Panama City Beach Sightseeing Tours: See Dolphins, Sunsets and Pirates

With its location on the Gulf of Mexico, visitors find it hard to resist Panama City Beach sightseeing tours. These tours rank as a top vacation activity and offer a fun way to learn about the area. And no one wants to miss scenic beach sunsets. Due to popularity of these tours, no two are the same, and each provide visitors a different experience. Get ready for a new adventure on these Panama City Beach sightseeing tours.

Top Panama City Beach Sightseeing Tours Vacationers Love

panama city beach sightseeing tours dolphins

Dolphin, Sunset Tours for Families

Sea Screamer

Those who vacation in Panama City Beach have likely seen Sea Screamer, a long yellow boat speeding through the water. Ranked as one of the top options for dolphin-watching in the area, guests can book a two-hour sightseeing cruise to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Other tour options include sunset cruises and snorkel trips, also lasting two hours.

Visitors should wear swimsuits or casual beach clothes, and bring a camera for photo ops. This option is ideal for all ages and perfect for families short on time.

Lagoon Pontoons

Lagoon Pontoons rents boats and jet skis, but guests also enjoy two-hour dolphin tours. This option provides guests a more intimate experience, as they explore Shell Island, swim with dolphins and snorkel.

Lagoon Pontoons provides a more private option for families, and tours usually do not include other groups. Captains are also happy to accommodate special needs and suggest ways to customize the experience.

Dolphin and Snorkel Tours

Have more time? Check out Dolphin and Snorkel Tours, which offers snorkeling, dolphin encounters, a Shell Island eco tour and cruises. Among the most popular are sunset cruises, where guests watch dolphins and the sunset at the same time. The three-hour dolphin tour welcomes up to six guests and suits families with children. In addition, plan to BYOB and see dolphins up-close.

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Adventure Time on Airboats

Wild Thang Airboat Tours

See the area in a new way on an airboat tour offered by Wild Thang. This option allows visitors to explore lesser-known marshes and parts of Florida seldom seen.

Visitors have three options from which to choose: 30-minute tour, one-hour ride and an action-packed sunset ride. When planning, book the sunset ride in advance as it fills up fast. Close encounters include herons, eagles, dolphins, alligators and more wildlife.

Airboat Adventures

Another fun option for sightseeing and adventure is Airboat Adventures, which operates Everglades-style airboats. Head into the back waters of West Bay and into rivers and creeks to see wildlife native to Florida.

The eco-tour lasts about 45 minutes, and guests see alligators, dolphins, birds and a special gator demonstration. Families may also enjoy the 1.5-hour sunset option where they see gators hiding in the marsh.

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Themed Sightseeing Tours in PCB

Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise

Gear up for adventure on the high seas with a pirate-themed cruise provided by Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise. Join Captain Fearless Phil and his crew for shenanigans, bird-watching, dolphin sightings and more fun activities.

Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise also delights kids, as they sword fight, fire a kid cannon, look for treasure and attend their own pirate dance party. All ages are welcome to participate in the adventure.

Paradise Adventures Catamaran

Paradise Adventures Catamaran also offers dolphin and sunset cruises, but for something extra, try the adventure tour. This 3.5-hour trip first visits Shell Island with opportunities to see marine life. Next, guests find inflatables, a water seesaw, banana boats and a water slide.

All of these activities are included in the price, providing guests both sightseeing and water fun. Learn more about Shell Island.

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Couples Sightseeing Tours

Island Time Sailing

For relaxing Panama City Beach sightseeing tours, head to Island Time Sailing. Suited for large groups up to 78, guests hop aboard a sailing catamaran for a relaxing sunset and dolphin sailing cruise. This option lasts two hours and offers a laid-back atmosphere through Grand Lagoon and Gulf of Mexico.

In the event of inclement weather, the boat sails through St. Andrews Bay, also home to Panama City Beach’s famous bottlenose dolphins.

Love big catches? Check out the top Panama City Beach fishing charters.

Is it time to getaway? Check out these vacation rentals in Panama City Beach.