Choose Summer Water Sports On Your Florida Vacation

Whether you’re planning for your spring break or your summer vacation, you should consider which of the many summer water sports available in Panama City Beach are going to go on your to-do list. To help you narrow it down, we’ve put together a quick look at what we offer at Adventures at Sea, and why we think you’ll love them!

Relax on the deck of private cruise

One of the great joys of either living or visiting the ocean is being able to relax in the sun and luxuriate in the smell of salt spray while someone else handles the driving. When you book one of our boat cruises, you have so many options. You can relax on deck and work on your tan or just enjoy the sights while we manage the boat itself. Or, you can have someone from your group do the driving. Whatever you want, just let us know.

You can rent a pontoon boat or one of our double decker pontoon boats. You could tour Shell Island and enjoy a sunset cruise. We also offer fishing trips, both inshore and offshore, where our experienced captains will do everything they can to put you right on the fish.

Get a closer to the water experience

Being on a boat is a great way to relax, but if you want a water sport that has a little more excitement this summer, we have a bunch of things for you to try.

All of our boat cruises are also available by Jet Ski or Waverunner. You can bring us along as a guide, or go on your own. Check out Shell Island, or let us take you to the local spots where dolphins splash and play in their natural habitat. Seeing them at the local park attractions is pretty amazing, but there’s nothing like seeing them up close and personal. You’ll never regret taking the time out of your vacation to make it happen.

You can also try out a banana boat ride, a fantastic way to splash through the waves of Florida’s Emerald Coast and cool off on a hot day. We’ll tow you through the waves on one of our Jet Skis; let us know if you want a wild ride, or a more sedate one!

How close do you want to get to flying?

Have you ever envied skydivers, but been unwilling to get up that high? Found that your fear of airplanes kept you from considering sky diving as an extreme sport? Wanted to get as close as a human being can to flying, but not been entirely sure of where to start?

Parasailing is the answer. Using safety measures, solid equipment, and years of experience, we’ll put you up in the air for a gorgeous view of the area around Panama City Beach. Gaze out at the ocean, stare down at the water, and wonder at what it feels like to be pulled through the air. Look down, and see dolphins, stingrays, and sharks in the water; enjoy the gorgeous white sands of the beach against the clear, emerald green water.

Decided all these water sports aren’t for you?

If your idea of summer water sports has more to do with lounging on the beach and letting others do the water sporting for you, consider the luxury of a rented lounge chair. No more hassle dragging your gear onto the beach, no more struggle to set it up. Let us know when you’ll be there, and we’ll do all the work.

When you plan your spring break or summer vacation, make sure to save time for summer water sports. You’ll treasure every moment on Florida’s Emerald Coast!

Why You Should Choose Pontoon Boat Rentals In Panama City Beach

If you’re considering a boat tour on your next trip to Florida’s Emerald Coast, you may have wondered why there are so many options. Jet Skis, WaveRunners, pontoon boats, sailboats, motorboats – what’s going to be right for your family? Here are five reasons you might want to choose pontoon boat rentals on your next trip to Panama City Beach.

Easy to Handle

If you want to drive the boat yourself, but don’t have a lot of experience, a pontoon boat is the simplest boat to handle on the water. Since the boat basically floats on top of the water, as opposed to motor boats, which draft down into the water, or sailboats where you need to remember to consider the keel, you can take a pontoon boat just about anywhere. You don’t get as much interference from currents, and driving is basically the same as driving a car. With a quick introduction to the controls, we’ll be able to send you on your way.

Smooth Rides

Because pontoon boats are flatter on the bottom, they tend to be a bit more gentle out on the water than traditional U hulled ships. As you turn, accelerate, and decelerate, you’ll usually find that the boat doesn’t tilt or lean in the water as much as traditional motorboats, and nowhere near as much as sailboats. If you have people in your party who are a little more unstable or uncomfortable on the water, a pontoon boat may be more comfortable for them.

Sit Back And Relax

Of course if you want us to do all the work, we’re happy to captain your boat and take you to all the secret locations that we love. Inshore fishing trips, snorkeling adventures, dolphin spotting, Shell Island tours, or anything else that you might have in mind, we can do on a pontoon boat. We schedule both half day and full day rentals!

Plenty of Room for Kids

On most traditional boats, there’s not a lot of room for adventurous little kids. On pontoons, there’s plenty of space for kids to play and be kids. The boat is stable enough that they can enjoy themselves, and you don’t have to spend every second telling them what they can’t do. For older kids or teens, the seating arrangements let them feel like they’re having private conversations where adults can still keep an eye on them. The entire family is more comfortable on a pontoon, especially if your goal is a day of relaxation in the sun.

Better for fishing

If you’re looking for your big catch while you’re on Florida’s Gulf Coast, choosing a pontoon boat might be just right. Since pontoons disturb the water less than a U hull, they tend to spook fish left, making getting a bite a little easier. Unfortunately, we can’t ever guarantee what you’ll find when we go out fishing, and there are some places that a pontoon boat just isn’t safe, but if you’re looking for a fishing trip, you just might find that we recommend chartering a pontoon boat for the day. Let us know what you’re hoping to catch, and we’ll give you our expert recommendation.

Choosing a pontoon boat can be the difference between a comfortable, fun day and a busy, hectic charter. What you choose depends on your family and your needs. Whatever you have in mind, let us know, and we’ll make sure that we do everything we can to make your day a success. Contact us today to schedule your trip!

Tour Shell Island And See Wild Dolphins In Panama City Beach

No trip to the Gulf Coast of Florida is complete without taking the time to explore the area around Shell Island. From seeing the sites of St. Andrews Bay and then snorkeling in the shallows, to seeing a school of wild dolphins in their natural habitat and then finding your own slice of beach paradise, the cruises offered by Adventures at Sea are quite simply the best offered anywhere in Panama City Beach.

What happens on the tour? 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERATo start off your tour, our guides will show you the beauty of Shell Island. This 7 mile stretch of undeveloped paradise is a barrier island that runs east to west between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. This is Florida at its most natural, far away from the theme parks and resorts. Shell Island is a home for endangered species like loggerhead sea turtles and piping plovers, and is known for the abundance of beautiful shells that are found on the beaches.

Our Adventures At Sea guides will then tour around the waters of Shell Island to show you the home of one of the largest schools of bottlenose dolphins in the world. We know all their favorite places to hide—and the places where they love to show off.

The shallows around Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay are exquisite, and if you’ve brought your snorkeling gear, you will see some amazing sights in the clear water of the Gulf. Bring an underwater camera, and bring home snapshots that your friends will actually sit down to see.

What kinds of tours does Adventures at Sea offer? 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAUnlike other companies, Adventures at Sea offers two different types of water based tours. For the more adventurous, the Waverunner Tour is a must-have experience. Our guide will show you all the sights of the bay, but you’ll get to set the pace. Whether you want a slow and luxurious trip, or a race over the waves, we’ll make sure you get to Shell Island and back, safe and sound.

We do everything we can to make sure the Waverunner tour is safe and comfortable for you, including:

  • providing any necessary instruction on how to operate a Waverunner
  • storing your necessities in DRY compartments on the Waverunner (though we don’t advise bringing anything valuable that could be lost or damaged by being wet, just in case)
  • offering items like snorkeling gear, waterproof cameras, and food and drinks for sale at the marina, before we depart on the tour.

Each Waverunner carries a passenger and a pilot.

If you’re traveling with people who would be uncomfortable on a Waverunner, we also offer boat tours. Our dock is fully accessible, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of the water. Each boat can carry six passengers, but we’re happy to bring multiple boats on a tour to accommodate your entire party. Just like with the Waverunner tour, we’ll proceed at your speed, making sure that we see everything you want to see.

Some common questions we get asked at Adventures at Sea: 

Which type of trip is better for me and my group? 

That’s really up to you. The boat tour is often better for those traveling with young kids, or those with more limited mobility, but it really depends on you. If you’re not sure if your group would do better on Waverunners or boats, give us a call, and we’ll help you decide what would be best.

Will I see dolphins? 

Because we are exploring the dolphins’ natural habitat, it’s always possible that we won’t be able to find where the dolphins are playing today. However, our guides have been doing this for years, and know all the places the dolphins love to be. Virtually all of our tours encounter at least a few of the dolphins that make up the largest population of wild dolphins in the world. 

Capture

Can we explore Shell Island? 

We encourage it. Whether you’re traveling solo and want a peaceful moment at this uninhabited slice of paradise, cruising with your special someone and hoping to have a few romantic moments alone, or exploring with your family and wanting to search for souvenir seashells and sand dollars, our guides know all the best spots to visit.

Whether you know exactly what you want to see and do, or just know you want a day out on the open water, the guides at Adventures at Sea can help you explore the gorgeous ocean that surrounds Panama City Beach. Each tour is approximately two hours long. Book online today and reserve what is sure to be the most beautiful and exciting part of your Florida Gulf vacation.

 

8 Amazing Panama City Beach Attractions For Kids

There’s nothing like a family friendly vacation. Spending quality time with your kids creates amazing memories, great pictures, and a lot of fun. But if you’re not careful with the kinds of attractions and events you plan, kids can end up overwhelmed—or worse, bored.

Plan your Panama City Beach vacation so that your kids have just as much fun as you do, keep everyone happy, and head home with some excellent new stories to tell. Here are our favorite locations in Panama City Beach, guaranteed do-not-miss for the whole family!

Adventures at Sea

Adventures At SeaThere are plenty of excellent adventures to be had on land in Panama City Beach, but no Florida Gulf visit is complete without getting out on the open water. With Adventures at Sea boat cruises, families can relax and let the crew take care of all the hard work. Whether you’re hoping to see wild dolphins, snorkel in gorgeously clear waters, or explore Shell Island, Adventures at Sea will help make it happen.

Race City PCB

panama-city-beach-rollercoasterA great way to spend a few hours with the whole family! Race City is one of Panama City Beach’s most family-friendly attractions located on Front Beach Road. Home to the famous Hurricane Rollercoaster, which stands at over 50ft. tall, and reaches speeds up to 30mph! Race City also has 4 unique and exciting Go Cart tracks, indoor Mini Golf, Bumper Boats, a huge indoor Arcade, and thrill rides that are perfect for toddlers to teens. Free parking and admission year-round/ Plus, look out for the Unlimited Armbands offering the biggest bang-for-your-buck.

 

Coconut Creek Family Fun Park

coconut-creek-family-fun-parkCoconut Creek Family Fun Park is themed like a tropical island, complete with a lake stocked with native fish and cascading waterfalls. Kids can enjoy the Gran Maze—the size of a football field, the first of its kind in America!—and the whole family can compete at two different 18-hole Mini Golf courses. The park is open year round, and is free for kids under the age of 6.

 

Wonderworks

wonderworks-panama-city-beach-building-large1Called an Amusement Park For the Mind, Wonderworks contains 35000 square feet of “edutainment.” The park features over 100 hands-on displays that encourage creativity, exploration, and entertainment. Several themed zones give kids and their families interesting areas to explore, whether the fascinating thing of the moment is space exploration, natural disasters, or light and sound. With laser tag and an indoor ropes course, this is a great place to visit when a vacation needs a day out of the sun.

Cobra Adventure Park

cobra adventure parkFrom the “roller coast of the century,” the Max Flight Simulator, to the Dragon Wagon kids only coaster, Cobra has something for everyone. The park also includes four levels of 9hp Go-Kart racing, a variety of coasters and rides, an arcade with all the latest games, and a pirate themed 18 hole Mini Golf course.

