Things to do
Things to do in Panama City Beach, FL
Looking for things to do in Panama City Beach, FL? Look no further than the beach and the Gulf. Voted a top destination year after year, PCB has countless activities and tours to try on your trip. Some essential experiences are dinner cruises, fishing, and watersport rentals (pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, and more). Once the Spring Break capitol, Panama City Beach is now considered a great place for families, couples, and young travelers looking for great nightlife!
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Featured Panama City Beach Activities
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May 17 - May 23
Sunset Dolphin Encounter Aboard Captain Anderson III
1,663 ratings
1.5 Hrs.
Take part in an unforgettable Panama City Beach sunset cruise. Sunset Dolphin Encounter Aboard Captain Anderson III is the ideal way to travel through the historic Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews Bay to the edge of the Gulf, and watch dolphins play. Being out on the water and watching these graceful, wild animals in their natural habitat is one of the greatest experiences in beautiful Panama City Beach. Book your cruise today!
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Shell Island Dolphin Sea-fari Boat Tour
940 ratings
3.5 Hrs.
Journey the Historic Grand Lagoon on the unforgettable Shell Island Dolphin Sea-fari Boat Tour! Watch for a variety of aquatic wonders, sea shells, and wildlife. Explore Shell Island and swim, go shelling, picnic, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful island! Book your Shell Island Dolphin Sea-fari Boat Tour today and make memories that last a lifetime!
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Big Kahuna's Water Park Admission Tickets
365 ratings
With more than 40 water attractions and an Adventure Park, Big Kahuna’s offers something for every member of the family. Take a break from the beach and enjoy a fun-filled day at the water park on slides like the Cowabunga Racer, Jumanji, and the Hammerhead. Book your tickets today for big fun at Big Kahuna's!
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4 Hour Shell Island Dolphin Swim Experience
185 ratings
4 Hrs.
Take advantage of this opportunity of a lifetime and swim with wild dolphins in Panama City Beach, Florida. Spend the morning or afternoon with a professional team of instructors that will educate you on the proper way to interact with these amazing creatures. Finish off the tour with a dip in the emerald water of Shell Island for potential dolphin encounters. Book today for an experience you'll never forget!
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Private Shell Island Snorkeling Excursion
36 ratings
3 Hrs.
Discover the hidden gems of the Panama City area on a Private Shell Island Snorkeling Excursion in St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. This cruise takes guests to Shell Island, known for its abundance of sea shells and marine life. Guests will explore the shallow reefs and search for shells while encountering a wide variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. All equipment is provided and guides are certified for a safe and amazing experience.
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Private Dolphin Excursion
25 ratings
3 Hrs.
Explore Panama City and Panama City Beach from the water as you cruise through St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Let your captain take the wheel while you sit back and enjoy the sights and the breeze. Watch dolphins play in the water and unwind as you sip on your favorite beverage and have the opportunity to see wild birds, dolphins, fish, and maybe even spot a manatee! Book your Private Dolphin Excursion today!
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Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard The Privateer Catamaran
779 ratings
2 Hrs.
Sail into the sunset aboard the Privateer Catamaran! This exhilarating sail along the Gulf of Mexico offers a great opportunity to relax and leave your worries behind. Listen to tropical music and enjoy a complimentary beverage aboard Panama City Beach’s best sunset cruise. Don't forget to relax on the deck and look for Flipper and his friends!
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Panama City Beach Snorkel Trip Aboard The Footloose Catamaran
218 ratings
3 Hrs.
Cruise through the Historic Grand Lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico in search of wild and beautiful bottlenose dolphins. Hit the water and snorkel, try out a stand-up paddleboard, look for some shells, or just relax and soak up the sun. This guided cruise is a fun trip for the whole family. Grab your sunscreen and explore beautiful Panama City on this Snorkel Trip Aboard The Footloose Catamaran.
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Pontoon Rental (12 Passengers) in Panama City Beach
435 ratings
8 Hrs.
A day on the water is guaranteed to please the whole crew! Captain your own boat from the still waters of serene Grand Lagoon where you can pull up on the beach and have a picnic or just gaze out at the beauty of the world. Whether you are looking for shells, looking for dolphins, going for a swim, or just relaxing, there is something for everyone! Book your pontoon rental today and experience Panama City Beach in style!
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Adventure Tour With Inflatable Waterpark Aboard The Privateer Catamaran
334 ratings
3 Hrs.
Enjoy an exhilarating and relaxing sail along the beautiful beaches of Panama City Beach! Sail to the world famous Shell Island and play on the inflatable water slide, jump on the water trampoline, or try your hand at kayaking and paddleboarding. Guests can also swim, snorkel, and take in all of the amazing surroundings. The Adventure Tour aboard the Privateer Catamaran has something for everyone! Book yours today!
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Small Group Dolphin & Snorkel Tour
429 ratings
2 Hrs.
Take a cruise around the area in search of wild, bottlenose dolphins. This guided cruise is a fun trip for the entire family! Not only do you get an exciting dolphin tour experience, but snorkel gear is available for those wanting to park the boat and cool off. Grab your sunscreen and hit the water Panama City style! Book your spot today!
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Panama City Beach Helicopter Tour - Miracle Strip
1,026 ratings
10 Min.
View the majestic Panama City Beach coastline from above on a thrilling Miracle Strip helicopter tour. This activity is great for a first date or a fun family outing. Travel up to 14 miles as the helicopter takes you along the beach allowing you to see both city and county piers, over the Shipwreck Waterpark, and all of the hotels and beach life in between. Keep an eye out for marine life like dolphins, stingrays, and sea turtles swimming below you. Plan a day you won't soon forget and book this Miracle Strip Panama City Beach Helicopter Tour now!
