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Panama City Beach’s gorgeous white sand beaches are known worldwide as a top destination for fun in the sun. Visitors can choose between many fun Panama City Beach water activities, each offering a new way to experience the emerald-green waters.
We live near the Florida panhandle and spend a lot of time along the Gulf Coast. Panama City Beach is a fantastic travel destination for families because it offers so many fun activities and things to do. From exciting water sports, indoor museums, outdoor water parks, and beautiful white sand beaches, this area offers fun for all ages and interests.
Panama City Beach Water Activities
In this post, I’ll share some of our favorite water activities available here in Panama City Beach. Why? Because nothing beats cooling off in or on the water on a hot summer day!
Some Panama City Beach water activities, like a catamaran sunset cruise, are casual. Others are more active, like chartering a pontoon boat for the day or paddling along the bay.
I’ll also share my opinions about the best time to visit Panama City Beach if you are looking to enjoy these water activities. The Gulf of Mexico water temperature varies in Panama City Beach, so you want to schedule accordingly to make the most comfortable outings.
The Best Time To Visit Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is fun almost any time of the year, but the summer months are when much of the water action happens. The tropical temperatures, high humidity, and beach vibes make the warmer months the best time to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico. Summer is the peak travel season in the Florida panhandle.
Mid-to-late March, early April, and early October are also busy because of Spring and Fall Break. During these times, both families and college students from all over the country visit Panama City Beach during their school’s spring break.
RELATED READ: When is the Best Time to Visit 30A?
During the winter, from November through February, snowbirds from northern states will temporarily relocate to the city to enjoy the warmer conditions. Luckily, the snowbirds help keep everything open. Only a few things close for the off-season, like in other vacation destinations.
The “shoulder “months, like late April and May, as well as late August, September, and October, are enjoyable as they offer warm weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices. The Gulf of Mexico is warmest in the late Summer and early Fall.
However, hurricane season occurs every year from June to November. During this time, you need to keep an eye on developing tropical weather and be aware that there is a remote possibility that hurricane activity could impact the Gulf Coast. For this reason, always make sure to purchase travel insurance!
Please be aware that not every company and tour mentioned here will be available in the shoulder or off-season months. Be sure to check ahead with each of them to ensure availability!
Panama City Beach Water Temperatures
To fully enjoy water sports, the summer and early fall months have the most comfortable water temperatures. Panama City Beach water temperatures range from a high of about 82 to 86°F from June through September to a low of about 61 to 68°F from December through March.
In Panama City Beach, Florida, the peak water temperature occurs around July 23rd each year, and the lowest occurs around February 10th.
Most people find the Gulf waters comfortable for swimming at around 78°F, which means conditions are great for swimming in Panama City Beach from May to October. The warmer water temperature in September and October and cooler ambient air temperatures make the water feel like a sauna!
We love swimming in the Gulf of Mexico in late summer and early fall!
14 Panama City Beach Water Activities
The water activities in Panama City Beach are great ways to immerse yourself in the tropical atmosphere of the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.”
These exciting Panama City Beach water activities can be tailored to your group’s energy levels and ages and offer excellent opportunities to get that perfect photo and create enduring memories that will outlast your trip.
#1 Snorkel Tours
Snorkel tours are a fun and engaging way to explore the emerald-green waters off the shore. In fact, it is one of the most popular Panama City Beach water activities!
These trips are usually group tours that visit locations around the bay with unique fish habitats. It is a great way to see firsthand the beauty of the undersea ecosystem. You’ll likely see manta rays, sea turtles, and a lot of different fish.
These tours provide the equipment and a skilled captain to ensure your safety and fun. One of our favorite places to snorkel is in the pristine waters of Shell Island, a deserted island only accessible by boat.
This Island Time Shell Island Snorkel Catamaran Cruise takes you to Shell Island for snorkeling and dolphin watching (they’re usually there!).
#2 Sunset Cruises
Sunset cruises are a fantastic way to experience beautiful tropical sunsets from the water. These romantic getaways are perfect for couples or the whole family.
Most Panama City Beach sunset cruises take you out into the Gulf of Mexico, where you can enjoy drinks, listen to music, and watch the breathtaking setting sun. You’ll often also see dolphins, who love to swim near the boats and be playful.
Sunset cruises are pretty relaxed and a great way to unwind and enjoy the water after a long day of sightseeing. The boats have snacks and a variety of drinks available for purchase.
We recommend setting sail on a Privateer Panama City Beach Sunset Catamaran tour.
#3 Dolphin Watching Tours
Dolphin-watching tours are the perfect way for the entire family to enjoy one of Panama City Beach’s most cherished inhabitants, dolphins.