 

FUNLAND Arcade & Snack Bar

funland6FUNLAND opened in 1953, making it the oldest arcade in northwest Florida and an absolute must-stop adventure. FUNLAND has more than 100 arcade games, and also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so whether you’re looking for a cup of coffee before heading to the beach, or a quick dinner before turning in for the night, this is the place to be. FUNLAND also offers birthday packages.

Goofy Golf

goofy golfNeed to get some putt time in, but the kids are insistent they need to play? Goofy Golf is the solution. A combination play area and 18 hole Mini Golf course, kids love the experience. Climb statues to get a great view, hide inside others to get out of the sun, and keep the entire day under par. At night, enjoy the glowing eyes in giant dinosaurs and monkeys!

 

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Ripley'sMuseumPanamaCityBeachEven on your tropical vacation, it’s possible to need a day out of the sun; Ripley’s Believe It Or Not keeps everyone entertained, even when you need to stay cool and dry. Attractions a family won’t find anywhere else include the Odditorium, where kids can see shrunken heads and an actual vampire killing kit, the Mirror Maze Challenge, a 7D Moving Theater, and the Impossible LaseRace. Before heading home, check out the Ripley’s Retail Shop for some souvenirs that everyone will appreciate.

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

Shipwreck Island Water ParkThis waterpark offers many attractions, from the Ocean Motion Wave Pool, generating 3 foot waves every 10 minutes, to the Pirate’s Plunge Racing Slide, where riders can challenge their friends, or their own nerves, to the Great Shipwreck. Ever wanted to swing out from a pirate ship and drop feet first into a lagoon pool? Now you can! Park food is available for purchase, as well as sun protection products. The park also offers birthday party package.

The XD Darkride Experience

footer-logoThe XD Darkride Experience is a thrilling interactive movie and immersive video game experience. It’s a unique and fun attraction unlike anything else! Put us on top of your ‘Things to do’ list…

Fun Things to do in Panama City Beach Florida

Panama City Beach Florida has a ton of fun things to do!  Whether you are looking for a great meal or your next adventure, check out this list for a fun activity that your whole family will love!

Race City

race-cityIt’s easy to see why so many people say that Race City is Panama City Beach’s most thrilling family-friendly attraction! Located on Front Beach Road, Race City is home to the famous Hurricane Roller Coaster, Exciting Go Cart tracks, Mini Golf, Bumper Boats, a huge indoor Arcade, thrill rides and more! Free admission, parking and WiFi, and pet-friendly! www.racecitypcb.com

Food Culture

 

Panama City Beach Winery

Panama City Beach WineryWhether you are a Wine connoisseur or just along for the ride, Panama City Beach Winery is a great place to not only taste but also learn about some of your favorite wines. And if you don’t have a favorite wine, the hosts at Panama City Beach will make sure you leave with one! For more information: http://www.panamacitybeachwinery.com/

 

Firefly Restaurant

firefly restaurant panama city beach At the Firefly, you can enjoy an array of seafood, salads, pizza, pasta, steaks, sushi, and desserts. They even have a kid’s menu that will be perfect for the pickiest of eaters. From the atmosphere to the service, every thing in this restaurant is perfect! They also have a great wine list, so you’ll know you’ll get the perfect wine to go with your meal! This restaurant opens everyday at 5PM. To see their menu: http://fireflypcb.com/menus/

 

David’s Sno-Balls

David's sno-balls Panama City BeachDessert is a must after a long day at the beach. And what can be better than sno-balls filled with ice cream? A plate of stuffed sno-balls with a plate of hot, fresh, melt-in-your-mouth beignets covered in powdered sugar. David’s Sno-balls also has a great lunch and dinner menu also with Classic Po-boys, Jumbalaya, Gumbo, and hot dogs. To see their menu: http://www.davidssnoballs.com/

