Captain Anderson's Marina
Iconic marina offering thrilling dolphin tours, Shell Island adventures, and deep-sea fishing trips. A Panama City Beach staple!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dolphins are often more active.
Captain Anderson's Marina
Best Time
Dolphins are often more active.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic marina offering thrilling dolphin tours, Shell Island adventures, and deep-sea fishing trips. A Panama City Beach staple!
"Hands down the best dolphin tour I've ever been on. Amazing time!"
🌅 Sunset Cruise Magic
Don't miss the sunset cruise! The views are stunning and dolphins are frequently spotted.
🐬 Dolphin Spotting Tips
Dolphins are wild, but tours often have great success. Seeing a baby dolphin is extra special!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolphin Ecotour & Shell Island
Marina
Witness playful dolphins in their natural habitat and explore the pristine shores of Shell Island. A must-do for nature lovers!
Deep-Sea Fishing Excursions
Marina
Embark on a thrilling half-day fishing trip and reel in your catch of the day. Experienced captains and crew make it an adventure.
Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Marina
Experience the magic of a PCB sunset while spotting dolphins. A romantic and memorable evening for couples and families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Dolphin Tour in Advance
Consider the Weather for Your Trip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Cruise Magic
Don't miss the sunset cruise! The views are stunning and dolphins are frequently spotted.
🐬 Dolphin Spotting Tips
Dolphins are wild, but tours often have great success. Seeing a baby dolphin is extra special!
🎣 Fishing Excursion Value
Half-day fishing trips are pricey but can be worth it for the experience and fresh catch.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids love steering the boat and feeding seagulls. Crew makes it memorable!
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Cruise Magic
Don't miss the sunset cruise! The views are stunning and dolphins are frequently spotted.
🐬 Dolphin Spotting Tips
Dolphins are wild, but tours often have great success. Seeing a baby dolphin is extra special!
🎣 Fishing Excursion Value
Half-day fishing trips are pricey but can be worth it for the experience and fresh catch.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids love steering the boat and feeding seagulls. Crew makes it memorable!
🛍️ Marina Gift Shop
Browse the gift shop for souvenirs after your tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the exceptional dolphin tours and the friendly, engaging crews who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience, especially for families. The beautiful scenery of Shell Island and the stunning sunsets are also frequently highlighted as major draws. While fishing excursions are pricey, they are often deemed worthwhile for the adventure and the convenience of fish processing.
"We went on the Dolphin Ecotour with Shell Island today and it was AMAZING. Hands down the best dolphin tour I've ever been on. Captain John and the crew were all awesome, super friendly and informative. We saw so many dolphins and Shell Island was beautiful! The boat was great; covered and steady even with the big swells, A/C downstairs of you need it, restrooms and snacks plus other sundry items available for purchase. If you are ever in PCB, I highly recommend this your with Captain Andersons!"
Emily Green
"We did the shell island/dolphin cruise. Shell island was absolutely stunning! Our captain was so funny and wonderful! We had an amazing time. We saw dolphins several times, including a baby. I know that not everyone gets that kind of experience so we were really grateful the dolphins were willing to show out that day. The captain let this kids take turns steering the boat. The crew was very helpful and entertaining as well. Overall would highly recommend!!"
Megan Van Kirk
"My wife, 3 sons, and I went on a sunset dolphin cruise. This was a fantastic experience. We did get to see dolphins but honestly Captain John and his crew were the reason my family and I had such a great time. My kids have been going on for hours about how this was their favorite thing they did during our vacation. They had a guy juggling, they passed out cheetos to feed to the seagulls, and Captain John even let my two older boys steer the boat and honk the horn. I was really impressed with how personable they were. Captain was talking to me about how he enjoys doing this work and making an impression on people. You could really tell he cared about customers having a good time. I will come here every time we come to PCB from now on. Thank you Captain John and crew! GIVE THESE GUYS A RAISE!"
Brenden Welton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Captain Anderson's Marina is located in Panama City Beach, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors use ride-sharing services or taxis to reach the marina.
Yes, there is parking available at the marina. It can get busy, especially during peak tour times, so arriving a little early is a good idea.
If you are staying nearby in Panama City Beach, walking might be an option depending on your accommodation's location. However, it's a popular destination, so driving or using a taxi/rideshare is more common.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can book tours directly through the Captain Anderson's Marina website or by calling them. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular dolphin tours and fishing excursions, as they tend to sell out.
Tour times vary depending on the specific excursion (dolphin tours, fishing trips, sunset cruises). It's best to check their official schedule online or contact them directly for the most up-to-date operating hours for each tour.