These dolphin tours have experienced captains who know the best locations to find dolphins. Most dolphin tours take you into the St. Andrew’s Bay harbor and near Shell Island, where many dolphins tend to congregate. You’ll have a front-row seat to watch the dolphins swim together and playfully dart around the boat.
A dolphin tour is a great way to get fantastic pictures, see the beautiful coastal beaches, and spend a few hours enjoying drinks under the Florida sun. Dolphin sightings are frequent but not guaranteed. The boats have different snacks and beverages available for purchase.
A dolphin-watching tour we love is the Panama City Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Sail.
#4 Pontoon Boat Rentals
Some of our best memories are renting a pontoon boat and enjoying a full day exploring the gorgeous beaches, islands, and inlets around Panama City Beach. We almost always visit Shell Island!
It’s the perfect way to enjoy the water while remaining mobile enough to visit multiple places in a day. A pontoon boat rental gives you and your group lots of room to spread out on your private boat. The boats have room for your coolers and gear and plenty of seating for those who want to rest.
We love these trips because they allow you to approach the day with flexibility and provide fun for family members of all ages and ability levels. Many of these pontoons have waterslides, which are fun for the kids and offer a great way to enjoy the warm, shallow-depth waters off the coast.
Most outfitters allow for half or full-day rentals. Still, we recommend you dedicate a whole day to taking the boat to Shell Island, snorkeling, and looking for dolphins.
We love this Double Fun 14-person Double Decker Pontoon with two waterslides.
#5 Paradise Adventures Inflatable Waterpark
If you have older kids, including teenagers, they will love Paradise Adventure’s Inflatable Waterpark.
They combine playtime with a three-hour Catamaran Trip that includes dolphin watching! While out there, you can also use the water trampoline, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Note that this is located in the Bay alongside Shell Island and not in the Gulf of Mexico.
#6 Deep-Sea Fishing Charters
Deep sea fishing is a classic age-old pastime for beach denizens. There is no more quintessential experience than enjoying the sun and sea while reeling in a lunker. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most tried and true Panama City Beach water activities.
A private charter will take your group out dozens of miles from shore, and the captain will select the best fishing spots. Popular fish species include Spanish mackerel, King Mackerel, shark, and grouper. Charter amenities and details vary widely, so be sure to check specifics.
These Panama City Beach offshore fishing trips are typically all-day excursions and start early in the morning. You must store and transport the fish you catch to save the meat, so remember to bring a cooler.
Our entire family loves deep-sea fishing, and we always have plenty of extra fish meat to freeze and cook later! It’s a great way to bond with family and friends, ponder the ocean’s vastness, and experience the thrill of fighting a massive fish on the line. We recommend a Sport Fishing Charter with Captain Extreme.
For a comprehensive listing of all the deep sea fishing charter options, visit the Panama City Beach Fishing Charter Page.
#7 Jet Ski Rentals
Jet ski rentals are a thrilling way to enjoy the beautiful waters of Panama City Beach. Numerous vendors near hotels will rent jet skis, typically for 1/2 hour increments. For teenagers, this is one of the most popular Panama City Beach water activities.
If you want something more, a guided group jet ski tour will give you personalized attention and flexibility to explore out-of-the-way locals.
We recommend the Jet Ski Adventure Tour, a guided jet ski tour in Panama City Beach. A guide leads this tour and takes you and your group across St. Andrew’s Bay to Shell Island. On the island, you can explore, sunbathe, and find amazing creatures like starfish, sand dollars, crabs, and more. You may even see dolphins or sea turtles! The trip is two hours long, giving you lots of time to go fast on your jet ski. It’s perfect for new or experienced riders.
#8 Speedboat Rides
A speedboat ride is one of the more intense and fun water activities at the beach. If you have older kids, this is a fantastic way to satisfy their appetite for adrenaline and adventure.
The twin-jet engines will make hair-pin 360-degree turns, perform fast accelerations, and make nose dives that feel like a rollercoaster ride. This trip is better suited for someone who is moderately physically fit and not afraid of speed. Be sure to wear your swimsuit, as you will get soaked.
One of our favorite speedboat rides is the Scream Machine Thrill Ride at Panama City Beach.
#9 Scuba Trips
Scuba diving is a popular activity at Panama City Beach. The emerald green waters and white sand beaches make it the perfect place to explore the ocean depths. Wrecks, jetties, bridges, and reefs provide great diving destinations for divers of any experience level.
If you are traveling, transportation of all the scuba equipment can be a problem. However, most scuba companies allow you to rent equipment for your dive. Experience and certifications will dictate which tour you take, so be sure to check the details.
The Wreck and Bridge Span Dive Charter for Certified Divers is an option for experienced divers with open-water certification.
If you are a beginner without prior scuba experience, we recommend the No Experience Required to Discover Scuba in Florida trip.
