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Things to do in Panama City Beach

Our most recommended things to do in Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach: Gulf World Marine Park Entry Ticket

1. Panama City Beach: Gulf World Marine Park Entry Ticket

Enjoy and explore a world of underwater animals at Gulf World Marine Park. Enjoy a fun day out for all the family where educational tours and animal encounters abound. Learn more about your favorite animals and experience them up close. During your visit, get the chance to watch 3 daily educational presentations featuring dolphins, sea lions, and more. Explore the indoor and outdoor gardens, see tropical birds, and get up close and personal with the park's friendly stingrays and even pet them. Enjoy the shows and explore the exhibits for as long as you like. Take advantage of the flexibility in your ticket to linger longer and wander around the grounds.

Panama City Beach: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

2. Panama City Beach: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Admire the sunset as you cruise around the Gulf of Mexico aboard a catamaran. Unwind with a drink as you marvel as the blue sky transforms into a spectacular light show. Check in with plenty of time, then take a 5-7 minute walk down to the dock where you will board "Footloose," your catamaran for the evening. Set sail to explore the Gulf of Mexico and admire some of the best sites Panama City Beach has to offer with the sea breeze in your hair. Listen to tropical music as you sail and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, Sangria, cold beer, or a non-alcoholic drink. You can buy additional drinks and snacks at the fully stocked onboard bar, which takes cash or credit cards. Keep a sharp lookout for dolphins as these majestic creatures are often more active in the late afternoon. Enjoy the company of family and friends as you admire the western horizon turn every color imaginable in a breathtaking show.

Shell Island: Water Park and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

3. Shell Island: Water Park and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Embark on a boat trip from Panama City Beach to Shell Island, including a complimentary drink and a variety of water activities to make your day memorable. Have fun at the inflatable water park or try out kayaking or snorkeling. End your day sailing into the Gulf of Mexico for dolphin sightseeing.  Your day begins with a scenic trip through Grand Lagoon and over to Shell Island. Once at Shell Island, enjoy an inflatable water park, paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling. Have a go on trampolines, a water see-saw called the “rockit,” and other inflatables. If you’re looking for something a little more slow-paced, explore the waters on a kayak, take a paddleboard ride, or give snorkeling a try. Get plenty of time to take in all of the natural beauty that Shell Island has to offer. If just hanging out is your plan, relax and listen to music on the boat or in one of the two sunning nets located at the front of the boat while you sip on a refreshing beverage. All activities and inflatables are all-inclusive with unlimited use during your trip. The last portion of the trip will be spent sightseeing and dolphin watching before making a round-trip return to Panama City Beach.

Panama City Beach: Dolphin Watching Trip by Catamaran

4. Panama City Beach: Dolphin Watching Trip by Catamaran

Head out to sea to meet the resident Panama City Beach dolphins. Enjoy informative commentary from your captain and crew, and sip a complimentary drink as you go. Board the “Footloose” Catamaran and head out into shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico near Shell Island. Partake in a beer, wine, or soft drink as you head out from the dock. Watch the dolphins as they swim, play, and feed in their natural habitat. Learn all about these beautiful creatures with informative commentary from your captain and crew. Take advantage of an onboard bar during your trip. Keep your eyes out for encounters with the bottlenose dolphins as you voyage through the turquoise waters.

Panama City Beach: Gulf World Marine Park Dolphin Encounter

5. Panama City Beach: Gulf World Marine Park Dolphin Encounter

Learn more about the dolphins and their unique personalities as you engage with them. Learn how to get the dolphins to do tricks like the hand-target, where they jump up to touch your hands and receive a dolphin hug. Professional photographers will snap photos as you play with the dolphins. Photo prints and digital files on a CD will be available for purchase after your experience. After your dolphin experience, you can explore the other exhibits in Gulf World Marine Park and learn all about the different habitats and animals that live in them.

Panama City Beach: Snorkeling Trip by Boat

6. Panama City Beach: Snorkeling Trip by Boat

Enjoy a snorkeling trip by boat as you look out for dolphins and other sea creatures. Treat yourself to a complimentary drink on board as you cruise through the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Depart into Historic Grand Lagoon for a 15-minute relaxing cruise out to the Shell Island snorkeling area. Along the way, keep your eyes out for sea animals in their natural habitat. Take in the views as the vessel drops anchor. Plunge into the waters to snorkel for seashells and to catch a glimpse of the underwater world. As well as snorkeling, treat yourself to time to relax, float, and take in the sun. Sip on a complimentary drink on board. Wade through the shallow water onto Shell Island to hunt for more shells. Before returning home, the boat will ride out further into the Gulf of Mexico to search for more dolphins and sight-see along the way.

Panama City: Biker Gang Happy Hour E-Bike Adventure

7. Panama City: Biker Gang Happy Hour E-Bike Adventure

Explore the highlights of the St. Andrews area of Panama City as you ride by sights, murals, and historic spots on this guided e-bike adventure with a family-friendly biker gang. After biking, continue the fun with a happy hour at Papa Joe's Bayside or any other spots nearby. Meet your guide at Papa Joe's Bayside and get outfitted with a biker helmet and goggles so you can look the part on your adventure. Take part in a quick safety briefing and learn how to ride your top-of-the-line, easy-to-ride electric bike before hitting the road. Next, set out to discover some of the most iconic sights and best views in the city. Feel the wind in your hair and enjoy good music as you ride around Panama City. Listen to unique stories and learn interesting facts about the city that you won't hear anywhere else. The guide will take plenty of photos for you to share with friends and family after your tour. After you’ve seen the city, ride back to your meeting spot and enjoy a happy hour by the water with your biker gang. All biking adventures are unique, which means no two rides are the same.

Northwest Florida Beaches Airport: 1-Way Transfer to Panama

8. Northwest Florida Beaches Airport: 1-Way Transfer to Panama

Enjoy a convenient one-way private transfer from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport to your destination in Panama City Beach. Relax knowing that you are traveling safely in a licensed vehicle. Your driver will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal. Experience a comfortable journey in an air-conditioned vehicle directly from the airport. Travel conveniently without having to worry about last-minute searching.

Top sights in Panama City Beach

Other Sightseeing Options in Panama City Beach

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What people are saying about Panama City Beach

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 191 reviews

Casa loma all their rooms are beach front. You have to do stairs. Bring a pillow their's lumpy but for the price you can't beat it

It was perfect! Beautiful sunset! Captain Justine and Bartender Moseley were wonderful! Would do again in a heartbeat!

I love that the catamaran was small so it was not crowded! It was the favorite part of our trip. Highly recommend!

This was so much fun!! Seeing dolphins and having a drink with good music and a sunset!! Would do it again ❤️

Excellent boat ride experience and saw quite a few dolphins.