2 Hour Shell Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Panama City Beach, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
What's Included
- ONE jet ski (up to 2 people); driver must be 18+
- Experienced Tour Guide
- All Necessary Safety Equipment
- Life Jackets
- All Gas Is Included
- If you need more than one jet ski, you must make additional reservations.
- Refundable Security Deposit$250.00 per booking
- Florida Boaters Safety Card if born on or after January 1, 1988$9.99 per booking
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 4601 US-98, Panama City, FL 32401, USA
Located at Papa Joes Bayside. All participants must arrive 30 minutes prior to tour time.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Shell Island
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Kids Must be at least 6 years old to participate
- 18+ to operate Jet Ski
- Each rider must complete a liability waiver. Please do this prior to arrival.
- All riders MUST be able to swim
- All Operators born after January 1st of 1988 must possess a Florida Boaters Safety Card. This test can be found on the website policies page. Please complete this prior to arrival.
- All participants must arrive 30 minutes prior to tour time
- Riders who arrive late and cannot complete check in process and pre ride instructions before tour time will not ride and will not be refunded.
- A $250 refundable deposit will be taken upon arrival on a debit or credit card
- The combined weight of passengers must be less than 350 lb.
- This excursion is for ONE jet ski for up to 2 people. A second jet ski can be booked in a separate reservation.
- Participants must be able to fully understand and follow safety instructions in English without the aid of translation tools
- All drivers must possess a valid drivers license. An ID is not sufficient
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Dakota_V
Micah was are guide and we had a blast it was our first time and he was very helpful and made it real easy to learn and had relly good tips, highly recommend for anyone wanting to have a mix of fun and adrenaline
Reviews
4.8
based on 154 reviews
Andreis_R, Jun 2026
We had a very bad experience. We made a reservation, but then they called to change the time because they didn't have space. Later, at the time of the tour, they wouldn't let us go because the drivers didn't speak fluent English—even though they spoke basic English and understood the necessary safety instructions. I also asked about other tours, such as those on catamarans or boats where they would be the operators, and we were told we couldn't go on those excursions either; it turned out to be more a matter of racism than language.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We're sorry you were disappointed. The decision had nothing to do with race or ethnicity and everything to do with safety. Anyone operating a jet ski must be able to clearly understand and communicate safety instructions in English, which is a requirement for all guests.
Because we weren't confident that requirement could be met, we could not allow the rental to proceed and issued a full refund.
We also want to clarify that we do not offer catamaran tours or other boat excursions, so the statement that you were denied participation in those activities is simply not accurate. Our goal is always to treat every guest fairly while following the same safety standards for everyone on the water.
Amanda_M, Jun 2026
Everyone was super friendly. The tour took us out to shell island and back, we saw dolphins and has a blast.
mpg6015, Jun 2026
It was amazing. Guides were awesome and saw so many dolphins. Went into the gulf and jumped so many waves
Doug_L, Jun 2026
Make sure to bring sunscreen! This is a little hidden spot. When coming upon it, you’ll have to really look or you’ll miss it!!
Devon_R, Jun 2026
The guys were super fun made sure everyone had a good time, jet ski was very clean looked pretty new.
Shawn_F, Jun 2026
Cam and Caleb worked as a great team and made it memorable. Able to see Gulf of America!!! And swim with dolphins
MARY_W, Jun 2026
Awesome experience! It is fast paced so make sure you are fit enough to hold on! The guides were great, we saw tons of dolphins close up.
Brandie_C, Jun 2026
It’s a fun time! The owner and his daughter are super nice. We are glad that the weather was good and the water wasn’t choppy.
Kristen_H, Jun 2026
Had to adjust for weather, but still had a great fast time out on the water! Great customer service and communication.
Jessica_T, Jun 2026
This was my first time driving a jet-ski. To participate, you must complete a FL boating safety test to receive a temporary license. I failed it the first time, so I did the study test before retesting. It took me about an hour to complete before I retested. This process was a little off-putting, but I understand the importance and legality of knowing basic water safety before operating someone else's equipment. It was a big relief to pass and get on the water. The guide leads the way, and we followed behind on our own jetskis. He took us around several different areas and gave brief information about certain areas. The ride was very fast-paced, and I lagged behind a lot, but the guide was patient with me, being that it was my first time and I wasn't as fast as the other participants. There is definitely a learning curve, but it's worth it! We had about 45 minutes to explore Shell Island, and I used some of that time to solo drive and practice on my jetski. When it was time to ride back, I was better at keeping up with the group. Overall, it was a fun experience!
