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Are you looking for a dolphin cruise near 30A or more information on snorkel or sunset cruises in Panama City Beach? Well, you have come to the right place because I know a lot about both!  This is one of my favorite day trips from 30A and one of the most popular things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida!

First off, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but you will not find a catamaran cruise on 30A. You have to travel west into Destin or east toward Panama City Beach. The good news is that it’s a short drive and well worth it. Suppose you are staying in the central or east part of 30A. In that case, you will certainly want to head toward Panama City Beach to avoid the traffic bottlenecks on Highway 98 heading west.

Today, I want to share more about Paradise Adventures in Panama City Beach. We have cruised aboard their boats numerous times and always had a great time. 

Catamaran Cruises in Panama City Beach

A Paradise Adventures daytime and sunset cruise in Panama City Beach is great for anyone looking for a fun-filled boat tour on the water. The gorgeous ocean views, romantic sunsets, thirst-quenching drinks, and possible dolphin sightings make it a perfect getaway. It’s great for couples looking for a romantic outing or families wanting an exciting trip to Shell Island that everyone can enjoy.

We have gone on several of these tours and believe they are one of the best sunset dolphin cruises in Panama City Beach. The captains and crew are both knowledgeable and fun. The laidback atmosphere of being on a boat, watching the red hue of the setting sun, and perusing the horizon for dolphins is an excellent part of any vacation. It’s been so much fun for Matt and me as a couple and the whole family.

Paradise Adventures Panama City Beach Location

Paradise Adventure’s boats are docked near Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort & Spa at Panama City Beach, formerly the Sheraton Panama City Beach. The Resort is located in Bay Point and directly overlooks the beautiful Grand Lagoon, a popular inlet of Saint Andrew Bay. The Resort is a short distance from downtown Panama City and about 35-45 minutes from our Seacrest Beach rentals and the 30A communities of Rosemary Beach and Seacrest Beach.

Booking.com

Bluegreen Bayside Resort and Spa at Panama City Beach

The Bluegreen Bayside Resort and Spa at Panama City Beach is a full-service resort with a stunning view of St. Andrew’s Bay, two family-friendly pools, a bustling outdoor bar and grill, and indoor dining. We have stayed here numerous times and have never been disappointed.

The Resort has an added feature we love – a long bridge stretching many hundreds of feet over the shallow Bay lagoon. Walking out over the bridge is exciting because you can see hundreds of salt-water crabs skittering across the ocean floor, beautiful wrens and seagulls standing on one foot, and other exciting marsh creatures.

Pelican’s Bar and Grill

The bridge meanders over the Bay and ends in a small peninsula with a fantastic seasonal beach bar called Pelican’s Bar and Grill. It’s seemingly suspended above the Bay. Pelican’s Bar and Grill is a happening place and serves as the perfect base for daytime beach and water activities. It’s situated right next to the docks for the Paradise Adventures daytime and sunset cruises.

The two large Paradise Adventures catamarans are docked here – the “Footloose” and the “Privateer.” Paradise Adventure’s fleet of pontoon boats and jet skis are also along the docks and available to rent. 

Paradise Adventures: Available Tours and Rentals

Paradise Adventures owns two large catamarans for daytime dolphin cruises and sunset dolphin tours. They offer several cruises each day. Cruises can be booked online and tend to fill up, so you should book ahead. You can choose between an evening sunset cruise or a daytime dolphin-watching and snorkeling trip.

The sunset cruises last around 1.5 to 2 hours. The daytime cruises are approximately 1.5 to 3 hours long, including time to dock and explore near Shell Island. Plan to get to the catamaran at least 40 minutes before the start of your cruise. The cruises will not wait for late passengers, and you must arrive no later than 10 minutes before departure. Passengers tend to line up early to ensure a good spot on the boat.     

Paradise Adventures also offers paddleboard, clear kayaks, pontoon, and center console boat rental options if you prefer renting a boat for your outing. You can check out the Paradise Adventures website for a full list of rentals and pricing.

Paradise Adventures Catamarans and Amenities 

The Privateer is a 52-foot, U.S. Coast Guard Certified catamaran that carries up to 78 passengers. It has a spacious deck with plenty of covered seating and outside seating for those wanting the perfect Instagram photo.

Two sunning nets are in the front of the boat, and covered wind and rain seating can be found in the bar area. There is a fully stocked bar that accepts cash or credit cards. Two restrooms are on board. 

