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. 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 $750.00 (US) + tax per person, 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 3-Day Program for a minimum of 3 participants only. The price does not include accommodations, food, or transportation.
- Accommodations can be arranged by request.
- Notice: Water Planet cannot guarantee interaction with wild dolphins nor ideal weather conditions. Trip fees cannot be refunded due to adverse weather or absence of dolphins.
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 = $10.00 cancellation fee per person
- 15 days to 72 hours = $50.00 penalty per person.
- Less then 72 hours: you lose your deposit.
- 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.
