Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay

Witnessing the captivating sunset over St. Andrews Bay in Panama City Beach is an experience like no other. As the sky paints itself in vibrant hues, visitors can embark on a thrilling Sunset Dolphin Cruise aboard a double-deck motor catamaran. This 1.5-hour journey not only offers the chance to spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat but also provides a serene and relaxing conclusion to a day at the beach. With refreshments on board and a stellar rating, this must-do activity is sure to create unforgettable memories.

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Good To Know

Experience a 1.5-hour sunset dolphin cruise on a double-deck motor catamaran in St. Andrews Bay, Panama City Beach.
Spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy scenic views of the bay and Panama City Beach sunset.
Relax and unwind with onboard refreshments, including beer and wine, as you conclude your beach day.
Convenient transportation is provided, with a tram ride to the ferry dock included in the cruise price.
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera to enhance your enjoyment of this memorable coastal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay, Panama City Beach, offers a captivating 1.5-hour adventure. Priced from $28.95 per person, this cruise is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.

The experience includes sailing on a double-deck motor catamaran, spotting wild dolphins in their natural habitat, and enjoying the scenic beauty of St. Andrews Bay and the Panama City Beach sunset. Onboard refreshments, including beer and wine, are available.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this cruise is a must-do for visitors seeking a memorable conclusion to their day.

Love the evening vibe? Here are more after-sunset activities we've covered in Panama City Beach

Experience Highlights

Sailing on a double-deck motor catamaran, guests can expect to spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat during the Sunset Dolphin Cruise.

The scenic beauty of St. Andrews Bay and the Panama City Beach sunset provide a stunning backdrop to the experience. Onboard refreshments, including beer, wine, and other beverages, add to the relaxation.

The cruise serves as an ideal conclusion to a day spent at the beach or exploring the area, offering a chance to unwind and appreciate the coastal environment.

Meeting and Transportation Details

The meeting point for the Sunset Dolphin Cruise is the Shell Island Shuttle Office at 4607 State Park Lane, located at the entrance to St. Andrews State Park.

The Sunset Dolphin Cruise meets at the Shell Island Shuttle Office at 4607 State Park Lane, at the entrance to St. Andrews State Park.

From there, a tram ride is included to the ferry dock, with the tram departing 30 minutes before the ferry’s scheduled departure. Convenient parking is available at the Pier Store.

The cruise takes place aboard a double-deck motor catamaran, allowing passengers to:

Enjoy the scenic beauty of St. Andrews Bay and the Panama City Beach sunset.
Spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Indulge in onboard refreshments, including beer, wine, and other beverages.

What to Bring

When taking the Sunset Dolphin Cruise, visitors should bring a few essential items to enhance their experience.

Sunglasses are a must to combat the glare off the water and enjoy the stunning sunset. A sun hat or visor can also provide welcomed shade.

Bringing a camera along is highly recommended to capture the dolphins, bay scenery, and breathtaking views. Sunscreen is crucial to protect against the Florida sun.

Finally, wearing weather-appropriate clothing, such as lightweight, breathable fabrics, will ensure maximum comfort throughout the 1.5-hour cruise.

With these items in tow, guests can focus on soaking up the natural beauty of St. Andrews Bay.

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Dolphin Sightings and Sunsets

While the Sunset Dolphin Cruise promises breathtaking views and the chance to spot wild dolphins, it’s important to note that sightings and sunsets aren’t guaranteed. The cruise operates in all weather conditions, except for severe weather, so the experience may vary depending on the day’s conditions.

To manage expectations, here’s what to keep in mind:

Dolphin sightings are dependent on the dolphins’ natural behavior and movement, which can be unpredictable.
Sunsets are subject to weather conditions and cloud coverage.
Enjoy the cruise for the overall experience, as the scenic beauty of St. Andrews Bay and the chance to be on the water are the core attractions.

Want to see more dolphins? We've reviewed these other marine encounters in Panama City Beach

Central Time Zone

As St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island are located in the Central Time Zone, visitors to the Sunset Dolphin Cruise should be aware of the time difference. The Central Time Zone covers a large geographic area, spanning from Canada to Mexico. It is one hour behind the Eastern Time Zone and one hour ahead of the Mountain Time Zone. This is an important consideration for planning your day and ensuring you arrive on time for your cruise departure.

| Time Zone | Offset from UTC |

| — | — |

| Eastern | UTC -5 |

| Central | UTC -6 |

| Mountain | UTC -7 |

| Pacific | UTC -8 |

Customer Feedback Highlights

The Sunset Dolphin Cruise in Panama City Beach has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 147 customer reviews.

Reviewers praised the friendly and knowledgeable crew, the beautiful sunsets, and the comfortable experience.

Specific highlights from customer feedback include:

The guide received a 4.7/5 rating for their expertise and engagement.
The transportation was rated 4.6/5, with the included tram ride to the ferry dock being a convenient touch.
Customers felt the cruise offered excellent value for money, rating it 4.7/5.

Booking and Availability

Booking the Sunset Dolphin Cruise in Panama City Beach is highly recommended, as the tours often sell out, especially during peak seasons. To secure your spot, it’s best to reserve your tickets in advance. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the tour for a full refund, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is offered for added convenience.

| Booking Details | |

| ————— | ————— |

| Duration | 1.5 hours |

| Price | From $28.95/person |

| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours |

| Pay Later | Available |

| Availability | Limited; check now |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cruise Suitable for Children?

The cruise is generally suitable for children. The calm catamaran ride, dolphin viewing, and scenic sunset make it an enjoyable family-friendly activity. However, parents should consider their child’s interest and ability to participate in the 1.5-hour tour.

What Are the Food and Drink Options Onboard?

The experience includes onboard refreshments such as beer, wine, and other beverages. However, passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the cruise.

Is the Cruise Wheelchair Accessible?

The cruise is wheelchair accessible. The catamaran has a ramp for easy boarding, and the crew is accommodating in assisting passengers with mobility needs. Guests in wheelchairs can comfortably enjoy the scenic cruise and wildlife viewing experience.

How Often Do the Cruises Operate on a Daily Basis?

The cruises generally operate multiple times per day, with departures scheduled based on demand. Most tours depart in the late afternoon to coincide with the sunset timings.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?

There aren’t any specific discounts or promotions mentioned for this activity. However, customers can take advantage of the free cancellation option and reserve now & pay later feature to book their spots.

The Sum Up

The Sunset Dolphin Cruise in Panama City Beach is a must-try activity for visitors seeking a relaxing and memorable experience. Aboard a comfortable catamaran, guests can spot wild dolphins and witness breathtaking sunsets over the scenic St. Andrews Bay. With high customer ratings and convenient meeting and transportation details, this 1.5-hour cruise is the perfect way to cap off a day on Florida’s beautiful coastline.

You can check availability for your dates here: