Come aboard the Grand-Mere and enjoy a relaxing and fun-filled 3.5-hour cruise on our air-conditioned double-decker boat through St. Andrews Bay, home to one of the world’s largest resident populations of bottlenose dolphins. Take in the beautiful scenery as we sail through St. Andrew's Bay, pull fish and crab traps, look for pods of dolphins in the pass, and head to Shell Island, an undeveloped 7-mile barrier island. For the sun-seekers, climb up on top of this vessel and soak in the rays on your trip to Shell Island and back. While you are docked at the shore of Shell Island, you can take a walk, swim, dive, snorkel (bring your gear), or stay on board and enjoy a cocktail. Either way, you spend a heck of a day.
About the Boat
- Air-conditioned Cabin
- Restrooms
- Full-Service Bar & snacks
- No Coolers
- Child = 12 & under
- Infants= 0-2 years old.
What kind of cruise are offered?
We offer a Shell Island Dolphin Watch Cruise and a Sunset Cruise.
Each trip is family-friendly and perfect for guests or all ages.
Where are you located?
We are located at Papa Joe’s Bayside.
4601 US-98, Panama City, FL 32405
How long does the shell Island dolphin watch cruise go to shell Island?
The Cruise in total is 3.5 hours with 1 hour on the Island.
What should I bring on the shell Island dolphin watch cruise?
Towels and Chairs for the Island
Sun Protectors: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, hats, and more
Snorkel Gear
Waterproof bag to hold your personal belongings such as: camera, phone, and wallet coolers are prohibited.
Are there restrooms on shell Island?
The Grand-Mére has restrooms for guests to use. Shell Island is a beautiful undeveloped paradise. There are no restrooms, or trash cans available on the island. To ensure the beauty of the island remains we ask all guests “Leave No Trace.”
Will we see Dolphins on the cruise?
While it is very likely that we will spot our favorite locals while visiting them in their natural habitat, the dolphins and other sea life are all wild, so there is no way to guarantee that we will encounter them.
Can I rent Grand-Mere for an event?
Absolutely! We do everything from holiday parties to bridal parties and more.
What is unique about shell Island?
Shell Island is seven miles of undeveloped scenery between the Gulf and St. Andrew Bay. Once inhabited by Native Americans, Spanish Settlers, and even pirates. Wildlife like bottlenose dolphins, deer, sea turtles, ghost crabs, and around the Island, shorebirds will nest.