 

 

Finn’s Island Style Grub

Grab a taco! Finn’s IsFinn's island style grub panama city beachland Style Grub features delicious vegetarian, vegan, seafood, and steak tacos. You can cool off with Finn’s island ceviche a seafood salad made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. This refreshing salad will surely make your taste-buds dance! To see their menu: http://www.finnsislandstylegrub.com/menu.html

Adventure

Jet Ski Rentals

Family vacations can quickly beJet ski panama city beachcome stale and boring. Nothing is worst than everybody moping around and getting on each other’s nerves. So, break the spell and hop on a jet ski. Jet skis can be rented from Panama city Beach tours and rentals. For more details or to book your jet ski online: http://www.watersportspc.com/jet-ski-rentals-in-panama-city-beach-florida

Zooworld Zoological Conservatory

What is lovelier than a dazooworld-zoological-conservatoy at the zoo! Zooworld Zoological Conservatory has over 260 animals. And for $2, you can even feed the giraffes! You can also become a keeper for a day if you are 10 years old and older. As keeper of the day, you can help prepare the animal’s meals and even hold some of these animals! For more information: http://www.zooworldpcb.net/home.html

 

Pontoon Boat Rentals

You can rent a pontoon bPontoon boat panama city beachoat and explore the beach’s beautiful waters. The Pontoon boat is fun for the whole family and can sit up to 12 passengers! With a Pontoon boat, you can enjoy a day out at sea with the dolphins or go explore a secluded shore. For more information: http://www.watersportspc.com/pontoon-boat-rentals-in-panama-city-beach-florida

 

Visit Shell Island

panama-city-beach-shell-islandOn the Pontoon boat, you can visit Shell Island, where you can explore a lush tropical forest, splash your fee in to the crystal clear waters, and go hunting for shells.

 

 

Go Snorkeling

getaways-photo-snorkelingYou can even buy some snorkeling gear and jump right in to these beautiful clear waters. With a good pair of goggles and a waterproof camera, you can capture unforgettable images of your adventures under the sea!

 

 

Boat Cruises

Don’t feel like driving?Boat cruises Get on a boat cruise and enjoy all the sights of Panama City Beach from St. Andrews Bay to Shell Island. This cruise is the perfect adventure families of any size and age! For more information: http://www.watersportspc.com/boat-cruises-in-panama-city-beach-florida

 

 

Waverunner Tours

Waverunner Tours let you bJet skie the guide. You can explore Shell Island, see the Bay Area Wildlife, go snorkeling, and even play with dolphins! Each Waverunner can sit up to two people, so whether you are driving or just along for the ride, don’t forget to hold on and enjoy the ride! For more information: http://www.watersportspc.com/waverunner-tours-in-panama-city-beach-florida

 

Parasailing rides

ParasailingDo you love adventure? Live for that adrenaline rush? Then, try parasailing over Panama City Beach! Parasailing gives you a beautiful view of the crystal clear waters. Before you even fly high in to the sky, you can enjoy seeing the wild marine life swimming all around you. You can share this once in a lifetime experience with two of your siblings or your closest friends because each ride can hold up to three people. For more information: http://www.watersportspc.com/parasailing-rides-in-panama-city-beach-florida

 

Banana Rides

This is perfect for adventbanana rides panama city beachurous families! Banana rides let you see the marine life while enjoying a splashingly fun ride, bouncing along the waves. Each banana boat can sit up to six people, so you can enjoy the ride with all your family and friends! And if you’re afraid, don’t worry! The crews have life jackets for everybody, so you’ll be 100% safe. For more information: http://www.watersportspc.com/banana-boat-rides-in-panama-city-beach-florida

 

Sailboats

Sail boats panama city beachGet ready, get set, go! See Panama City Beach in a whole new way when you step on the boat and set sail! Each sailboat can hold up to four people, so you can sail the seven seas (or just the one) with three of your favorite family members. These sailboats are easy to steer, so you can sail like a pro even if you’re sailing for the first time. For more information: http://www.watersportspc.com/sailboat-rentals-in-panama-city-beach-florida

 

Shopping

Pier Park

Pier-ParkIf you love shopping, then this is the place for you! Pier Park is a huge shopping center with almost 100 stores! At Pier Park, you can dine on a balcony by the beach or grab a quick snack while you shop. List of stores: http://pierpark.info/pier-park-stores/

 

 

Night Life

Club La Vela

Club La VelaWhen the shops are closed and the moon is out, you can drop off your shopping bags, take off your swimsuits, and party at Club La Vela, one of the best clubs in the world! At Panama City Beach, we do things big, so come party at THE biggest club in the US! For more information: http://clublavela.com/contact/

 

Back Door Lounge

Get on the stage and sing yoBackdoor loungeur heart out on Karaoke night or play a game of pool with your friends. And while you’re here, enjoy a cup of Ms. Newby’s world famous Hunch Punch drink!

What are they looking for?

As the summer season come into play, more and more families are visiting the beautiful shores of Panama City Beach. Families are always out having fun while on vacation, going on adventures, eating out at some of our top restaurants and all around enjoying their time together away from the hustle and bustle of home. As the sun sets into the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and the stars come out so does one thing that everyone is always asking about. The flashlights! One of the main questions that we are always getting from customers and visitors are “What are they looking for?”. Sand Crabs are your answer! Sand Crabs are usually only out at night and they are ghostly white and can only be spotted with flashlights. They are quick little creatures as well. Once you spot them, they take off and scurry into their tunnels they have dug into the sand and will stay there until they think the coast is clear. The families find it fun to walk along the shores and look for our salty friends and the only way they can find them is by bringing along their flashlights. So, there’s the answer to your question! Next time you see a family walking along the beach at night with a flashlight and someone ask you that question, give them the answer and hey, grab yourself a light and join them in the search!

Jeep Jam

Hey everybody! Jeep Beach Jam is here and it is a beautiful week in Panama City Beach. As you drive around cruising in your Jeep, make sure you stop by and see us at our marina and do a little cruising on a boat with us! Don’t forget, we are always around to make sure that your vacation is top notch. We are always offering adventures for the whole family and relaxation on the beach as you leave the troubles behind at the office.

Labor Day Weekend in Panama City Beach—There’s a Party Going On!

Labor Day Weekend in Panama City Beach means it’s time for the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam! Three days of country music in Panama City Beach. This festival starts early. The gates open at 2 pm and the music starts at 2:30 pm. Will you be here? We’ll be ready for you.

Pier-Park

Last Blast of Summer in Panama City Beach

Even if you aren’t here for the music, you’ll find plenty of other things to do over Labor Day Weekend at Panama City Beach. Our town will be rolling out the red carpet for all our ‘last blast of summer’ guests.Nightlife pcb

Here’s a list of some of the other Labor Day Weekend events you can catch here in PCB:

Panama City’s Friday Fest—This event takes place every Friday from March through November. Vendors, show cars, and bands take over four blocks to throw a massive street party. The activities begin at 6 pm and last until 10 pm. You can expect area restaurants to be open late, too.

Bay Area Backstage Pass—Taking place at the Marina Civic Center, the Backstage Pass concert series features local bands. On September 2, 2016, Turtlefoot will take the stage starting at 6:30 pm. General admission or table seating is available. Enjoy drinks and great music at this indoor venue.

Labor Day Weekend Red Snapper Season

Opening Day of the Fall Red Snapper Season—September 2, 2016, marks the first day of the state of Florida’s fall red snapper fishing season. Labor Day Weekend only, you can fish for red snapper for four full days. Florida’s other fall red snapper dates are limited to Friday through Sunday only. So if you want to get the most of your fishing expedition, Labor Day weekend is the time to book your tour.

Shane Johns Project—The Shane Johns will be performing Friday night at  Chillin’ Gelato Café to mark the release of his latest album, “Clear on the Water Beach.” Check out Shane’s music here.

Hogs & Dogs—Spend Labor Day weekend with your favorite things—dogs and Harley-Davidson. Harley-Davidson will host three days of food, drinks, and music at the Panama City Beach location. Dress up your dog for the fashion show and make a donation to your favorite pet charity while you check out the cool motorcycles on display.

5th Annual Alys Beach 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run—Taking place on September 4, 2016, this event supports the Alaqua Animal Refuge. The races begin and end at the Alys Beach Amphitheater. Alys Beach is located just north of Panama City Beach. The events begin early Sunday morning, and you’ll find activities for all ages taking place at the start/finish line. Your kids will love the giant obstacle course and bounce house. Plus, there will be music.

Of course, these are just a few of the activities and events happening in the area over Labor Day weekend. Area bars, restaurants, water and theme parks will all be open and ready to show our visitors a great time and so will Adventures at Sea.

Parasailing panama city beach

Make Your Labor Day Weekend Plans Now

If you’ve already booked your room for the weekend, now is the time to reserve your spot with Adventures at Sea. Adventures at Sea is your one-stop shop for all your rental needs while you’re here in Panama City Beach. From jet skis to beach chairs, we have what you need. Charter a fishing boat or rent a pontoon boat and spend your weekend on the water.

Use our convenient online booking system to secure your rentals before you arrive. We offer several locations for rentals and tours around Panama City Beach. You can find Adventures at Seas near many of Panama City’s most popular hotels and the County Pier. Just consult our Panama City map to find the one closest to you.

 

Adventures at Sea Near your hotel

 

If you can’t make it here for the Labor Day festivals, don’t’ worry! Anytime is a great time to visit Panama City Beach. There’s always something fantastic to do. Adventures at Sea will help you make the most of your visit—whenever you come.

 

Ready to See What Lives Below the Surface? Take a Snorkeling Tour at Panama City Beach

Thinking of looking beneath the surface during your vacation in Panama City Beach?

Snorkeling is an excellent way to explore this gulf coast’s beautiful underwater worlds. Snorkeling is easier to learn and takes less equipment that scuba diving, making it a great introduction to underwater viewing for adventurers of all ages. You only need a few basic pieces of equipment to get started. With just a little snorkeling practice, you will be ready to see Panama City Beach from a whole new angle!

Discover Underwater Delights with a PCB Snorkeling Tour

Because snorkeling doesn’t require you to dive deep, it is also a good choice for members of your party who want to see what lurks beneath—but not too far beneath. In fact, you don’t even have to swim the entire time you are snorkeling. You can sit on the seabed in a shallow spot and watch the sea life swim past you. When you are ready, just lift off and float along the surface of the water. Let the buoyant water do the work while you enjoy the view.
With a guided snorkeling tour, you can rest assured that you’ll find the perfect location for your underwater exploration. Just tell our tour operators what you’d like to see. Then, you can focus on the experience and leave the driving to someone else.

A Wondrous Variety of Sea Life Awaits

Panama City Beach is an ideal spot for your first snorkeling excursion. The crystal clear waters around Panama City Beach offer a wonderful view of a wide variety of sea creatures. The jetties around nearby St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island teem with sea life.  From damsel fish and blennies to redfish, needlefish and wrasses you will be delighted at the variety of fish that pass before your mask.

In addition to the many varieties of small fish, visitors to Panama City Beach report seeing sea urchins, sand dollars and amazingly big hermit crabs. These aren’t your pet shop hermit crabs, but crabs in their natural habitat underwater and able to grow.Snorkeling lets you see stingrays where they live

Snorkeling allows you to have an intimate view of the sea life of the bay. Imagine seeing a spindly shrimp or a transparent jellyfish drift by as you float atop the water looking down!

