Snorkeling in Panama City Beach
Beneath the emerald waters of Panama City Beach lies a vibrant underwater world waiting to be explored. From artificial reefs and rocky jetties to the crystal-clear waters surrounding Shell Island, snorkeling offers visitors of all ages the chance to experience marine life up close. Whether you're a first-time snorkeler or an experienced adventurer, Panama City Beach offers plenty of opportunities to discover colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and even dolphins in their natural habitat.
Sign Up for a Snorkeling Tour
Learn more about the local marine life and find some of the best snorkeling spots in the Gulf on a guided boat tour.
Sign up for a public or private dolphin tour with Shell Island Boat Rentals and Tours. Enjoy dolphin sightseeing and snorkeling around Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay. An experienced captain operates the boat that can usually hold six to 15 people. Choose between a two-hour public or private tour; the latter can run as long as four hours if requested.
A three-hour excursion filled with dolphins and snorkeling, Dolphin and Snorkel Tours offers guests a tour of Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay and plenty of time to snorkel. Private tours are available.
Most tour companies, like Paradise Adventures, include equipment rental with their tour packages.
Where to Rent Gear
There's no need to pack snorkeling gear when you've got plenty of equipment rental options on our shores. Local outfitters include Panama City Dive Center or the Diver’s Den, offering masks, snorkels, fins, and diving equipment.
If you plan to visit Shell Island during your trip, you can rent snorkeling gear with the Shell Island Shuttle, which transports you to and from the destination.
Snorkeling Hot Spots
Now that you know where to book your tour and rent equipment, here are some of the top snorkeling spots in Panama City Beach.
Off the coast of the unspoiled Shell Island, you’ll find a variety of colorful wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles, and clear, calm waters, perfect for snorkelers of all experience levels, around the rock jetties. Head to the sugary-white sand beach after your snorkeling excursion.
Another popular snorkeling spot is the rock jetty and artificial reef on the Gulf shores of St. Andrews State Park, with access to St. Andrews Bay. The park’s rock jetties serve as a wildlife habitat, allowing snorkelers to see rays, dolphins, octopus, and a variety of sponges and coral. Experienced and beginner snorkelers are welcomed. You can bring your own gear or rent gear at the park concession. Besides snorkeling, you can enjoy diving, surfing, paddling, and more at St. Andrews.
Ready to dive in? Whether you're gliding through the clear waters of Shell Island, exploring the marine habitats around St. Andrews State Park, or discovering colorful fish along an artificial reef, snorkeling offers a whole new perspective of Panama City Beach. With warm waters, abundant wildlife, and adventures for every skill level, it's easy to see why snorkeling remains one of the area's most popular outdoor activities. Start planning your underwater adventure and discover the beauty waiting just beneath the surface.