#10 Eco-Adventure Tours in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach has a lot more than beautiful beaches!
It’s close to several beautiful freshwater springs flowing from aquifers deep beneath the earth. These springs dot the Florida panhandle and provide unique ecological experiences for anyone willing to brave their cold, refreshing 70°F waters.
Panama City Beach offers eco-tours that will transport you to nearby springs (most within a 1 hr drive) and let you take paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes through the winding creeks and into the heart of the springs. It makes for a fun day of adventure, exploration, and swimming.
One trip that is highly rated is the Cypress Springs Eco Adventure.
During these trips, you can see wildlife indigenous to these ecosystems, like turtles, wild birds, and many different types of freshwater fish. Snorkeling equipment is available to explore the mysteries beneath the surface. These trips are always fun for kids. They are an engaging break from the beach activities while giving everyone a cool break from the summer heat.
RELATED READ: Our Canoe Trip to Cypress Springs
#11 Gulf World Marine Park
Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach is an interactive wildlife park and zoo with many marine exhibits. It’s a fun place for the family, especially if you have smaller kids.
At Gulf World Marine Park, you can see many different sea animals like dolphins, sea lions, reptiles, and tropical birds. There’s a large tank where you can reach out and touch stingrays and feel their rough skin as they glide past your hand.
The park has numerous exhibits related to marine wildlife and their habitats. An outdoor garden features exhibits with penguins, sea turtles, and more.
Since my focus is on water activities, I want to mention that they offer several paid experiences where you can swim with dolphins. You get into the pool with them, so make sure you book these in advance and bring your swimsuit!
#12 Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a water and amusement park in Panama City Beach. During the summertime, it’s a great alternative to a day at the beach.
t offers water slides, kid-friendly pools, a lazy river, and the “White Knuckle River” thrill ride. There’s also a zip line where you can drop into a pool of water. Two of the waterslides are over 60 feet high.
For smaller kids, the park has “Tadpole Hole” and “Skull Island,” which are zero-depth water playgrounds with kid-sized slides and other water activities. Lockers are available, and there are booths to buy food and drinks.
Like Gulf World Marine Park, this is a fun way to change up your beach vacation and do something more tailored to the kids.
#13 The Pool and Splash Pad at Frank Brown Park
If your hotel does not have a pool, consider visiting the Panama City Beach Aquatic Center at Frank Brown Park. This large park, located near Pier Park in Panama City Beach, has a pool and a splash pad area.
Click here for more information, and always check their calendars in advance. These are seasonal activities, and they are sometimes closed for swim meets and special events. The kid’s splash area is usually open from late May until early August.
You can also look for a Panama City Beach single-day pool pass at a resort pool via ResortPass.
#14 The Beaches and St. Andrew’s State Park
No list of water-related Panama City Beach things to do is complete without—you guessed it—the Beach!
The beaches along Panama City Beach are pristine. They are made of white sand, a rare phenomenon caused by the fact that they are made from pure silica quartz crystals deposited from the Appalachian Mountains over millions of years. The white sand contrasted with the emerald waters has given these beaches the title of “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.”
Panama City Beach offers miles of public beaches for everyone to enjoy. This gives visitors more opportunities to enjoy the sand than in smaller communities like those along Highway 30A, where many beaches can be private and only available to beachfront homeowners.
Many Panama City Beach hotels and condos are located right on the water. Choosing one of these allows you to enjoy water views and easily access the beach.
Be sure to visit St. Andrews State Park, located on the very eastern tip of Panama City Beach. The park offers beautiful scenery, swimming, a fishing jetty, and camping areas.
This popular Florida State Park is located directly across from Shell Island, where the Gulf meets St. Andrew’s Bay, so it’s a fantastic place to get close to all of the action. The swimming area is perfect for shallow-water snorkeling, and it’s a great place for the family to spend a few hours enjoying the sun.
There is an $8 per car admission fee for St. Andrews State Park, payable at the gate.
Gulf Coast Beach Flag Warning System
During any trip to a beach, be sure to be safe by checking the warning flag system. These flags denote the risk level of entering the water based on weather conditions, wave activity, rip currents, and dangerous marine life.
The system is designed to prevent people from entering into dangerous waters where they could risk drowning. In Panama City Beach, the flag status is updated daily. You can read more about beach flag warning systems here.
This beach flag system is specifically for the Gulf of Mexico conditions, so many of the Panama City Beach water activities in this post are still options on double red flag days when the Gulf is closed!
Be safe and have fun!
Plan Your Panama City Beach Water Activities
As you can see, there are so many fun things to do in Panama City Beach, and no list can adequately cover them all. However, these are some of my personal favorites!
So book a trip, have fun, and splash in the water along the white sands of Florida’s Emerald Coast!
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PIN: Panama City Beach Water Activities