The Privateer Sunset Cruise offers one complimentary wine, Sangria, cold beer, or non-alcoholic beverage. Additional drinks can be purchased for a fee. The Privateer is the only vessel with a full liquor license, so you will enjoy a variety of cocktails, including frozen daiquiris & margaritas, and their signature drink, “Privateer Punch.” Snacks are also available for purchase.

The Footloose catamaran is a 40-foot, U.S. Coast Guard Certified Catamaran that carries up to 38 passengers. In the front of the boat, you will find a sizeable sunning net and deck seating. There are open views no matter where you are seated. One restroom is on board. The Footloose is excellent if you want a more open design without covered seating.  

We have taken sunset cruises with Paradise Adventures on both the Privateer and the Footloose. We enjoyed the gorgeous views, the drinks, and the music with friendly people!

Sunset Cruises in Panama City Beach

The sunset cruise is a magical experience that will provide lasting memories for the entire family. The cruises sail through St. Andrews Bay and head toward the opening of the Bay into the Gulf of Mexico. During the voyage, you will pass between Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park and navigate through the windy straight opening out of the Bay.    

During the trip, you should look for dolphins and other marine wildlife. We saw dolphins on both our trips. They love to follow along in the wake of the boat! The cruise will proceed under motor until you get near the Gulf, and if the winds are strong enough, they will raise the spinnaker and sail under the wind for a while. This makes for some fantastic photographs!   

Paradise Adventures also offers a Sunset Sail Aboard the 50′ SY Ohana Sailboat as well!

Regardless of which boat to choose, the experienced Captain will orient the ship toward the setting sun, alternating sides so everyone gets many great views and pictures. Hopefully, the weather will be accommodating, and you’ll get fair skies and a cloudless sunset.    

Witnessing the setting sun over the blue-green waters of the Gulf is breathtaking and inspiring. Cutting through the water, waves crashing, and drinking a cool drink, you’ll feel alive and at one with the majestic ocean. The first round of drinks is complimentary; additional drinks and snacks are available for a fee. Music is played during the cruise, and the Captain will narrate.

What does the Paradise Adventures Daytime Cruise Include?

The standard daytime dolphin-watching cruise lasts approximately 2 hours.

In the warmer months, Paradise Adventures also offers snorkeling and opportunities to get out of the boat and enjoy the water. These tours usually start with action-packed fun in the Bay, including water inflatables, snorkeling, and kayaking. Or you can stay aboard and enjoy the breeze in your hair. Once everyone is back on board, the catamaran tour sets sail for the Gulf of Mexico in search of dolphins! 

This cruise is especially fun during the warm late summer months and into the early Fall when the water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico and bay are at their peak. It’s sometimes as warm as bathwater!

Dolphin Watching in Panama City Beach

Pods (groups) of dolphins swim all over the Bay Point and Gulf of Mexico areas near Panama City Beach. They’re playful and curious, so they usually will approach your boat. They’ll swim alongside the catamaran, sometimes for several minutes. They are especially plentiful on the Shell Island side of the Bay Point main channel, which opens into the Gulf.    

The Paradise Adventures Captains on both cruises are good at finding and navigating close to the dolphins. Also, expect some help from other excited passengers! 

However, it’s impossible to plan the movement of the dolphins. Therefore, dolphin watching is NOT GUARANTEED on every outing. But the closer attention you pay to the horizon, looking for the water gently breaking as a dolphin surfaces for air, the more likely you are to be surprised by one of these gentle marine mammals. 

Things to Bring on Your Panama City Beach Catamaran Cruise

Feel free to bring snacks on these cruises, but drinks cannot be brought on board. Coolers are not allowed due to seating and space limitations. I recommend wearing layered clothes for the evening cruises. In the evening, the wind can be strong as the sun sets, and it may get chilly.    

If you are cruising during the day, bring plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses, as the Florida sun is intense! Sun tanning oil is not allowed on board because it can make the deck slippery. Lotions and creams are allowed. Remember your beach towels, too! 

Plan Your Sunset Cruises in Panama City Beach or Day on the Water

Sunset cruises in Panama City Beach are a romantic, fun, and educational adventure for everyone. As you watch the Panama City Beach sunset or your children squeal with delight upon spotting a starfish, you’ll be reminded of the natural beauty of the ocean and have the opportunity to build lasting memories with loved ones. And who knows – you may be accompanied by some whimsical, playful, and curious dolphins!

Click the links below to check availability and book your cruise with Paradise Adventures! Prices range between $25 – $125 depending on which cruise you choose and the age of the participants. 

Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Sail

Panama City Beach Sunset Catamaran Sail on The Privateer

Sunset Sail Aboard 50′ SY Ohana

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