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!
Tag: beach
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.
Fall in Love with Panama City Beach’s Natural Attractions
Looking for a fun fall excursion? Panama City Beach has lots of exciting things to do indoors and out. We have dance clubs and live music performances, theme parks, and water sports. But Panama City Beach isn’t all about fast engines and lights and music. Did you know that the area surrounding Panama City Beach is also home to some amazing natural attractions?
Area nature preserves, rivers, and lakes offer you a chance to discover Florida’s wild side. In fact, two of the most beautiful and unusual natural habitats that Florida has to offer are within a short drive (or boat ride) of Panama City Beach. So if you’re ready to get up close and personal with nature, make plans to visit these two great natural attractions when you visit us here in Panama City Beach!
Find Florida’s Largest Coastal Dune Lake at Camp Helen State Park
Among the rarest ecosystems in Florida—and the world—are the coastal dune lakes. These freshwater lakes are found only along saltwater coastlines. It is the merger of freshwater and saltwater habitats that makes these areas so unique. One of the largest coastal dune lakes in the world is Powell Lake. This lake is part of Camp Helen State Park, located just north of Panama City Beach. Coastal dune lakes can only be found along the Florida coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and the coasts of Madagascar, Australia and New Zealand.
Along with seeing one of the only habitats of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, visitors to Camp Helen State Park can also enjoy birding, fishing, hiking, and viewing the areas unique wildlife.
See a Pristine Preserve on Shell Island
Even though it is popular with tourists, Shell Island has been left in a completely natural state. There are no restrooms, trash containers, picnic tables, or buildings on Shell Island. So when you visit, plan to take what you need with you. You’ll also need to take everything you bring to Shell Island away with you when you leave. What Shell Island lacks in modern convenience, it makes up for in natural beauty.
Along the shores of Shell Island you can expect to see ghost crabs and shore birds. You may also see manatees and rays in the clear shallow waters offshore. Dolphins sometime play nearby as well. Shell Island is surrounded by grass beds that serve as a nursery for many marine species. Horseshoe crabs, sea stars, sand dollars, and horse conch all call this habitat their home.
There aren’t as many sea shells to be found on Shell Island as there used to be. But shelling along the beach can still be fun. Especially after a storm, you may find conch shells and sand dollars. It is important to note that collecting both the horse conch and the sand dollar live is illegal. So leave any live creatures you find in their homes. While you’re looking for shells in the shallow waters you may also find urchins and other marine surprises.
Set Sail to Make Your Own Discoveries
Camp Helen State Park and Powell Lake are north of Panama City Beach, just a quick drive up US Hwy 98W. St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island are located south of Panama City Beach. You can reach St. Andrews by land, but Shell Island can only be reached by sea. To get there, you can rent a pontoon boat. With a full day rental you’ll have plenty of time to explore the hidden jetties and inlets of St. Andrew Bay and the Grand Lagoon.
If you’d like a guide for your journey, you can book a wave runner tour or boat cruise. Freshwater and deep sea fishing excursions are available, too. Just tell the staff of Adventures at Sea where you’d like to go and let them guide you there and back safely.
Wherever you decide to explore, we know you’ll have a wonder time discovering the natural beauty around Panama City Beach.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.