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Are you an avid ocean lover looking for unique ways to experience amazing sea views on your next vacation? Fortunately, if you’re traveling to Panama City Beach, you’ll have a wide variety of special ocean activities to choose from. In this post, you’ll learn more about some of the best sunset tours in Panama City Beach, FL.

Sunset boat tours are a favorite activity for travelers and natives alike. Not only can you customize a boat tour based on your style and preferences, but you can also create incredible memories on the crystal clear waters of Panama City Beach. Sunset tours also happen year-round, which means that you can make plans no matter when you’re visiting.

 

Where to Find the Best Sunset Tour Options:

 

Photo that looks like a painting of the sky at sunset. The beach is in the foreground with footprints in the sand, and the water, sunrise, and dawning sky look like paint brushings across the page.

 

Because sunset tours are so popular, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead. Many tours have a maximum number of guests that can join per night, so make plans to purchase tickets early.

You can usually locate Sunset Tours in Panama City Beach, Florida, with a quick online search. This will usually result in different company websites or trip rating sites where you can view what other guests are saying.

If you’re staying at a local hotel or resort, check with the concierge service to see if there are any special deals available to guests. You may even be able to book sunset tours through your hotel, or you might find preferred options and recommendations.

 

Top Sunset Tours Near Panama City Beach, Florida

 

Photo from a rocky beach of sunset over the water. The sun is already rising a bit. The water is calm with wooden posts in the water in a straight line.

To compile this list, we looked at several characteristics of each sunset tour, including:

  • Cost of tickets
  • Overall experience
  • Availability for reservations
  • Wildlife interactions
  • Guest ratings and reviews
  • Personalization options

Whether you’re looking for a large group adventure or a small private experience, the list of sunset boat tours below is a helpful resource for planning your next Florida vacation.

 

1. Panama City Dolphin Seafari Tours

Panama City Dolphin Seafari is a top-rated tourist favorite in the Panama City Beach area. There are both private and non-private dolphin tour options available, and sunset tours set sail from 6:00-8:00 p.m. each night.

Dolphin Seafari works with highly trained guides and captains who know the best local waters and routes to take. The guides will help you to safely spot and interact with bottlenose dolphins in their natural environments. Depending on the tour you choose, you may even sail along Shell Island, a nearby barrier island that offers an untouched oasis of white sand beaches.

2. Sunset Dolphin Tours Aboard Captain Anderson III

Captain Anderson III is a great choice for travelers who desire more of a riverboat experience. The double-decker, glass-bottom boat departs nightly from the Historic Grand Lagoon and travels through St. Andrews Bay. The cruise then travels up an area of water known as “The Pass” to let guests observe dolphins from the edge of the Gulf Coast.

The Captain Anderson III is great for families or large groups, as it offers a few more amenities than smaller private charters. Guests can enjoy free dockside parking, restrooms, a snack bar on deck, historical narration from the captain, and large roomy seats to sit and lounge.

3. Aquatic Adventures and Paradise Watersports

FUNPCB is a well-known aquatics company that has been serving the Panama City Beach area for decades. The company offers a wide variety of boat rentals, fishing charters, and water sport options. Sunset cruises are one of their specialties.

Through Aquatic Adventures, tourists and locals can quickly and easily book a sunset cruise for the entire family. The company caters to both residents of the area and travelers who have never seen Panama City Beach before. Each sunset tour is led by an experienced captain who will navigate to all the best locations, identify points of interest, and help guests see local wildlife and sea creatures up close.

4. Sea Screamer Speedboat Cruise

Are you searching for a bit more adventure? If so, the Sea Screamer Speedboat Cruise could be the tour for you. Tours take place aboard a twin turbo-powered 73-foot boat that is smooth, yet fast and thrilling. Although you can also hop aboard during the daytime, the Sea Screamer offers sunset tours for guests of all ages, with tickets under $30 per person.

The Sea Screamer Sunset tour offers 2 full hours of amazing evening water views, narrated by experienced local captains. Most evening tours sail around Shell Island and allow guests to view dolphins, fresh crabs, and other sea critters. There’s even a cash bar on board so that you can grab a quick drink while you enjoy the sights and sounds.

5. Paradise Adventures Sunset Sails

Paradise Adventures PCB offers a breathtaking sunset sail on either a 38 or 78 passenger catamaran sailboat, which both dock behind the Sheraton PCB Golf and Spa Resort. These 90-120 minute cruises sail along the Gulf of Mexico in order to provide guests with amazing views and a chance to see wild dolphins swimming along the gulf.

Paradise Adventures provides complimentary wine and sangria and encourages guests to completely unwind for a relaxing evening full of sights, sounds, and tropical island music. Sunset sails range in price from $10 for young children to $35 per adult. The online booking system shows real-time availability and pricing for each sunset boat tour.

6. Island Time Sailing

The Dolphin Sunset Cruise by Island Time Sailing is another highly-rated choice for Panama City Beach natives and tourists. This is a relaxing, low-key, 2-hour tour that’s perfect for both couples and families. Prices range from $35 for adults and $25 for children (ages 0-12).

Island Time has been specializing in memorable dolphin tours since 1999. Tour guides and boat captains are committed to finding safe, relaxing waters so that each trip is calm and memorable. There is also a bar on board that has alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and guests can enjoy “Rum Punch” music and dancing.

7. Panhandle Helicopter

While it’s not a tour on the water, the Emerald Coast Panhandle Helicopter Tour is an interesting twist on the typical sunset tour experience. Not only will you get to see some of the world’s most beautiful beaches from above, but you’ll have the opportunity to spot dolphins, sharks, and other wildlife from the air!

The Panhandle Helicopter tour offers multiple routes, ranging in duration from 8 to 20 minutes. The flight over Shell Island is $125 per person and lasts about 20 minutes long. It’s the perfect way to see Panama City Beach from above!

8. Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise

If you’re looking for a family-friendly option that’s perfect for kids, the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise offers a unique experience. Each 2-hour tour promises an adventurous ride from “Captain Fearless Phil” along with snacks, drinks, games, dolphin sightings, pirate souvenirs, and more.

This entertaining family adventure sets sail throughout the day, but it’s also possible to book an evening tour if you’re hoping to catch the sunset. The Pirate Cruise stays within a half-mile of the shore, so it’s a good option if you’re not looking to travel as far out into the gulf.

 

Why Should I Book a Sunset Tour in Panama City Beach?

 

Tropical city with palm trees in the foreground, a city in the background. In the middle there is water with boats going out of the harbor.

The coastal waterways near Panama City Beach are said to be some of the most beautiful in all of Florida. A sunset boat tour provides a new and exciting way to glimpse all that the area has to offer. Booking a sunset boat tour is a great idea if:

  • You’re looking to unwind after a busy day of travel activities
  • You want to spot dolphins during their most active hours of the day
  • You’d like a more private or romantic ocean cruise experience
  • You want to enjoy an evening cocktail out on the water
  • You’re eager to capture sunset photography

Whatever your reason is for choosing a sunset tour off the Panama City Beach coast, you’re bound to enjoy a wonderful experience.

 

Reserve Your Dolphin Sunset Tour in PCB

 

Are you ready to hit the water for an unforgettable evening? At Dolphin Seafari, we’re ready and waiting to make your sunset boat tour dreams a reality.

With 5-star reviews and hundreds of happy tour guests, the Dolphin Seafari crew can help you make the most of your time in beautiful Panama City Beach. Pick the dolphin tour that’s right for you and your guests, and let us do the rest.

Book online or call today!