The Shell Island: Snorkel & Dolphin Tour on the Footloose Catamaran promises an unforgettable 3-hour adventure from Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort & Spa in Panama City Beach. Priced at $54.50 per person, this tour provides snorkeling gear and a complimentary beverage, allowing guests to explore vibrant coral reefs and spot playful dolphins. With stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and an opportunity to connect with marine life, it’s an outing that’s hard to resist. But there’s more to this tour than meets the eye.
Key Points
- This 3-hour adventure from Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort & Spa in Panama City Beach includes snorkeling at Shell Island and dolphin watching.
- The tour is priced from $54.50 per person and includes snorkeling gear and one complimentary beverage.
- Guests should bring items like sunglasses, hat, towel, and sunscreen, while high-heeled shoes and outside beverages are prohibited.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and reservations can be made online with a pay later option.
- Customer reviews are mixed, with some enjoying the snorkeling and dolphin sightings, while others note overcrowding and aggressive alcohol sales.
Tour Overview
The Shell Island Snorkel & Dolphin Tour takes guests on a 3-hour adventure from the Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort & Spa in Panama City Beach.
A 3-hour adventure from Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort & Spa in Panama City Beach, exploring Shell Island and spotting dolphins.
Priced from $54.50 per person, this popular tour includes snorkeling gear, a boat ride to the Gulf of Mexico, and one complimentary beverage.
Participants can look forward to snorkeling at Shell Island and spotting dolphins during the cruise.
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Reservations can be made online, with a pay later option available.
Guests should arrive 45 minutes early and bring recommended items like sunglasses, towels, and water shoes.
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Itinerary Highlights
Main activities of the Shell Island Snorkel & Dolphin Tour include snorkeling at Shell Island and dolphin watching during the cruise.
Snorkelers can explore the island’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. While cruising, participants may spot dolphins swimming alongside the boat, offering a chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
The tour also provides scenic views of the Gulf, enhancing the overall experience. Plus, the package includes snorkeling gear, a boat ride, and one complimentary beverage, with a cash/credit card bar available for additional drinks.
What to Bring
Recommended items for the Shell Island Snorkel & Dolphin Tour include sunglasses, a hat, and a towel to protect against the sun. Plus, visitors should bring flip-flops or water shoes and high-quality sunscreen in lotion or cream form. Prohibited items include high-heeled shoes, outside beverages, and oil or spray lotions to prevent slippery surfaces. A table of recommended and prohibited items is provided below:
| Recommended Items | Prohibited Items |
| — | — |
| Sunglasses | High-heeled shoes |
| Hat | Outside beverages |
| Towel | Oil or spray lotions |
| Flip-flops/water shoes | |
| Sunscreen (lotion/cream) | |
Important Information
Although free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, the activity is subject to favorable weather conditions.
A full refund is available up to 24 hours in advance, but the activity is subject to favorable weather conditions.
If canceled, alternatives or refunds will be provided. To ensure a smooth experience, guests should arrive 45 minutes early at the resort, complete the online waiver, and bring valid identification.
The snorkel and dolphin tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Guests are advised to pack accordingly and avoid prohibited items like high-heeled shoes, outside beverages, and oil or spray lotions to prevent slippery surfaces.
More Great Tours NearbyCancellation Policy
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible policy provides customers peace of mind when booking their adventure.
Some key points to note:
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Free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior to tour start time
-
Full refund issued for canceled bookings
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Cancellation requests must be submitted online or by phone
This user-friendly cancellation policy ensures customers can book with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change.
The tour operator’s commitment to flexibility is a testament to their dedication to providing an exceptional experience.
Want to see more dolphins? We've reviewed these other marine encounters in Panama City Beach
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Weather Conditions
Since the tour takes place outdoors, the activity is subject to favorable weather conditions. If the weather is deemed unsuitable, the tour will be canceled.
In the event of cancellation, the tour operator will provide alternatives or issue full refunds. Guests are advised to check the weather forecast before their scheduled departure and dress appropriately for the conditions.
The tour may be affected by factors like high winds, heavy rain, or thunderstorms. The safety of participants is the top priority, and the tour staff will make the final decision on whether to proceed with the excursion.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews for the Shell Island Snorkel & Dolphin Tour on the Footloose Catamaran paint a mixed picture.
Some highlight the fun of snorkeling and spotting dolphins, while others note crowded conditions and a focus on drink sales:
Customer reviews paint a mixed picture – some enjoy the snorkeling and dolphins, while others cite crowded conditions and a focus on alcohol sales.
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Positive reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, smooth transportation, and overall value.
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Negative reviews criticize the overcrowding, lack of snorkeling time, and aggressive alcohol sales.
Many agree the natural scenery and wildlife encounters make for an enjoyable experience, though expectations should be set accordingly.
FAQ
What Is the Duration of the Boat Ride?
The tour lasts 3 hours, which includes the boat ride to the Gulf of Mexico. The boat trip allows guests to view the scenic views and search for dolphins during the cruise.
How Deep Is the Water at the Snorkeling Site?
The water depth at the snorkeling site typically ranges from 3 to 8 feet, allowing both experienced and beginner snorkelers to explore the underwater environment comfortably. Guests can expect to see a variety of marine life in the clear, shallow waters.
Can Children Participate in the Tour?
Yes, children can participate in the tour. The activity is suitable for all ages, though not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?
Participants are allowed to bring cameras and take photos/videos during the tour. However, the tour operator advises against using selfie sticks or drones as they may disrupt the experience for others. Proper precautions should be taken to protect devices while in the water.
Is Food Provided on the Boat During the Tour?
The tour includes 1 complimentary beverage, but no food is provided. There’s a cash/credit card bar available for purchasing additional drinks during the boat ride. Guests should bring their own snacks and meals if they want to eat on the tour.
Sum Up
The Shell Island: Snorkel & Dolphin Tour on the Footloose Catamaran offers an exhilarating 3-hour adventure showcasing the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and spot playful dolphins for $54.50 per person. While it’s a perfect outing for ocean enthusiasts, the tour may not accommodate individuals with mobility impairments. Check the weather conditions and cancellation policy before booking this unforgettable experience.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Sailing Experiences in Panama City Beach
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