Yes, Captain Anderson's Marina offers a variety of tours including Dolphin Ecotours, Shell Island tours, deep-sea fishing excursions, and sunset dolphin cruises.
Prices for dolphin tours can vary based on the duration and specific package. It's advisable to check their website for current pricing. Some visitors have mentioned excursions costing around $1000 for a half-day fishing trip.
While it might be possible to purchase tickets on the day of the tour, it's not guaranteed, especially during busy periods. Booking in advance is strongly advised to ensure availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides the tours, the marina features a beautiful lobby, a gift shop for souvenirs, and a restaurant. It's a lively hub for marine activities.
Reviewers often mention the boats are comfortable and steady, even in rougher waters. Some boats have air-conditioned areas downstairs and restrooms.
Yes! Many visitors rave about how the captains let children take turns steering the boat and honking the horn, making it a highlight for kids.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera. A light jacket might be useful for cooler evenings. You can purchase snacks and drinks onboard.
Yes, snacks and other sundry items are available for purchase on most tours. Some tours might offer complimentary items, but it's best to confirm beforehand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Captain Anderson's Marina is known for its restaurant, which serves seafood, steaks, and other dishes. It's a popular spot for dining after a tour or for a dedicated meal.
The restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood, including options like Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, and shrimp. They also offer grilled specialties.
While seafood is their specialty, the restaurant typically offers a variety of other options, including steaks and other non-seafood dishes, to cater to different preferences.
Some describe Captain Anderson's as a 'fancy' seafood restaurant, suggesting a more upscale dining experience compared to casual beachside eateries.
If you go on a fishing excursion, they will clean and process your fish for you at the marina after your trip.
📸 📸 Photography
The marina itself offers scenic views of boats and the water. Dolphin sightings, Shell Island's natural beauty, and sunset cruises provide incredible photo opportunities.
Yes, the boats are designed to allow for easy movement and great vantage points for photography. The crew is also often accommodating to guests wanting to capture memories.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing clear shots of dolphins from the boat. However, most smartphones can capture great memories too.
Absolutely! The sunset cruises offer breathtaking opportunities for capturing stunning sunset photos over the water.
While you can take photos of the staff, it's always polite to ask for permission first, especially if you plan to feature them prominently in your content.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the tours, the marina itself has a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of options to please picky eaters, and the gift shop provides a fun diversion. Consider booking a tour that includes a visit to Shell Island for beach play and exploration.
🎣 Anglers and Fishing Enthusiasts
Even if you're not fishing, the marina is a hub for marine activity. You can watch the fishing boats come and go, and the restaurant is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood, perhaps even some of your own catch if you've been out on a charter.
💑 Couples and Romantic Getaways
Couples can also enjoy a fine dining experience at Captain Anderson's Restaurant, known for its upscale ambiance and delicious seafood. It's an ideal spot for a special dinner during a romantic getaway to Panama City Beach.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dolphin Ecotour Experience
Beyond dolphin sightings, these tours typically include a visit to the beautiful Shell Island, a pristine barrier island known for its natural beauty. The boats used for these excursions are generally comfortable and steady, even in choppy waters, and often feature amenities like air-conditioned seating, restrooms, and snack bars. The crew's engaging personalities, including allowing children to steer the boat, contribute significantly to the memorable family experience.
While dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, the high success rate and the overall positive atmosphere created by the crew make the Dolphin Ecotour a top recommendation for anyone visiting Panama City Beach. It's an opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
Deep-Sea Fishing Adventures
The success of a fishing trip, of course, depends on factors beyond the captain's control, such as fish behavior and weather conditions. However, reviewers consistently praise the crews for their effort and helpfulness, regardless of the catch size. A significant perk is that the marina offers to clean and process your fish after the excursion, allowing you to enjoy your fresh catch.
These fishing trips are ideal for individuals or groups who enjoy the sport and are looking for an active way to spend their time in Panama City Beach, offering a different perspective from the typical beach day. It's an opportunity to experience the Gulf's bounty firsthand.
Dining at Captain Anderson's Restaurant
The restaurant's reputation is built on serving high-quality dishes, with many patrons highlighting the delicious flavors and the overall dining ambiance. It's a popular choice for both tourists and locals looking for a memorable culinary experience in Panama City Beach. The grill masters, like Leon, are noted for their skill in preparing top-tier dishes.
While seafood is the star, the restaurant typically accommodates various tastes with other menu options. It's a place where you can enjoy a fantastic meal after a day of exploring the coast or as a destination in itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit