1 Week Dolphin Swim Program
in Panama City Beach, FL.
A longer opportunity to swim with wild dolphins in Panama City Beach (near Destin and 30A). Spend one week with a professional team of instructors who will educate you on the proper way to interact with the dolphins.
- The price of the dolphin program includes dolphin swims, dolphin educational package, snorkeling equipment, and bottled water.
- Due to COVID-19, we will lend you the goggles only (no tube). You are welcome to bring your own snorkeling gear if you wish.
- You may also bring your own cooler and snacks; or, you can store your drinks in our cooler.
- Children are welcome to participate in our dolphin programs. Our staff has years of experience with helping children in the water during their dolphin swim and on board the boat. Your children will love the close proximity of dolphins and will probably remember their dolphin tour for the rest of their life.
- Pregnant women should consult their OBGYN before signing up for this tour if they have any concerns about their ability to engage in boating and snorkeling activities.
- We have deep ladders to make it easier for you to get back up on board from the water after each dolphin swim. All our boats are equipped with double shades.
- Are you looking for dolphin swims in Destin? It is difficult to find longer dolphin programs in Destin. We are conveniently located less than an hour from Destin and welcome clients from Destin, 30A, and Fort Walton Beach, FL.
- Visit our FAQs page for more information.
Duration: 1 Week (see sample schedule below)
Is one week too long? Click to check out our 3 Day Program, 4 Hour Dolphin Tour, or 2 Hour Sunset Cruise.
- The price of the 1-Week Dolphin Swim Program in Panama City is $850.00 (US) + tax and fees (7.5% sales tax + 4% electronic booking fee + 3% credit card processing fee) per reservation, equipment included. The price does not include gratuities (15 to 20%). Our captains work hard to facilitate this experience for you!
- Book by calling 850-230-6030 or inquire online.
- We offer the 1-Week Program for a minimum of 3 participants only. The price does not include accommodations, food, or transportation.
- Notice: Water Planet cannot guarantee interaction with wild dolphins nor ideal weather conditions. Trip fees cannot be refunded due to absence of dolphins. Our success rate with dolphin encounters is about 98%. Should there be a major storm compromising the week program, we will give you the option to reschedule or get a refund.
Payments for the 1 Week Dolphin Swim Program are to be made as follows:
- 50% down-payment to hold reservations.
- Balance due on arrival.
- We accept all major credit cards.
- Should you prefer to pay cash for a 5% discount the day of the tour, we will refund your card when you check in.
Day 1
Morning
- 9:00 a.m. – Presentation by Water Planet staff on the topics of the environment around Panama City and the Shell Island area, principles of Ecology, dolphin physiology, ecotourism, swim with the dolphins programs, children and dolphins, animal therapy. Special needs children and dolphins, autism and dolphins, dolphin therapy, Dolphin Assisted Therapy, is it legal to swim with dolphins. How to interact with wild dolphins, some information on bottlenose dolphin social behavior and proper etiquette to swim with dolphins.
- 10:30: a.m. – Snorkeling class in a swimming pool – safety rules before you swim with wild dolphins and guidelines on boats
- 12:00 Noon – Break
Afternoon
- 5:30 to 7:30 p.m – Dolphin Sunset cruise
Day 2
Morning
- 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Dolphin swim cruise – dolphin encounter Exploration of Shell Island and marine ecology “wet lab” optional and by request.
Afternoon
- Free time
Day 3
Morning
- 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Dolphin swim cruise, dolphin encounter, exploration of Shell Island and marine ecology “wet lab” optional.
Day 4
Morning
- 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Dolphin swim cruise, dolphin encounter, exploration of Shell Island and marine ecology “wet lab” optional.
Day 5
Morning
- 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Dolphin swim cruise, dolphin encounter, exploration of Shell Island and marine ecology “wet lab” optional.
Day 6
Morning
- 10:00 a.m. – Departure for Morrison Springs. Picnic by the spring
Afternoon
- Swimming and snorkeling in the beautiful crystal clear cool springs bordered by majestic cypress trees. Abundant wildlife – a memorable visit to another Florida. BBQ by the springs.
This schedule is subject to change based on weather. The dolphin tours are very fluid and they unfold differently every day based on the weather conditions, visibility in the water, dolphins behavior and their whereabouts.
Welcome on board, giving out snorkeling gear and life vests, educational briefing, travel to the Shell Island area (about 15 minutes, look for dolphins and get in the water when appropriate. The dolphins usually do not stay around the boat for long. Clients can stay in the water as long as the dolphins are present and as long as the dolphins tolerate human presence. Then they get back on board and we continue on either to catch up with them and do it again or look for other dolphins depending on their mood.
If the visibility is good, we may travel at low speed along the beach to look for stingrays, baby sharks or other sand dwelling fish. If the surf conditions allow it, we beach the boat at Shell Island, explore and look for shells. Check out small lake for gators. We also stop to snorkel by the jetties, which is habitat for allot of different fish species including Angel Fish, Blue Tang, Spade Fish, Grouper, Snapper, Lookdowns, wrasses, Jacks, Needlefish, Mullet, etc.
We snorkel a shipwreck. The Percy Pane, an 80-foot rum runner sunk by 10 feet of water right by the beach of St. Andrews State Park. Back inside the bay for shallow water seagrass wading or snorkeling (wet lab) and snorkeling on a 24-foot boat wreck sunk in 8 feet of water during Hurricane Ivan. Cruising inside the bay if time allows it and back to the dock. The order of activities will be altered based on conditions.
We are proud to be among the tour operators who DO NOT FEED OR PET WILD DOLPHINS.
All cancellations and changes for the 1-Week Dolphin Swim Program must be received in writing (e-mail or post) or by telephone. We will not accept any cancellations or changes by voice-mail.
- Up to 15 days prior = 10% cancellation fee per person
- 15 days to 72 hours = $50.00 penalty per person.
- Less then 72 hours: Full charge.
- No refund once you have started the program.
- No show = Full charge.
- Should you not notify us 15 days ahead of time of a downward change in the number of participants in your party, you will be charged for the number of passengers you have signed up originally.
- We will not run the 1-Week Dolphin Swim Program for less than 3 participants.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about our Dolphin Swim Tours and Sunset Cruises and Swims to Shell Island. If you have questions, please contact us.
The bottlenose dolphin population of the Panama City area are found mostly in shallow water. They feed along the beaches of Shell Island and inside the Bay of St. Andrews.
We encourage parents to bring their children because respectfully experiencing wild dolphins in their own environment can influence your children’s future attitude and choices toward wildlife and natural resources. They will certainly be able to make the difference between this incredible adventure and a petting pool or a dolphin show in a captive environment. For most, it is also a once-in-a-life-time experience.
We have no age restriction but we suggest that you set your priorities first. If you want to take small children with you, either take someone along that will look after them while you are in the water or take them in the water with you, which as you probably know, will restrict your own experience.
By request and based on availability, we also have specially trained staff to help with your kids’ in-water experience May through August.
There is no “better time”. Both dolphin swim tours are great to observe and to swim with the wild dolphins of Panama City. So many factors can influence wild dolphin’s behavior and whereabouts that it is practically impossible to predict in advance. Wild dolphins are influenced by meteorological conditions, seasonal changes, moon phases, tide cycles, air and water temperature, wind speed and direction, availability of prey, etc.
Typically (and this is not a rule), the seas can be calmer in the morning and the visibility may be better at high tide. You may see more feeding activities during your dolphin tour at the end of the afternoon on an outgoing tide. But as with any other wildlife experience, patience and flexibility will pay off. Start with low expectations; the sky is the limit. If you are traveling from Ft. Walton, the Destin Santa Rosa Beach area or 30A, and you have teenagers, you might want to do the afternoon Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour to avoid having to get up early.
Due to limited space on our dolphin tour boats (6 passengers), priority is given to those, who pay full price to swim with the dolphins. You do not have to get in the water if you do not want to. Watching from the boat is often as much fun as to swim. You will also most likely enjoy walking on Shell Island to collect seashells.
All wild animals can be dangerous if, by ignorance, people put themselves in situations where they can become a victim. We have been with the wild dolphins of Panama City since 1995. We have taken out thousand of guests and none of our guests or staff have ever been attacked and/or hurt by a wild dolphin. It is because we make sure that you understand what you can and what you cannot do during our dolphin tours.
We will make sure that you understand and follow our guidelines because they are there for your own safety and enjoyment.
Even though you probably will be within arm reach of the animals during your dolphin tour, you will be asked not to touch them. If petting dolphins is what you need to do, you should visit a captive facility where you will be lead to believe that dolphins have chosen to be there to please you, that dolphins like you, that they enjoy being petted and where they are fed dead fish as a reward for performing all kinds of neat tricks for your pleasure.
It is also illegal to feed dolphins in the wild. Feeding is at the core of most of the problems and accidents occurring during recreational human/wild dolphin interactions. It is a very complex issue and enforcement of the law is difficult because of the variety of sources and locations the dolphins are used to getting their handouts from (commercial and sports fishing, tourism).
If you are looking for the opportunity to get to know a wild dolphin in its own environment, we would be more then pleased to help you realize that plan on your dolphin tour. But you need to understand that wild dolphins are not there to entertain you or to please you. They do not necessarily like to be touched unless they feel like it. They have an agenda with certain needs just like us humans.
You will need to adapt to their schedule and needs since you are the ones, who want to meet them. There is no place in the US where you may touch wild dolphins. It is illegal and considered as harassment. Not only is it illegal, but also totally inappropriate and presumptuous.
Dolphins are known for their curiosity and playfulness. They will approach boats and swimmers. You will never be able to swim like a dolphin no matter how hard you try or how good a swimmer you are. Occasionally some of the dolphins will swim around you, behind you or ahead of you. They may even be interested in swimming with you, but as far as the statement “I swam with a wild dolphin”, it is a very subjective one.
Dolphins are tremendously powerful and fast in the water. When you see them around you, it means that THEY want to be there. They are interested in you or they tolerate your presence until they decide to swim on. Typical encounter time on our dolphin tours is usually short (under one minute) and depends on the level of interest and on the mood of the animals. Though we have had many encounters that lasted over 30 minutes.
Typically, there will be repeated opportunities of in-water encounters on your dolphin tour throughout the morning/afternoon. Of course we cannot guarantee that the dolphins will be there or that they will be interested in approaching you but our success rate is excellent (99%). We feel confident enough to replace your dolphin tour if the dolphins don’t show.
We will not chase the dolphins or interrupt their activities (feeding, courtship, nursing, etc.) because you want to swim with them. We understand that you have invested resources to encounter wild dolphins, but even if the dolphin’s reputation is to be friendly, we are not going to assume that we are always welcome to approach them. The encounter has to take place on the dolphins own terms.
Wouldn’t you want to know as much as possible about wild animal behavior before venturing out into their territory? Of course you would. You will then be able to safely experience their presence because you know the limits of their comfort zone. It is kind of sad to realize that a real and genuine interest in a wild animal is rare and that very often, humans seek interaction with wildlife for their own pleasure, looking for instant gratification without introduction or preparation. This behavior may lead to accidents and injuries.
We will give you the information you need about wild dolphins to allow for a respectful and safe encounter. We have been introducing people to wild dolphins since 1995. We have taken thousands guests out on our dolphin tours. We have never had a single person hurt by a dolphin or hurt a dolphin and we are planning on keeping that excellent record the way it is. Even if you do not get in the situation where one or more of the animals show interest in you in particular or if dolphins do not try to approach you, you will still be close to them. Give them the space they need.
Our encounter success rate is about 98%. In our opinion, we have the rare opportunity to approach and to be approached by these fabulous marine mammals. Let us enjoy and keep this privilege while it is still there by showing interest and concern for their communities and for their environment.
We will get you as close to the dolphins as possible (without harassing them) and you will have the opportunity to get in the water. Since the dolphins are always in movement, it is not easy to predict how long they will stay around you. This will depend on their mood, the nature of their activities at the time and the level of interest (if any) they have for you.
The dolphin tour program is very fluid. Once we leave the dock after the briefing, we may find dolphins practically anywhere. even in the no-wake zone in the marina. In general, unless boat traffic does not allow it, we will let you get in the water and swim with the dolphins if the captain feels that it is a good opportunity. It may happen in the lagoon, in the bay or in the pass leading out to the sandbars on the Gulf side in front of Shell Island. It is usually there that we start being serious about letting you swim with the dolphins because, most of the time, the visibility in the water is better and the dolphins will mostly follow the coastline in search of food. When we get to the sandbars, we are usually about 30 minutes into the dolphin tour. But if the visibility in the water is great for snorkeling by the time we come out of the pass, we may let you in the water by the jetties to observe all kinds of tropical fish like angelfish, spadefish, colorful wrasses, sheepheads, groupers, snappers, etc. We then proceed to cruise along Shell Island, looking for groups of dolphins. The time you will spend in the water with them will depend on their mood and level of interest in staying around you and the boat. It may vary between a few seconds to a few minutes with unusual dolphin encounters of up to 15-20 minutes. The sequence of our activities is based on opportunities. There are some days when we will spend more time observing other marine species like manatees, rays, turtles and fish, just because they are more visible that day than dolphins. We typically dedicate the last hour, hour and a half to snorkeling in the Bay of St. Andrews on the shallow seagrass beds, which provide shelter and food to hundreds of marine species..
Did you drive to the dock? Do you drive to go to work? Do you know what the odds are of you getting injured in a car crash versus getting injured in a shark attack? In average, there are in excess of 30,000 fatalities on the road in the US yearly. But you are not overly concerned about driving!
Since we have started our dolphin tours in 1994, no one was ever hurt by a shark off of our beaches and we have roughly one million swimmers yearly in our area.
The bottlenose dolphin population of the Panama City area is found mostly in shallow water. They feed along the beaches and inside the bay. During our dolphin tours, we are almost always within 100 to 200 yards of the beach in 3 to 30 feet of water.
There is a big difference between 3 and 7 feet because most people can stand in 3 feet of water but not in 7 feet. As soon as the water is over your head, be it 7 or 700 feet, you are in deep water.
