Are you looking for the best place to go snorkeling in Panama City, Florida? If so, Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park are two of the top spots for snorkelers of all levels. Shell Island Shuttle offers rental of snorkel equipment every day to explore the waters surrounding this 7-mile-long, 700-acre undeveloped barrier island. Here, you can observe a variety of marine life up close.
St. Andrews State Park also provides snorkel packages for the whole family or you can bring your own equipment. The rocky pier at St. Andrews offers an opportunity to explore a Gulf reef and observe marine life up close.
If you're looking for a guided tour, Dolphin Seafari is a private charter and boat tour company that offers swimming with wild dolphins in Panama City Beach, Florida. You can choose from a 2-hour dolphin and snorkel charter or a 3-hour charter that allows you to swim with dolphins, dive to see marine life, and walk along Shell Island beach. You can also rent pontoon boats and go fishing with Dolphin Seafari. When snorkeling in Panama City Beach, make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, extra water and snacks.
You'll also need a mask and a dive tube, but fins are definitely recommended for a more enjoyable experience. Florida law states that divers and divers “must prominently display a dive warning device in the area where the dive takes place, except when diving in an area that is normally used only for swimming. Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park are by far the most popular places for diving in Panama City Beach due to their unaltered state and abundance of marine life.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, these two spots offer something for everyone. So grab your gear and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!.