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Panama City Beach Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkel Cruise
246 ratings
3 Hrs.
Enjoy a fun-filled catamaran cruise in beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida! Swim and snorkel the calm water in the bay behind Shell Island, check out the bayside beach, try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, or zip down the waterslide! Afterwards, set sail for the Gulf of Mexico to visit local wild dolphins! The fun continues at the dock with dancing, contests, and activities. Prepare for a fun adventure the whole family can enjoy! Book your Panama City Beach Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkel Cruise!
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Private 4 Hour Shell Island Dolphin Swim Experience
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4 Hrs.
Take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with wild dolphins in Panama City Beach, Florida. Spend the morning or afternoon with a professional team of instructors that will educate you on the proper way to interact with the dolphins. The tour is capped off with several live swim-ins at Shell Island for potential encounters. It is not every day that you get to swim with dolphins, so don't miss your chance! Book your Shell Island Dolphin Swim Experience today!
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11 Passenger Panama City Pontoon Rental
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4 - 8 Hrs.
Spend the day out on the water in Panama City, Florida. Be your own captain and take your group in any direction you want...as long as you stay in the Bay. Pack some lunch and drinks and explore the famous Shell Island or other islands off the beaten path if that is more your thing. Watch the dolphins swimming and passing your boat as you cruise atop the water. With a full tank of gas, the possibilities are endless. This rental promises a fun-filled adventure that family and friends will come back from smiling. Don't miss the boat, book your Panama City Pontoon Rental today!
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Speedboat Ride and Dolphin Watching Tour
101 ratings
60 Min.
Calling all thrill-seekers and dolphin watchers for this St. Andrews Bay Dolphin Watching Tour. Step on this powerful speedboat and get ready for a wet and wild ride as you skip across the waves at top speed as you look for dolphins in their natural habitat! Your heart will race as your expert captain performs 360° spins, nose dives, power slides, and more. Make your vacation a legendary experience with this Speedboat Ride and Dolphin Watching Tour!
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Shell Island Snorkel & Sail on the Island Time II
21 ratings
3 Hrs.
Enjoy a fun-filled catamaran cruise in beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida! Begin with a short trip across St. Andrews Bay to some of the best spots along Shell Island. Anchor down and snorkel around in search of seashells and sea critters. Stand up paddleboard, make a BIG splash in the water from the slide, or just relax in the calm water. you can even take a sail out to the Gulf of Mexico to look for wild dolphins! As you cruise back to the dock, enjoy an upbeat sailing party with lively music, games, and even dancing. Prepare for a fun adventure the whole family can enjoy! Book your Shell Island Snorkel & Sail on the Island Time II today!
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Dolphin Tour on Waverunners
171 ratings
2 Hrs.
Join FUNPCB and zoom around on a speedy jet ski to play and swim with bottlenose dolphins! A family-friendly adventure to explore the beaches and waters of St. Andrews Bay, this dolphin tour brings you face-to-face with these incredibly intelligent and social species. Premium jet skis are nimble and easy to use. Book today for the experience of a lifetime!
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Center Console Dolphin Tour (for up to 6 passengers)
133 ratings
1.5 - 2 Hrs.
Set out on an adventure with this Panama City Beach Dolphin Cruise aboard a 6 passenger 23' center console boat. Enjoy cruising on gorgeous water as you scan the horizon for playful dolphin pods. Stop off at Shell Island where you can walk on the Private State Park to look for shells and check out the beauty of the island. Have the whole boat to yourself and book a private 2 hour snorkel and dolphin sightseeing trip or join others on this fun-filled adventure with an experienced, knowledgeable captain! Book today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to go to Panama City Beach?
The best time to go to Panama City Beach is in late-spring (May) and mid-fall (October). These times have the least traffic on roads and beaches, best rates for lodging and attractions, and weather warm enough for outdoor activities.
2. Why is Panama City Beach so popular?
Panama City Beach first grew to worldwide fame as a college spring break destination. Most recently, the beach town has become a family destination offering shopping, dining, and family-friendly attractions and tours. Beachfront hotels and condos are very affordable, and the weather is warm enough for swimming and the beach 8+ months out of the year. The beaches are beautiful soft, white sand, and the waters are clear and emerald-green.
3. Is the water clear in Panama City Beach, FL?
Most of the year, the waters are clear with a beautiful emerald-green sheen in Panama City Beach. During warmer months (Mainly June and July), the "June Grass" reaches the shore. This algae is harmless, although it is a bit smelly and slimy. Florida Emerald Coast waters are considered one of the cleanest and most beautiful waters for swimming, watersports, fishing, and boat rides.
4. Does Panama City Beach have a boardwalk?
There is no real "boardwalk" in Panama City Beach. The closest thing to a boardwalk would "Pier Park", a large, beachside, shopping and entertainment complex. If you're looking for a boardwalk, head to Destin's Harborwalk Village, or the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island.
5. Panama City Beach, FL vs Destin, FL, which is better?
Both destinations offer an incredible family-friendly atmosphere. Panama City Beach is a bit older, with newer attractions throughout. Overall, Panama City Beach is a little more affordable and closer to the neighborhoods and beaches of 30A. Panama City Beach is still a prime destination for adults and college students with lots of large night clubs and live music venues. Destin got its start as a fishing village. Saltwater fishing is still the main reason many visit Destin, with events like the Fishing Rodeo attracting thousands of anglers. Destin is newer overall, and as-a-whole, offers a more luxury vacation. And while Destin has tons of things to do, it also can be more congested in the warmer months. Destin is closer in proximity to Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa Island and the Sandestin area including Baytowne Wharf and the beaches of Old 98.
