Dolphins in Panama City Beach: Where to See Them & How to Get Up Close

Looking to spot dolphins in Panama City Beach? You’re in the right place. This stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast is one of the best places in the country to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat. At Flippin’ Awesome Adventures, we spend nearly every day on the water with our famous locals, the bottlenose dolphins! And we never get tired of it. Whether you’re planning a boat tour, dreaming of a dolphin encounter, or just want to learn more about the marine life here, this blog will answer all your top questions about seeing dolphins in Panama City Beach.

What kind of dolphins live in Panama City Beach?

The most common species of dolphins in Panama City Beach is the common bottlenose dolphin. These highly intelligent, social animals live here year-round and are known for their curiosity and playful nature. Unlike some of their migratory cousins, the dolphins in our area are residents, meaning they stay here year-round. So no matter when you visit – summer, fall, or even the cooler months – there’s always a great chance to see them.

These dolphins are incredibly intelligent and social, often traveling in family groups called pods. You’ll spot them cruising the bay, the pass, or just offshore in the Gulf, working together to hunt, surf boat wakes, and occasionally showing off with a flip or two. Some of them even seem to enjoy a good audience!

And while dolphins steal the show, they’re not the only stars out there. On our tours, we often see stingrays, sea turtles, and even the occasional manatee when the water warms up. Every trip is a little different — and that’s what makes it so flippin’ awesome.

Where can I see dolphins in Panama City Beach?

There are a few key spots where your chances of seeing dolphins in Panama City Beach are especially high. Whether you’re heading out on a boat or scanning the waves from shore, here are the best places to look:

1. On a Guided Tour with Flippin’ Awesome Adventures: The real secret to seeing dolphins in Panama City Beach is with someone who knows where to find them. Our private tours are guided by a marine biologist who understands dolphin behavior, feeding patterns, and the best spots based on tide, weather, and time of day. Every tour with Flippin’ Awesome Adventures is an interactive, educational experience built for families, wildlife lovers, and even those who have never stepped foot on a boat before. Book your dolphin adventure here and let’s go find some dolphins up close!
2. Shell Island: This barrier island is surrounded by shallow, protected waters that dolphins love. They often cruise the bay side looking for fish or play in the surf on the Gulf side. It’s one of our top picks for consistent sightings, and you’ll almost always find a pod nearby during our Shell Island dolphin tours.
3. St. Andrew Bay: The bay is rich with marine life and a favorite feeding ground for local dolphin pods. You’ll find them cruising the boat channels or gliding along the grass flats, especially in the quieter parts of the morning when boat traffic is light.
4. The Jetties at St. Andrews State Park: This is a popular land-based spot for dolphin watching. Incoming tides bring clearer water and active fish, which often attracts dolphins. If you’re snorkeling or just enjoying the view from the rocks, keep your eyes peeled. Dolphins love weaving through this area.
5. St. Andrews Marina & Public Piers: If you’re staying on dry land, head to the St. Andrews Marina or one of Panama City Beach’s fishing piers. While not as consistent as a boat tour, you’ll sometimes catch a pod passing through, especially early in the morning when the water’s calm and the bait fish are schooling.

Will I see dolphins on a Flippin’ Awesome boat tour?

There’s a very high chance! Dolphins are spotted on nearly every single tour we run. With over 500 five-star reviews, we’ve built a reputation for knowing where to go and how to do it the right way. Since we’re out on the water daily, we’ve learned the patterns of the local pods and how to respectfully observe them in their natural habitat.

Every tour is led by an experienced captain and guided by a marine biologist who’ll break down dolphin behaviors, vocalizations, and all the cool quirks that make these animals so entertaining. Capt. Chris, our resident marine biologist, shares insider knowledge about what their clicks and whistles mean, how to recognize individual dolphins, and why they’re always doing something goofy. You’ll get a mix of marine science, real stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Want to get a preview of the other creatures you might meet? Check out our Critter Corner blog series and our Shell Guide for Panama City Beach to see what’s waiting out there!

How can I swim with dolphins in Panama City Beach?

There are no dolphin swim programs in Panama City Beach where you’re allowed to directly interact with dolphins in a captive setting. Here, we believe in respecting and observing dolphins in the wild, where they’re free to be their awesome, flippin’ selves.

We never allow guests to jump in with the dolphins. Remember, they’re wild animals and completely unpredictable. While we don’t encourage trying to swim directly with them, there’s always a chance they’ll come close while you’re snorkeling during one of our tours. It’s their habitat and home, and sometimes they’re just as curious about us as we are about them. When those moments happen naturally, it’s unforgettable.

Are dolphin tours in Panama City Beach good for kids?

Absolutely! Our dolphin tours are one of the top family-friendly activities in Panama City Beach. Kids love seeing dolphins up close, learning fun facts about marine life, and splashing in the shallow water near Shell Island. We tailor each trip to your group, so whether your little ones want to spot a sea star, find a cool shell, or ask a million dolphin questions, we’re here for it. Don’t forget to bring snacks, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure!

Book Your Dolphin Tour with Flippin’ Awesome Adventures