour Tiki Boat Adventure
A shaded, open tiki boat for a leisurely trip to Shell Island and the bay, with time to swim and watch for dolphins. A relaxed, budget conscious way to get out on the water.
Parasailing Adventure Over Shell Island
A boat-launched parasail flight over the pass and Shell Island, with views of the Gulf, the bay and the coastline from high above. A short, memorable thrill for first-timers and nervous flyers alike.
Shell Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour
A guided jet ski ride across the bay and pass toward Shell Island, looking for dolphins along the way. A fast, fun option for anyone who would rather drive than sit.
Scream Machine Xtreme Thrill Boat Ride
A fast, spinning, splashing speedboat ride from the Gulf pass, built for people who want a short burst of adrenaline between beach hours. Loud, wet and popular with teens.
St. Andrews State Park
A big state park at the eastern end of the beach strip, with sugar-white sand, calm lagoon water, jetties, nature trails and the departure point for Shell Island ferries. The best free-to-low-cost day out in town.
Kayak and Paddleboard Rental at St. Andrews State Park
Single and tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for the calm waters of St. Andrews State Park. An easy, affordable way to explore the lagoon, the ponds and the bay on your own schedule.
Pier Park
An open-air shopping, dining and entertainment center across from the beach, with an IMAX screen, the PCB Wheel, mini golf and plenty of places to eat. The easiest place to spend an evening or a rainy afternoon.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront
Front Beach Road
A Gulf-front chain hotel with the practical comforts of the brand and a short walk to the sand. A dependable mid-range base for families and first-time visitors.
Check rates →Boardwalk Beach Resort
Thomas Drive
A large Gulf-front condo resort with big pools, a lively family atmosphere and apartment-style rooms. A value pick for groups who want space and a kitchen.
Check rates →Origin at Seahaven
Front Beach Road
A newer Gulf-front condo resort with modern interiors, resort pools and a polished, upscale feel. For travelers who want contemporary rooms and a calmer atmosphere than the older towers.
Check rates →Laketown Wharf Resort
Thomas Drive
A big Gulf-front resort with several pools, a gym and beach access, built for groups who want to stay put. A resort-style base with space for families.
Check rates →Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort
Front Beach Road, west side
A sprawling Gulf-front resort with condo-style towers, pools and an on-site golf course. A good choice for longer stays and families who like a resort to wander.
Check rates →Hampton Inn and Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront
Front Beach Road
A Gulf-front Hampton Inn with free breakfast, a pool and bright rooms. An easy, reliable choice for couples and families who want the beach without the condo complexity.
Check rates →Hampton Inn and Suites Panama City Beach Pier Park Area
Pier Park area
A comfortable Hampton Inn close to Pier Park with free breakfast and a pool. A smart, budget-friendly base if you want shops, dining and entertainment at your doorstep.
Check rates →Residence Inn Panama City Beach Pier Park
Pier Park area
An all-suite Marriott near Pier Park with kitchens, separate living areas and free breakfast. Made for families and longer stays that need room without a condo.
Check rates →Calypso Resort and Towers
Pier Park area
Tall Gulf-front towers beside Pier Park with several pools, a tiki bar and balconies facing the water. A high-energy resort for groups that want views and a short walk to everything.
Check rates →Sugar Sands Beachfront Hotel
Front Beach Road
A smaller, older-style Gulf-front hotel with a pool, a beach setting and lower rates than the big towers. A friendly, low-fuss base for travelers on a budget.
Check rates →Panama City Beach guides
Panama City Beach in Three Days: Shell Island, Dolphins and Pier Park
A three-day plan that puts the water first: a Shell Island day, a state park and sunset day, and a flexible third day for Pier Park or a rainy-day fallback.
Shell Island and Dolphin Cruises: How to Choose a Boat Trip
A practical guide to the boat trips that leave Panama City Beach for Shell Island: shuttle ferries, tiki boats, catamarans, jet skis and sunset sails, and how to pick the right one.
Where to Stay in Panama City Beach: Areas and Hotel Types
A guide to choosing where to stay in Panama City Beach: Pier Park, Front Beach Road, Thomas Drive and the west end, plus condo resorts versus standard hotels.
Panama City Beach with Kids: Beaches, Animals and Rainy-Day Plans
A family guide to Panama City Beach covering calm swimming spots, boat trips for children, animal attractions and indoor plans for rainy or very hot days.
Best Time to Visit Panama City Beach: Seasons, Crowds and Weather
When to visit Panama City Beach: how the seasons, spring break crowds, hurricane season, water temperature and boat trip schedules affect your trip.
Panama City Beach on a Budget: Free Beaches, Parks and Smart Savings
How to enjoy Panama City Beach without overspending: free and low-cost beaches and parks, value boat trips, cheaper hotels and ways to cut costs on food.
