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.

Panama City Beach Jet Ski Riding 101

Panama City Beach is the perfect location to enjoy a variety of watersports. The crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide ample room to travel fast or slow. One of the best ways to travel across the water and still enjoy a close-up view of the water and its inhabitants is on a jet ski. But before you go onto the water, there are some things you should know.

First, if you were born after January 1, 1988, you’ll need a boating safety education identification card and a photo ID to operate a jet ski in Florida waters. If you need to get your boating safety ID, you can take the safety test at our marina. You’ll also need to be 16 years of age to drive one of Aquatic Adventures’ jet skis.

Jet Ski Party

Next, your jet ski isn’t foolproof. If you are going to go for a jet ski ride, you’ll need to wear a life jacket. You should also know the basics of how to keep your head above water in the event of an emergency. If you aren’t comfortable swimming or treading water, then you may want to choose a different watercraft for your Panama City Beach adventures.

You should also be aware that jet skis aren’t exempt from the laws of physics. The rule that an object in motion will stay in motion is true of these machines just as it is for land crafts. Your jet ski will keep moving even if all power is cut off. But, without power you’ll lose your ability to steer your jet ski. This means that if you lose power while in motion, you craft will keep going in whatever direction it was facing when the engine was turned off. It will take your jet ski some time and distance to come to a full stop. You’ll need to plan for this extra distance when moving toward another vessel or bringing your jet ski in for a shore or dock landing.

Speaking of cutting your jet ski’s engine, you will save yourself a lot of hassles if you always remember to use a lanyard. Your lanyard attaches to you and the jet ski’s key. If you fall off the vehicle the key comes with you, cutting off the engine. Yes, the jet ski will coast for a bit, but having the craft travel a short distance away from you before stopping is far better than having it speed a mile up the coast!

Also, we know speed is fun. Riding a jet ski can be thrilling. But while you’re enjoying your ride remember—gravity hurts. Your ability to control your jet ski ends when it leaves the surface of the water. Don’t try to jump your vehicle using the wake of boats or other devices. Once in the air, your jet ski could tip over and come down on top you or someone else. Trust us; you can have plenty of fun on your jet ski without trying any dangerous stunts.

Jet Ski in Panama City

While riding your jet ski, remember that there are a lot of other people out there. Keep an eye out for other water craft and remember you’ll need time and distance to steer clear of them. A good rule of thumb it to keep at least 100 feet between you and other vessels. Watch out for swimmers and divers, too. Hopefully, anyone who is diving will put out a buoy to warn you of their presence. But watch out for other signs that divers are nearby, just in case. Avoid riding your jet ski close to popular diving spots or diving tour boats.

Finally, be kind to our aquatic friends. Dolphins, rays, sea turtles, and other sea creatures may approach your vessel when you’re stopped or cruising slowly. Or they may be headed at cross directions with you. Try to avoid collisions—neither you nor the sea creature wants to meet by accident! Besides, if you keep a close look out, you’ll have the pleasure of seeing these amazing animals in their natural habitat. How cool is that?

see dolphins in the wild panama city beach

Riding a jet ski can be a fast, exhilarating ride across the water, but it can also be a slow cruise to some amazing places.  When you rent a jet ski and chart your own course, you can experience both jet ski adventures. Take some time to enjoy the scenery. Then, speed things up and experience the spray in your face and the wind in your hair. Either way, you’ll love it!

For your convenience, Aquatic Adventures has jet skis available for rent near most of the major resorts along the Panama City Beach gulf coast. Just choose your location and pick up your machine. Don’t forget your boater safety card and photo ID if you’ll be doing the driving. Our jet skis can hold up to 400 lbs. each so you can share the ride. Now, grab your family or friends and plan your jet ski adventure today!

pick up your jet ski on the beach panama city

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.

Explore Shell Island Panama City Beach

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.

pontoon-large

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.