Creatures Large and Small are All Within View

In deeper waters, you can expect to see larger fish such as grouper and amberjacks. You might also encounter rays or even sharks. Between May and October, sea turtles flock to the gulf shores for nesting season. Endangered loggerheads, leatherbacks and green sea turtles can sometimes be spotted near our coast. On your snorkeling tour, you’ll want to keep your eyes open for these majestic creatures.

The waters around Panama City Beach are known for their high population of bottlenose dolphins. While humans are not allowed to interfere with the activities of these creatures, they sometimes swim close enough to touch.

An Adventure You Won’t Soon Forget

Human beings have always been drawn to the ocean. There is a certain peace and tranquility that immersing oneself in this watery otherworld brings. We can view fish and other sea creatures in films or aquariums, but there’s nothing quite like seeing a free creature in its own habitat. Your snorkeling adventure allows you to see into a world apart. A world that is unique and incredible with species that will impress and amaze.

To find out what’s beneath the surface of our beautiful waters, plan your visit and book your tour today. Explore the secret life of Florida’s sea creatures with a one of a kind snorkeling adventure.

 

 

 

 

Sea Turtle Nesting Season on Florida’s Gulf Coast

May in Panama City Beach means lots of different things to different people. From the end of Spring Break season to the beginning of the most exciting parts of summer, May is a busy time. But for nesting sea turtles, this time of year has a very different meaning.

While sea turtles can begin to nest in southern parts of Florida as early as March, on the Gulf Coast, the season tends to begin in May. Here are five things you may not have known about nesting sea turtles:

  1. All species of sea turtles are currently endangered. Due to natural predators as well as human-caused factors like pollution, construction, and artificial lighting, fewer than one in a thousand sea turtles survives to adulthood.
  2. It can take between 15 and 50 years for a sea turtle to be mature enough to mate and lay eggs.
  3. While sea turtles travels hundreds of thousands of miles, living their lives in the ocean, they almost always return to the same beach where they were hatched to lay their eggs.
  4. Sea turtles are prehistoric reptiles that have existed for about one hundred million years.
  5. The biggest danger to hatchling sea turtles isn’t predators, but artificial lighting. Hatchlings navigate to the sea by orienting towards the brightest light, which should be the moon reflecting on the open ocean. Outdoor lighting that faces the beach can confuse them and cause them to get lost before they can reach the water. Hatchlings that don’t get into the water very quickly are at risk of death.

Florida is where the vast majority of American sea turtles make their nests, so as a visitor or resident of Florida’s coastal areas, what can you do to help protect the local sea turtle population?

  • If you’re renting a condo or property along the beach, turn off your lights at night. This will help keep any hatchlings from getting confused and heading in the wrong directions, and will also allow sea turtles to make their nests in peace.
  • During the months of sea turtle nesting season, May to October, avoid walking on the beach at night if you can. If you need to walk on the beach, do not use a flashlight or light from your smartphone.
  • If you find a turtle building her nest, do not disturb her. Do not take flash photography or go near her at all. If you frighten her, she’ll head back to the water and drop her eggs there, which means that all the eggs will be lost.
  • If you find a turtle nesting, or find a nest that’s already been laid, call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission at (888)404-3922. This number is toll free and is a 24 hour hotline. Trained volunteers will then be able to come to mark and protect the nest, increasing the chances that the hatchlings will survive.

Want to know more about sea turtle nests and hatchings in Panama City Beach? You can track what’s happening with sea turtles at Panama City Beach’s Turtle Watch. The site hasn’t been updated with 2016 statistics as of this writing, but you can see what the organization has done historically, and see videos of the previous nest hatchings.

If you are a school or teacher in the area, find out about the organization’s Adopt-a-Nest program to have the chance to see the inside of a sea turtle’s nest.

 

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