Panama City, Florida

Capt. Anderson's Marina is a family-owned deep-sea fishing, sightseeing, dolphin cruising, and Shell Island operation located on Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach, Florida. Operating since 1935, it offers head boats for affordable family deep-sea fishing trips (5-12 hours), 40 private charter boats for trolling, sportfishing or bottom fishing, 4 dive boats for scuba to spearfishing, jet boat rides, Shell Island eco-tours, dolphin encounters, and sunset cruises.

Coastal Wildlife Adventures offers private dolphin and snorkeling tours departing from Panama City Beach and Port St. Joe, Florida. Specializing in eco-friendly excursions, the company provides personalized experiences that emphasize wildlife education and conservation. With knowledgeable captains at the helm, guests explore pristine locations such as Shell Island, St. Joseph Bay, and the Forgotten Coast, gaining close encounters with wild dolphins, sea turtles, and diverse marine life. The tours stand out for their commitment to minimizing environmental impact while delivering memorable and informative outings in some of Florida’s most beautiful coastal waters. The company’s offerings include private boat tours that combine dolphin watching, snorkeling over shipwrecks, and visits to remote beaches, catering to families, nature enthusiasts, and vacationers seeking an immersive marine adventure. Guests can expect a relaxed atmosphere with opportunities to bring their own beverages and snacks while enjoying world-famous sunsets and unique wildlife sightings. Captains engage participants with detailed knowledge of local ecosystems and often guide tours to hidden spots rich in starfish, mollusks, and other sea creatures. These tailored experiences provide both excitement and education, making them a favored activity for visitors to the Panama City Beach area.

Located in Panama City Beach, Florida, Airboat Adventures is a veteran-owned business specializing in thrilling airboat tours through the region’s unique backwaters, rivers, creeks, and marshlands. With over 20 years of experience, it offers the area’s only “full contact alligator experience,” setting it apart from other local tour operators. Guests explore authentic Everglades-style environments aboard real airboats, gliding just inches above the water to observe native wildlife such as American bald eagles, ospreys, herons, dolphins, and alligators. The company’s commitment to safety, knowledgeable guides, and immersive natural settings make it a standout choice for eco-tourism in Panama City Beach. Airboat Adventures provides a range of tour options, including daytime eco tours and private excursions that allow access to areas unreachable by other boats, with opportunities for guests to even pilot the airboat themselves. These tours are designed for families, nature enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers alike, offering an educational and entertaining experience that highlights the local ecosystem. The tours typically last about an hour and run daily from morning to early evening, ensuring flexibility for visitors. With a focus on combining excitement with wildlife observation, the company delivers memorable adventures that appeal to all ages and interests.

Double Fun Watersports operates premier double-decker pontoon boat rentals along Florida’s Emerald Coast, with locations in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Panama City Beach. Now entering its tenth season, the company is recognized for providing high-quality, custom-built pontoons that accommodate up to 14 passengers and feature unique amenities such as two waterslides, Bluetooth audio systems, and spacious lounge seating both in sun and shade. Their boats are equipped with all required Coast Guard safety gear and powered by quiet yet powerful Yamaha motors, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. With convenient marinas near popular destinations like Crab Island and Shell Island, Double Fun offers easy access to some of the region’s most beautiful waterways. The company’s offerings include half-day and full-day rentals of double-decker pontoons as well as luxury 12-person pontoons, catering to families, groups of friends, and special occasions such as bachelorette parties. Rentals come with complimentary perks like free Lily Pads, pool floats, and on-site parking, and pet-friendly options are available. Customers can choose to captain their own boat or opt for a captained charter for a stress-free outing. Whether cruising Destin Harbor, exploring Choctawhatchee Bay, or relaxing at Panama City Beach’s Upper Grand Lagoon, guests enjoy a blend of adventure and relaxation, with opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and socialize on the water. The consistently high customer ratings reflect the company’s commitment to quality boats and exceptional service.