 

Reel ‘Em In! Where to Find the Best Fishing in Panama City Beach

The Gulf of Mexico is a sport fisherman’s paradise. The waters of Florida’s gulf coast are teeming with different fish species. Some of the best fishing can be found in the area around Panama City Beach. Anglers near our shores regularly pull in king mackerel, blues, redfish, flounder, pompano hardtail, and cobia. Our waters have whiting, dolphin, red snapper, ladyfish, and flounder, too.

The further you go into the gulf, the more varieties you’ll find. Swordfish, tuna, and even shark may grab your line in the deep waters. Some gulf coast species may be caught without limit, but a few have daily bag limits or other restrictions. Daily catches will vary depending on your location and season.

If you’ve been dreaming of a fabulous fishing vacation, fall is a great time of year to hit the gulf. The summer crowds are gone and the coast is open for business. So pack your bag and get ready to reel ‘em in with a fishing trip at Panama City Beach!

Find the Best Fishing in Panama City Beach

To help plan your trip, here’s a guide to some of the best places to bag your catch.

County Pier Fishing Panama City BeachSitting on the docks of St. Andrews Bay

St. Andrews State Park has two fishing piers, one on the gulf and the other on the Grand Lagoon. Fishing from these piers is included in the cost of park admission. Fish that you may catch near the Grand Lagoon include gag grouper, scamp grouper, bonito, trout, flounder, blackfin tuna, vermillion and white snappers, and sheepshead.

Pier fishing in Panama City Beach

In Panama City Beach, anglers have access to three gulf side piers and one pier extending into the Grand Lagoon. Two concrete piers, referred to as the City Pier and County Pier each extend 1,500 feet from shore. These amazing piers allow anglers of all ages to reach far into the Gulf of Mexico to try their luck. A one-day fishing license can be purchased for pier fishing. Spectators pay a lower fee to watch the action. Your daily catch from the pier may include ladyfish, trout, black drum, Spanish mackerel, and redfish.

 

Rent a pontoon and go where the fish are biting

The shallow waters in the bay and around Shell Island are great for fishing. You can rent a pontoon from Adventures at Sea and take your gear to where the fish are biting. What you catch will depend on where you go. But you’ll be guaranteed to see lots of wonderful marine life while you’re out.

Our boats can carry up to twelve passengers and your pet is welcome aboard. Just remember, pets may not be allowed on shore where you make landing. If you rent your own boat, you’ll need a fishing license. Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online before you visit to obtain yours.

Deep sea fishing charter Panama City Beach

Deep water fishing in the Gulf of Mexico

For an epic fishing adventure, take a charter cruise out to the deep waters of the gulf. An Adventures at Sea chartered fishing cruise offers you comfort and convenience. Each boat has an air conditioned cabin and full galley so your party has a place to relax and enjoy the cruise. Meanwhile, on deck, our boats are fully equipped to help you reel in your big catch. Each charter fishing package includes the licenses, bait, and tackle you need for a great excursion. Plus, our expert crew and captain know where to find the best fishing spots.

Our chartered fishing boats can carry up to twenty passengers. Excursions can last from four hours to twelve hours, depending on your goals. For a four to six hour tour, you’ll be fishing along the coast and in the bay. For longer trips, your captain will set sail for the gulf and into deeper waters.

As with any other fishing trip, the fish you can expect to catch will depend on where you drop your line. But seasoned anglers report bites from wahoo, marlin, dolphins, tuna, sailfish, and amberjack.

Sunset with Adventures at Sea Panama City Beach

Get Ready for Your Fabulous Fishing Trip

Want to know exactly what you can catch? Florida law regulates fishing along Florida’s gulf shore and inlets. Fishing for certain species are prohibited during some parts of the year. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission publishes this handy chart to help you keep track of when and what fish you can catch in Florida’s waters. Once you’re further out to sea, federal law sets the rules.

When you’re ready to get started, just give us a call. We’ll help you choose your date and the best tour to suit your needs. Whether you want to set out on your own pontoon or book a full deep-sea cruise, we’ll make sure you have your best fishing expedition ever!

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