Ladarius_B, Jun 2026
Boating crew was excellent and very comforting. Rules was clearly explained and precise. Would definitely book with them again
Jennifer_S, Jun 2026
Nick was the best !!! Going to shell island and getting off to explore was magical . We saw many dolphins & a sea turtle and plenty of fish . If you get Nick as a guide you’re golden even if you have slow pokes in your group . Thanks for making our trip the best Nick
Deonte_L, May 2026
They didn’t help with the test. I’m not from Florida I was on vacation and I couldn’t get no refund.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We’re sorry for your frustration. The Florida Boater Safety Test is required by Florida law for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, regardless of whether they’re a resident or visiting on vacation. This requirement is clearly listed in our booking listing, confirmation email, and confirmation text. Unfortunately, we are not permitted to complete the test for guests, but it is a simple online course that typically takes about 10 minutes.
Maryjane_B, May 2026
If you want to experience the gulf without all the boundaries and be in nature with the waves and rush of open water and speed, do this!
Kim_M, May 2026
Our tour guide was exceptional. we were able to go to the other side of the island to see the dolphins. he gave us plenty of time at Shell Island to make sure everyone had a great time.
Gekysha_S, May 2026
Had a wonderful experience. First time driving solo. The waves were a little rough than expected out but calmer going back in. The guide was GREAT, very patient with our group and thank goodness I kept up and didn’t fall off. 🤭
Pranav_P, May 2026
Amazing tour, we saw plenty of dolphins and sent good amount of time at Shell island. Friendly staff and amazing guides.
Michael_L, May 2026
Amazing. Captain was incredible and kind. Allowed us to connect to Bluetooth and play our music. Spotted at least 20 dolphins. Just an amazing experience.
Erika_A, May 2026
Please arrive early just in case you are missing something, and please have your boater certification and waivers completed before you arrive. Somehow, my partner and I forgot all about this part lol! But overall, we enjoyed the tour and will definitely do it again. Thank you to the staff for allowing us to get everything completed. Our tour guide was amazing, and we will definitely do it again. We were also able to see a few crabs and seashells!
Mary_B, May 2026
Camden was a fantastic guide. We saw several dolphins and were able to witness a baby. The only disappointment was the lack of shells on “shell island”.
Andrea_W, May 2026
Had an amazing time ! Todd our guide was super helpful, knowledgeable and fun! Overall it was an awesome experience!!
Brynn_C, May 2026
This was amazing! We saw so many dolphins during our ride. After we got to Shell Island we were able to continue riding or walk around the island. It was so worth it!!!
Dale_L, May 2026
Shell Island is so beautiful. The dolphins were right beside us in the bay. Exciting to jet ski again!
Trevor_H, Apr 2026
Very laid back an good experience. We loved riding around shell island on jet skis seeing dolphins close up.
Response from Host, May 2026
So happy you had a good experience and got to see the dolphins! Come again!
Will_P, Apr 2026
It was a great experience with new friends and an awesome guide! He was patient and entertaining all at once.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your kind words about our tour guide! Glad you had a great experience! Come again!
Gail_L, Apr 2026
It was a great ride on jet skis!! We got to see dolphins and the beautiful water! The jet skis were very well maintained and the guide….ROB was awesome! He helped make memories of my Re-retirement trip!
Response from Host, May 2026
Congratulations on your re-retirement! Thanks for your review and come again!
Mark_L, Apr 2026
Amazing experience for the whole family!! Don was the best tour guide. He made everyone feel so comfortable and the kids had an absolute blast!
Response from Host, May 2026
Glad the kids and family had a good time and felt comfortable! Come again!
Leslee_H, Apr 2026
Terrible experience. We should not have gone out in rough waters. Didn’t even get to the dolphin area. Spent entire time waiting on a person who couldn’t do it.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We’re really sorry your experience didn’t meet expectations. Weather and water conditions can change quickly and are unfortunately out of our control.
Karen_B, Apr 2026
Took our $140 for the tour and then $250 security deposit before informing us that our teens were too young to ride.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your feedback. For safety and insurance reasons, all jet ski operators must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license. This requirement is clearly stated in multiple places throughout our listing prior to booking.
Unfortunately, the participant in your reservation was 17 and did not meet this requirement, so we were unable to allow them to operate a jet ski.
We did offer a solution at the time—anyone in your group who met the age requirement was welcome to drive with the 17-year-old as a passenger—but that option was declined.
We also want to clarify that while a deposit was initially placed, it was immediately released as soon as the age issue was identified.
We understand this was frustrating, but these policies are in place to ensure safety on the water and must be followed without exception.
James_P, Apr 2026
The trip is well worth the money and time. From seeing the dolphins, to the ride on the jetski. The tour guide was awesome, from giving instructions to finding the beautiful dolphins.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thanks for your review and so happy to hear you had an enjoyable time on the jet skis! Come again!
From $159.00
per group (up to 2)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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