Canoe Adventures, LLC is a locally owned business situated just two miles outside Vernon, Florida, providing exclusive access to the pristine Cypress Springs. This natural spring, located in the heart of Northwest Florida near Panama City Beach, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters that maintain a consistent temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Surrounded by towering cypress and tupelo trees, the spring spans approximately 150 feet in diameter with a maximum depth of 29 feet, offering a serene and shaded retreat. The only way to reach this secluded destination is by watercraft via Holmes Creek, making the journey an integral part of the experience. Canoe Adventures brings extensive local knowledge and handles all logistics to ensure a smooth and enjoyable outing. The company offers kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals, catering to outdoor enthusiasts, families, and visitors seeking a peaceful day on the water. Customers can choose trips ranging from one to three miles downstream on Holmes Creek, culminating in a visit to Cypress Springs. The rentals include shuttle services to and from the launch and pick-up points, allowing guests to explore at their own pace without the hassle of multiple vehicles. Fishing is also permitted along the creek, adding an extra dimension to the adventure. With a focus on safety and convenience, Canoe Adventures requires life vests and whistles for all participants and provides a private landing area exclusively for its customers, enhancing the overall experience.

Blue Dolphin Tours operates in Panama City Beach, Florida, offering a unique opportunity to swim with a resident pod of wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. With over 30 years of experience, the company specializes in small group tours aboard super-fast boats designed specifically for dolphin encounters. Unlike larger vessels that carry up to 150 passengers, Blue Dolphin Tours limits groups to six people per boat, ensuring a more intimate and less disruptive experience for both guests and dolphins. The tours also include exploration of nearby Shell Island, known for its abundant shells, starfish, and sand dollars, providing a diverse and engaging wildlife adventure. The tours cater to families and nature enthusiasts seeking a personalized and educational experience. Guests are equipped with snorkel gear and guided by experienced captains who provide instructions on safe and respectful dolphin interactions. In addition to dolphin swimming, participants can enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters of St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, where they may encounter sea turtles, stingrays, seahorses, and various bird species. Blue Dolphin Tours offers multiple boat options, including larger family cruisers accommodating up to 15 passengers, making it suitable for groups of different sizes while maintaining a focus on wildlife observation and environmental respect.

Anchor Charters is a private boat tour company based in Panama City, Florida, specializing in personalized eco-tours along the Gulf Coast. With experienced captains who possess extensive local knowledge, the company offers unique access to prime spots for dolphin sightings, shelling, snorkeling, and sunset cruises. Their expertise ensures guests enjoy safe, informative, and memorable experiences on the water, whether they are first-time visitors or Gulf Coast locals. The company’s commitment to environmental preservation and family-friendly service distinguishes it as a trusted choice for exploring the region’s natural beauty. The charter services include private tours tailored to various interests such as swimming in crystal-clear waters, spotting dolphins, collecting seashells, and snorkeling among vibrant marine life. These excursions are designed for families, thrill-seekers, and casual explorers alike, providing a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere. Guests often highlight the personable and knowledgeable captains who enhance the adventure with educational insights and attentive care. Each trip promises a blend of excitement and tranquility, allowing visitors to connect with the Gulf Coast’s diverse ecosystem while creating lasting memories.

Located in Port Saint Joe, Florida, AquaBear Adventures offers a unique and family-friendly way to explore the natural beauty of St. Joseph’s Bay and Cape San Blas. Operating from a spacious 50-foot Corinthian Catamaran, the company provides a stable and comfortable ride with ample shade and onboard restroom facilities. With years of experience navigating these waters, the crew ensures a safe and enjoyable journey, often spotting dolphins and diverse marine life along the way. The combination of expert guidance, quality equipment, and access to pristine locations like St. Joseph Peninsula State Park distinguishes this adventure provider in the region. AquaBear Adventures specializes in a variety of trips including snorkeling excursions, sunset cruises, and private charters. Guests can embark on a three-hour trip to the tip of Cape San Blas, snorkel in shallow, clear waters teeming with marine life, or enjoy a scenic 90-minute cruise highlighting historic shorelines. The company caters to families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a relaxing yet engaging outdoor experience. With free parking at Point South Marina and a friendly crew offering detailed snorkeling instructions, each outing promises both comfort and discovery in one of Florida’s most celebrated coastal areas.