Should the National Weather Service issue a “Small Craft Advisory” for the time of your tour, we will cancel your dolphin tour and you will have the choice to reschedule or cancel for a refund.
If the dolphin tour departs and we must return within the first half of the tour due to hazardous weather, we will issue a refund prorated up to 50% of the tour value (by written request only — email or post).
When you swim off of a boat, as a swimmer, you will not be affected by currents since the boat is drifting as fast as you are. We do go out even when there is one red flag unless a small craft advisory is issued by the National Weather Service or unless we decide that the experience will not be satisfactory. In which case, we cancel the dolphin tour and you have the option to reschedule. To check the current conditions in Panama City Beach today, click here.
It is rare that customers get seasick in normal conditions. We use wide pontoon boats, which are very stable. Eat light before your tour or if you know you are prone to motion sickness, use medicine before your tour.
You do not need to be a good swimmer to participate to our dolphin tours. As a matter of fact, we have taken out numerous children with very restricted motor skills to swim with the dolphins. Several of them did not know how to swim. The life vest you are wearing will keep you afloat no matter what.
Of course you can book the dolphin tour even if you just want to stay on board and watch. You will get the opportunity to step onto Shell Island to look for shells when the boat stops there towards the end of the tour.
We have flotation that you can wear on the boat and in the water. Dolphin swims are not done in scuba gear, just snorkeling gear. If you are not comfortable with a mask, you can wear goggles. Your experience will be so much more interesting if you can see underwater.
You do not need to know how to snorkel to swim with the dolphins. We will lend you a snorkeling goggle and a life vest. As a matter of fact, you do not even have to know how to swim to participate in our dolphin and snorkel tour.
Of course you can book the dolphin tour even if you just want to stay on board and watch. You will get the opportunity to step onto Shell Island to look for shells when the boat stops there towards the end of the tour.
Wear a bathing suit. Bring a towel. It is a good idea to have a light raingear (type Walmart pocketsize poncho) in case of rain. You may want to take some dry clothes with you or a sweatshirt to wear if you get chilled after you swim with the dolphins.
We do not have specific restrictions for pregnant women. We offer a boating and snorkeling experience and you should be physically fit. You do not need to be a strong swimmer. You will be wearing a life jacket. Common sense and caution should dictate your decision.
Consult with your OB/GYN provider to see if you can snorkel and swim off of a boat at your stage of pregnancy. Our ladders are deep for easy exit from the water. We do not allow our customers to have any physical interaction with the dolphins.
No, menstrual blood does not attract sharks. While sharks can detect blood in the water, there is no scientific evidence that menstrual blood increases the risk of shark attacks.
A “wet lab” is an activity taking place in shallow water where by request, Water Planet staff and guests alike (conditions allowing) snorkel the sea-grass flats to collect various forms of marine life: crustaceans, mollusks, fish, etc., which are brought back on board for viewing and identification. All live marine species are then released to their environment before your dolphin tour leaves the area.
Yes, there is time for snorkeling. Depending on the conditions and visibility in the water, we snorkel different locations:
- The “jetties” where you will see an abundance of different fish species (only done when the water is clear).
- A shallow water (10 feet) shipwreck.
- The shallow water seagrass beds (between 2 and 6 feet) for hermit crabs, blue crabs, sandollars and other bay-water species.
We use three 6-passenger boats: two 26-foot pontoon boat with 150 horsepower outboards, and one 26-footer with a 250 hp outboard.
All have double shades. Since they are wide, spacious and stable on the water, pontoon boats are the most practical vessels for this type of activity. The deep dive ladders, make it so much easier to get back on board from the water. We can carry a maximum of 18 passengers at a time on 3 boats. We will send several boats side by side for large parties.
Check it out here
Check here and if you don’t like it, we recommend you wear a wetsuit. It will make your experience so much more enjoyable. They are available for rent across the street from us at the Divers Den, 3120 Navy Drive. Ask for the discount for Water Planet customers. Should you opt for the wetsuits, please get them before our check-in, which is 30 minutes before departure time.
You may of course bring your own camera equipment and take pictures or video top side and underwater during all dolphin tours.
Weekends only, we have on board a professional underwater photographer (based on availability) to shoot photos and videos of your experience topside topside, underwater and areal drone footage, leaving you with the freedom to enjoy swimming with the dolphins rather than stressing out with trying to capture the beauty of your surrounding through the lens of your camera for the sole purpose of impressing your followers on Instagram. Leave the stress to the professionals and enjoy the moment. Click here to learn more about our photo/video package
By request and based on availability, we can also implement our dolphin tours in Spanish, French, German and Italian.
Click here to learn more.
We have many articles about dolphins in the education section of our Blog.
