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Things to do in
Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach

Our most recommended things to do in Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

1. 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 beverage. You can buy additional drinks and snacks at the fully stocked onboard bar. (Please note our bar accepts debit/credit card transactions only) 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.

Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay

2. Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay

Experience a captivating journey aboard a double deck motor catamaran as you traverse the shimmering waters of St. Andrews Bay and the emerald coast of Panama City Beach. Arrive at the Pier Store and board a tram that will transport you to the ferry dock. As the sun begins its descent, casting a golden hue over the waters, you'll have the chance to spot wild dolphins frolicking in their natural habitat. Select from an offering of beer, wine, and other cold refreshments onboard. Whether you've spent your day lounging at the beach or exploring the campgrounds, this Sunset Dolphin Cruise is the ideal way to conclude your day.

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: High-Speed Speedboat Thrill Ride

4. Panama City Beach: High-Speed Speedboat Thrill Ride

Zip across the water, let loose, and even let out a shriek or two when you ride the Scream Machine: a twin-engine jet boat whose speed, 360-degree turns, and nose dives make it feel more like a rollercoaster on water. No long taxi times, no dolphin watching, just pure adrenaline. This Scream Machine is a 30' - 800 hp thrill ride powered by a set of twin Turbo Yanmar 350 diesel engines. Fish tails, nose dives, rocket launches and 360 degree power slides. This ride isn't for the faint of heart

Panama City Beach: Dolphin Watching Trip by Catamaran

5. Panama City Beach: Dolphin Watching Trip by Catamaran

Head out to sea to meet the resident Panama City Beach dolphins. Board the “Footloose” Catamaran and head out into shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico near Shell Island. 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: SkyWheel Ticket and Mini Golf Combo

6. Panama City Beach: SkyWheel Ticket and Mini Golf Combo

Embark on a thrilling adventure with our Skywheel and Mini Golf combo ticket. Soar to new heights on the Skywheel PCB, a breathtaking 200-foot-tall observation wheel offering panoramic views of Panama City Beach. Take in the stunning Gulf Coast sunset or the dazzling city lights on this unforgettable ride. After your sky-high experience, head to a state-of-the-art Mini Golf Course for a round of family-friendly fun. Navigate through challenging obstacles and enjoy the tropical surroundings as you putt your way to victory. Enjoy a day that blends excitement and leisure for an unforgettable day at the beach.

Panama City: Sunset Speedboat Tour with Dolphin Watching

7. Panama City: Sunset Speedboat Tour with Dolphin Watching

While in Panama City enjoy a roller coaster on water powered by a twin engine jet boat, with turns, nose dives and the legendary 360 degree spin! Don't miss out on the stunning sunset over Choctawhatchee Bay. This Panama City Beach Dolphin Watching Sunset Cruise takes you out on the water at the perfect time to get stunning photos of the sunset. Plus, you'll most likely spot a dolphin or two while cruising the bay, too. A thrill ride that complements any vacation, An outdoor adventure you’ll never forget!

Panama City Beach: Beginners Scuba Diving Tour

8. Panama City Beach: Beginners Scuba Diving Tour

If you wish to try scuba diving and you have never been underwater before, this Discovery Scuba Diving Activity is your best fit. No swimming skills, no previous experience, and no certification is required. This is the very first step in discovering the underwater world. Your Dive Instructor will meet you at the St. Andrews State Park Jetties public area pavilions, located at the end of the parking lot. First, he will starts with a safety breafing to introduce you the fundamentals of scuba diving (10-15 min). Next he will proceed to the shore diving site and teach you some basic diving skills in shallow water (3ft) to get you comfortable with breathing underwater and make sure you are familiar with underwater sign language. Now let Scuba Diving Begin! This experience guarantees you a fun, relaxing and unforgettable time, and your Instructor will make sure you are comfortable, carefree, and safe during your tour.

Panama City Beach: SkyWheel Ticket with Sunset Option

9. Panama City Beach: SkyWheel Ticket with Sunset Option

Experience the unparalleled beauty of Panama City Beach from the summit of the SkyWheel. Soaring over 200 feet, this iconic observation wheel provides an ideal perch to marvel at the stunning coastal scenery. Located at the heart of Panama City Beach's Pier Park, a bustling waterfront destination, the SkyWheel offers a unique and memorable perspective on the breathtaking coastal landscapes. Start your adventure by visiting the concession stand to savor an in-flight beverage. Fully accessibile, the SkyWheel ensures a safe and enjoyable 4 revolution ride aboard a climate-controlled gondola. The SkyWheel is perfect for visitors of all ages – from elderly guests with walkers to infants in strollers and moms-to-be. Revel in the perfect blend of scenic beauty and coastal charm as you continue your exploration after witnessing Panama City Beach from the heights of the SkyWheel.

Lower Grand Lagoon: Panama City Beach Guided Snorkeling Tour

10. Lower Grand Lagoon: Panama City Beach Guided Snorkeling Tour

On this snorkeling tour, venture into the waters around the man-made site known as the Jetties in St. Andrews State Park Aquatic Preserve. With an instructor on hand, you can relax and enjoy your snorkeling experience. Let yourself be awed by the biodiversity and beauty of this underwater world. Arrive at the scenic St. Andrews State Park and meet your snorkel instructor under the pavilions by the parking lot. After introductions and a brief safety orientation, don your snorkel gear and head over to the Jetties site. There, admire the rock structure jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico. As you scale this man-made finger of rock, follow your instructor to the best place to enter the water. Once submerged, marvel at the emerald shades of water as you begin exploring. Watch for invertebrates, like blue crabs, hermit crabs, and the occasional octopus scuttling along the rocks. Continue snorkeling to glimpse a rainbow of different fish species, including tangs, sergeant majors, damselfish, pufferfish, and wrasse. Several dolphin pods frequent the waters around the jetty, which you may see, along with manatees and rays. Watch for occasional visitors from the deeper Gulf. After you've snorkeled for about an hour and a half, return to shore to conclude your adventure.

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What people are saying about Panama City Beach

Overall rating

4.6
(191 reviews)

We had a great time on our water park and dolphin watching trip. Mike, Jacob and Jaya were excellent captains! All the crew at Shell Island were super great as well, from helping us off the boat, to helping with kayaks! There were a lot of water park toys for the kids to enjoy. The dolphins were on full display! They put on quite a show for us. Mike, Jacob and Jaya’s experience helped guide the catamaran right to the dolphins. This is a must do adventure during a trip to Panama City Beach!

Great experience! Angie, Kent and the trainee were full of fun. This was our date night away from kids and my wife and I would 10/10 do it again. Thank you

We loved the dolphin cruise. We saw lots of dolphins, including some jumping. The staff were amazing. Would highly recommend!

Needed to update your website with time change. Showed up an hour early. Time never updated. No toilet paper on boat 😢

Though there are not much dolphins, enjoyed sunset cruise.