Located in Panama City, Florida, Capt. Anderson's Marina boasts a rich heritage dating back to the mid-19th century, making it one of the region’s most established fishing and boating operations. With a legacy rooted in generations of experienced captains, the marina offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Its prime location on Grand Lagoon provides convenient access to some of the Gulf of Mexico’s best fishing grounds, earning it the reputation of being “nearest the beaches, nearest the fishing grounds.” The marina’s fleet includes several well-maintained vessels named in honor of the Anderson family’s history, reflecting decades of expertise in deep-sea fishing and eco-tourism. The marina offers a wide range of activities tailored to fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors can choose from deep-sea fishing trips lasting from five to twelve hours, including private charters and night excursions. For those seeking adventure beyond fishing, the marina features new jet boat rides that deliver thrilling high-speed maneuvers, as well as eco-tours and dolphin encounters around Shell Island. The experience is designed to accommodate families, groups, and individuals, providing both excitement and relaxation. Additionally, Capt. Max’s Bar & Grill on-site offers a convenient dining option, enhancing the overall visit with local flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.

Friends of Camp Helen State Park is a Citizens Support Organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Camp Helen State Park, located on Lake Powell in Florida. The park spans 800 acres and features the largest coastal dune lake in the northern hemisphere, where a unique blend of saltwater and freshwater creates a diverse brackish ecosystem. This natural setting offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience a variety of wildlife and scenic landscapes. The organization supports the park through volunteer projects, community events, and fundraising efforts, ensuring the preservation of this valuable natural resource for future generations. The organization facilitates a range of outdoor activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, bird-watching, hiking, and fishing, although kayak rentals are temporarily unavailable as they work to resume this service. They also provide fishing clinics and host several community events throughout the year, such as the Americana Concert series, Fall Festival, and International Coastal Clean-up. These offerings cater to nature enthusiasts and families seeking educational and recreational experiences in a pristine environment. The Friends of Camp Helen encourage visitors to enjoy the park responsibly, emphasizing conservation and respect for the delicate ecosystem.

Destin Coastal Adventures is a locally owned and operated boat tour company based in Destin, Florida, led by Captain Scott Burke, a native of the Emerald Coast. With deep roots and extensive knowledge of the area, the company offers a unique opportunity to explore the region from a local’s perspective. Specializing in private, all-inclusive, and fully customizable boat cruises, the business caters to small groups of up to six passengers. Its intimate tours provide an authentic experience of the coast’s natural beauty and attractions, setting it apart through personalized service and insider expertise. The company’s offerings include private boat tours to popular destinations such as Crab Island, dolphin watching excursions, snorkeling adventures, sunset cruises, and fireworks viewing. Each tour is tailored to the preferences of the guests, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience on the water. The use of well-maintained equipment and the captain’s familiarity with the best local spots enhance the quality of each outing. Destin Coastal Adventures primarily serves visitors seeking a personalized and immersive way to enjoy the Emerald Coast’s scenic waterways and coastal lifestyle.

Low Tide Tours is a locally owned watersports company based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in unique and memorable experiences along the Gulf Coast. With extensive knowledge of the region and a passion for the water, the company offers a variety of adventures including floating tiki boat tours, relaxed pontoon cruises, and the longest parasail flights in Southwest Florida. Operating daily, Low Tide Tours stands out for its combination of adventure, relaxation, and luxury, providing guests with exceptional service and the opportunity to encounter local wildlife such as dolphins and manatees while enjoying stunning coastal views. The company’s offerings include private daytime charters and extended excursions departing from locations such as Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key. Guests can choose from two-hour private cruises or longer “Make It A Double” tours lasting up to 4.5 hours, which feature stops at popular sandbars, waterfront bars, and scenic spots ideal for swimming and sightseeing. These BYOB charters accommodate groups of up to 29 passengers depending on the vessel, with experienced captains and crew ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether seeking a lively floating tiki bar atmosphere or a tranquil pontoon cruise, customers of all ages can expect personalized service and a relaxed, scenic journey on Florida’s western coast.